Planning a trip to the United States? The ESTA is the quickest way to gain entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Here's what you should know before applying.
What is ESTA?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Who Needs ESTA?
Citizens of 40 participating VWP countries must obtain ESTA before boarding a flight or cruise to the USA. This includes citizens of:
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Australia
- Japan
- South Korea
- And 35 more countries
ESTA Requirements
To apply for ESTA, you must:
- Be a citizen of a VWP country
- Have a valid e-passport
- Be traveling for business or tourism (up to 90 days)
- Have a return or onward ticket
How to Apply
1. Visit the official ESTA website (cbp.gov/esta)
2. Complete the online application (takes about 20 minutes)
3. Pay the fee: USD 21 (USD 4 processing + USD 17 authorization)
4. Receive your ESTA, usually within minutes
ESTA Validity
- **Valid for:** 2 years or until passport expires (whichever comes first)
- **Stay duration:** Up to 90 days per visit
- **Number of entries:** Multiple
Important Notes
- Apply at least **72 hours** before departure
- ESTA approval does not guarantee entry — final decision is at the port of entry
- If ESTA is denied, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa
- ESTA cannot be extended while in the USA
ESTA vs US Visa
| Feature | ESTA | B-1/B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | USD 21 | USD 185 |
| Processing | Minutes to 72h | Weeks to months |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Stay | 90 days | Up to 6 months |
| Work allowed | No | No |
Apply for your ESTA well in advance and travel to the USA with confidence.