If you're planning to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit, and you're from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, the ESTA application is a crucial step to ensure your entry. ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and it allows citizens from participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the ESTA application to the US, including how to apply, eligibility criteria, and what to expect during the process.
What is ESTA and Why is it Important?
The ESTA application is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which permits eligible citizens of 40 participating countries to travel to the United States for business, tourism, or transit purposes without the need to apply for a visa. The program allows for stays of up to 90 days, provided the traveler meets all the eligibility requirements.
Before you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for an ESTA. This electronic authorization determines whether you are eligible to travel to the US without needing a visa. The ESTA approval is linked to your passport and remains valid for up to two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Eligibility Requirements for ESTA
Before starting your ESTA application, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. To apply for ESTA to the US, you must:
Be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country.
Have a valid passport issued by your VWP country.
Intend to stay in the US for 90 days or less for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Not have a criminal record or any issues related to immigration or security in the US.
Have a return ticket to your home country or a ticket to another destination outside of the US.
If you don't meet these criteria, you'll need to apply for a US visa instead of using the ESTA system.
Step-by-Step Guide to the ESTA Application to the US
Filling out the ESTA application to the US is straightforward, but it’s essential to provide accurate information to avoid any delays or complications. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website
The first step in the process is to go to the official ESTA application website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Make sure you're on the official government site to avoid unnecessary service fees.
Step 2: Start Your Application
On the website, click on the “Apply for ESTA” button. You'll be prompted to select whether you're applying for individual or group ESTA. Choose the option that best fits your situation.
Step 3: Fill in Your Personal Information
You’ll be asked to provide personal details, such as:
Full Name (as it appears in your passport)
Gender
Date of Birth
Country of Citizenship
Passport Information (passport number, issue country, and expiry date)
Make sure to provide your passport number and other details exactly as they appear in your passport. Mistakes here can lead to delays or rejection of your ESTA application.
Step 4: Provide Travel Information
Next, you’ll need to enter your travel details, including:
Your first night’s address in the US (hotel, friend's house, etc.)
Flight information (if you have it)
If you don’t have a fixed address yet, you can enter the address of your hotel or the address of a friend or family member you’ll be staying with. If you're still uncertain about your travel plans, you can leave the information blank.
Step 5: Answer Security and Eligibility Questions
This section of the ESTA application asks several important questions related to your security and eligibility. You’ll be asked about:
Criminal history (Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?)
Immigration violations (Have you ever been denied entry into the US?)
Health concerns (Do you have any contagious diseases?)
Terrorism-related questions (Have you ever been involved in activities that threaten national security?)
Answer these questions honestly, as providing false information could lead to rejection of your ESTA application or denial of entry into the US.
Step 6: Review Your Application
Before submitting, carefully review your application to ensure all information is correct. Mistakes in your passport details, contact information, or travel plans could cause delays in processing your ESTA or could result in rejection.
Step 7: Pay the ESTA Fee
Once you've verified that everything is accurate, you’ll need to pay the ESTA fee. The standard fee is $21, and you can pay using a credit card or other available payment methods.
Step 8: Submit Your ESTA Application
After payment, click the Submit button to send your application. In most cases, you’ll receive an instant response, and your ESTA will be approved. However, it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to account for any delays.
Step 9: Receive ESTA Approval
Once approved, your ESTA will be electronically linked to your passport, and you will receive a confirmation email. It’s not necessary to print your ESTA approval for travel, but it’s always a good idea to have a copy for your records. If your application is denied, you will be informed of the reason and may need to apply for a visa.
ESTA Validity and Duration of Stay
Once approved, the ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). During this period, you can travel to the US multiple times for stays of up to 90 days each. However, each visit must meet the criteria of the Visa Waiver Program, including travel for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
What to Do If Your ESTA Is Denied
If your ESTA application is denied, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. If the denial is related to a mistake or missing information, you can correct the issue and reapply. If the denial is due to a criminal history or immigration violation, you may need to apply for a US visa instead.
Apply for ESTA to the US Online Today!
Now that you know how to complete the ESTA application to the US, you can apply online and get your travel authorization in just a few simple steps. Don’t wait until the last minute – make sure to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.
