US ESTA requirements, eligibility and travel information
Understand the Visa Waiver Program rules, passport requirements and information needed before applying for ESTA.
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated travel authorization for eligible travelers using the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA is not a U.S. visa and cannot substitute for one.
Who can apply?
An applicant generally needs to be a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country, use an eligible e-passport, travel for an eligible purpose and plan a stay of 90 days or less.
Eligible purposes can include tourism, holidays, visiting family or friends, certain business activities and transit. ESTA does not authorize employment or permanent residence.
Visa Waiver Program countries
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
A document from a listed jurisdiction does not by itself guarantee eligibility. Individual circumstances and current U.S. rules also apply.
Passport requirements
The passport must generally be machine-readable and be an electronic passport containing a biometric chip. ESTA is associated with the passport used in the application. A new passport generally requires a new ESTA.
Validity and permitted stay
An approved ESTA is generally valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first, and may support multiple eligible trips. This is separate from the permitted stay, which is generally 90 days or less per admission.
ESTA for children and transit
Every traveler, including a child or infant, needs a separate authorization. A parent, guardian or authorized third party may apply for another traveler. Eligible VWP travelers transiting through the United States generally also require ESTA.
Information and documents required
Prepare passport and identity details, citizenship history, home contact information, parents, employment, U.S. point of contact or transit information, emergency contact details, eligibility answers, a passport biographic-page image and a current traveler selfie.
Processing and status meanings
Possible statuses include Authorization Approved, Authorization Pending and Travel Not Authorized. Pending processing may take approximately 72 hours. Apply ahead of travel. VisaViza does not control or guarantee the government decision.
Travel History That May Affect ESTA Eligibility
Travel, presence, nationality or dual-citizenship circumstances can affect eligibility. Travel to or presence in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 may affect eligibility, subject to applicable exceptions.
Travel to or presence in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 may also affect eligibility. These dates are separate rules.
When a new ESTA may be required
- a new passport is issued;
- the traveler’s name or citizenship changes;
- an eligibility answer or relevant circumstance changes;
- the existing ESTA expires.
ESTA vs visa
A traveler who requires a U.S. visa cannot use ESTA as a substitute. If the result is Travel Not Authorized, the traveler cannot use that authorization for Visa Waiver Program travel and may need to investigate an appropriate visa route.
Frequently asked questions
Can one ESTA cover a family?
No. Each traveler must have a separate application and authorization.
Can I work in the United States with ESTA?
No. ESTA does not authorize U.S. employment or permanent residence.