US ESTA Required for Visa Waiver Program Travelers to the USA
Mandatory for visa-exempt air and sea travelers
Visa Waiver Program nationals traveling to the United States by air or sea must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. Travelers who already hold a valid U.S. visa do not need one. Complete the application online in minutes and receive an email confirmation linked to your passport.
What is the US ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory entry clearance for Visa Waiver Program nationals traveling to the United States by air or sea. It is electronically linked to your passport and verified by the carrier before boarding. Travelers without a valid ESTA may be denied boarding.
The application is fully online and typically takes a few minutes. You will be asked for passport details, basic travel information, and a short set of eligibility questions (security, health, and prior immigration history). Once reviewed, you receive a decision by email — most arrive within minutes, though some take up to 72 hours.
Who Needs a US ESTA?
- Tourism – Leisure travel, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family
- Business – Short-term meetings, conferences, or client visits
- Short Study Programs – Non-credit classes such as a short cooking or art course while visiting
- Transit – Connecting through a U.S. airport en route to a final international destination
Every VWP traveler — including infants and minors — needs their own ESTA. You do not need an ESTA if you are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or you already hold a valid U.S. visa. Canadian citizens generally travel without a visa or ESTA.
Eligibility & Validity
US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) – Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the United States by air or sea must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding. The ESTA is digital, electronically linked to your passport, and required in addition to a valid e-passport from a VWP country.
Once approved, the ESTA is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits to the United States of up to 90 days per stay. The approval is delivered by email and electronically linked to the passport used in the application; no printout is required at the airport.
Fees & Processing
Our processing fee is transparently displayed prior to checkout.
US ESTA Checker
Check if your passport may require an ESTA before traveling to the United States.
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Portugal
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San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
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S. Korea
Spain
Sweden
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Taiwan
UKWho Needs a US ESTA?
Since 2009, citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain an approved ESTA before boarding a flight or cruise to the United States. This applies whether you are visiting for tourism, business, or a connecting flight through a U.S. airport. Every traveler, including minors and infants, needs their own ESTA linked to the passport they will travel with.
You do not need an ESTA if you already hold a valid U.S. visa, are a U.S. citizen, or are a U.S. lawful permanent resident. Canadian citizens generally do not require an ESTA or a visa to enter the United States. After approval, your ESTA is automatically linked to your passport — no printed copy is needed.
US ESTA Requirements
To apply for a US ESTA you will need:
Valid Passport
A valid e-passport issued by a Visa Waiver Program country. The ESTA is electronically tied to this passport and cannot be transferred if your passport is replaced — a new ESTA must be obtained.
Travel & Background Details
Basic personal information, a U.S. point of contact and address while visiting, and answers to a short set of eligibility questions about your security, health, and immigration history, as required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Payment Method
A valid credit or debit card to pay. Apple Pay, Google Pay and international payments are also accepted.
Email Address
A working email address to receive your ESTA decision and confirmation. Status updates and the final approval are sent here. Approvals are linked to your passport electronically — no printout is required.
How to Apply for the US ESTA
Applying for a US ESTA is a fully online process and typically takes only a few minutes.
Verify Eligibility
Make sure your passport is from a Visa Waiver Program country and that you will be entering the United States by air or sea. Citizens of non-VWP countries should apply for a U.S. visa instead.
Fill Out The Application
Enter your passport details, answer the eligibility questions, and pay securely. All information must match your passport exactly — even small differences can trigger a denial or manual review.
Get Your eTA By Email
Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, though some cases take up to 72 hours. The approval is linked automatically to your passport, so no printed document is required at the airport.
ESTA Application Submission
Standard Processing
Most ESTA applications receive a decision within minutes; some take up to 72 hours when additional review is needed.
You can apply as soon as you have a passport and plan to travel — the ESTA stays valid for up to 2 years. CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure.
Possible Factors for Delay
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Additional Screening
Some applications require manual review due to background or security checks. You may be asked to submit supporting documents. -
High Application Volume
Processing times may be slower during peak travel periods. -
Incomplete or Incorrect Info
Missing or inconsistent details may delay your decision or trigger a refusal. Common errors include mismatched names and incorrect passport numbers.
If further details or documents are required, you will be contacted by email.
US ESTA Decision
Once CBP reviews your application, the decision is delivered by email. If approved, the ESTA is issued electronically and automatically linked to your passport — no physical document is needed. The ESTA remains valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple visits of up to 90 days each.
Ready to Apply for Your US ESTA?
Complete your US ESTA application online in just a few minutes. Follow the secure process below to get started.