FAQ's
Most Popular Questions
What is ESTA Application?
The US is a popular destination for travellers, tourists, and business people. Usually, foreign visitors would need Visa to enter the country, but there is an alternative travel authorization method for travellers from 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program. Those travellers can apply for ESTA, which grants them entry into the US. But what is ESTA?
What is “ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION”? ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a simplified online application procedure for travellers from selected countries with a deal with the US. There are currently 42 countries in VWP, and that number changes over time. Instead of going through strenuous Visa procedures, you can get ESTA to permit rather quickly. Who needs ESTA? Persons from the VW program countries need travel authorization before boarding an airplane or ship to the US.
Department of Homeland Security is the administrative body that regulates issuing ESTA permits within the Visa Waiver Program. Countries added to the program have gone through a partnership phase with the American administration and have a low-level risk assessment. Getting ESTA, however, doesn’t automatically translate to admission into the country. Currently, travellers must check government pages about eligibility because of the COVID-19 regulations and status. This is updated weekly but can also change from day to day.
What is “ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION”? ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a simplified online application procedure for travellers from selected countries with a deal with the US. There are currently 42 countries in VWP, and that number changes over time. Instead of going through strenuous Visa procedures, you can get ESTA to permit rather quickly. Who needs ESTA? Persons from the VW program countries need travel authorization before boarding an airplane or ship to the US.
Department of Homeland Security is the administrative body that regulates issuing ESTA permits within the Visa Waiver Program. Countries added to the program have gone through a partnership phase with the American administration and have a low-level risk assessment. Getting ESTA, however, doesn’t automatically translate to admission into the country. Currently, travellers must check government pages about eligibility because of the COVID-19 regulations and status. This is updated weekly but can also change from day to day.
How long is my ESTA valid for?
Unless revoked, Your ESTA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (starting the date that you are approved) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that as long as you received an ESTA authorization to travel, you do not have to reapply during the validity period.
If your ESTA expires while in the U.S. it will not affect your departure.
Receiving ESTA authorization does not mean you may stay in the U.S. for two years. It only allows you to travel to the U.S. under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If your ESTA expires while in the U.S. it will not affect your departure.
Receiving ESTA authorization does not mean you may stay in the U.S. for two years. It only allows you to travel to the U.S. under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What is the difference between an ESTA and a Visa?
An ESTA is not a visa. It does not meet the legal or regulatory requirements to serve in lieu of a United States visa when a visa is required under United States law. Individuals who possess a valid visa will still be able to travel to the United States on that visa for the purpose for which it was issued. Individuals traveling on valid visas are not required to apply for an ESTA.
How do I pay for my application?
All payments for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card/debit card or PayPal. The ESTA system currently accepts only the following credit card/debit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover (JCB, Diners Club). Your application will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received.
How long does the ESTA application process take?
The estimated average time to complete this application is 20 minutes.
Why haven’t I received a response to my email?
As a Visa Application Assistance Service for the United States, we receive a high volume of emails daily.
If you have not yet received a response, it means that your application is currently being processed, and you will be informed shortly once your file has been sent.
If you have not yet received a response, it means that your application is currently being processed, and you will be informed shortly once your file has been sent.
About ESTA and The V.W.P
Who is eligible to submit an application?
You are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you:
– Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit.
– Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country.
– Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier
– Have a return or onward ticket.
– Travel does not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas.
– Are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries listed below:
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, Republic of Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
– Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit.
– Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a Visa Waiver Program country.
– Arrive via a Visa Waiver Program signatory carrier
– Have a return or onward ticket.
– Travel does not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas.
– Are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries listed below:
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, Republic of Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Do I need to apply if I'm only transiting the United States en route to another country?
Eligible nationals or citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program require either a travel authorization or a visa to transit the United States. If a traveler is only planning to transit through the United States en route to another country, when he or she completes the travel authorization application in ESTA, the traveler should select “Yes” to the question “Is your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country?”.
Why do I need to fill out an ESTA application?
The “Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007” (9/11 Act) amended Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), requiring that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implement an electronic travel authorization system and other measures to enhance the security of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA adds another layer of security that allows DHS to determine, in advance of travel, whether an individual is eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether such travel poses a law enforcement or security risk.
What is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers admitted under the Visa Waiver Program must agree to waive their rights to review or appeal, as explained in the Waiver of Rights section of the Application screen.
For further information refer to § 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1187, and 8 C.F.R. § 217.
For further information refer to § 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1187, and 8 C.F.R. § 217.
Checking Your ESTA Status
How do I renew my ESTA?
If your ESTA has expired, you must reapply by submitting a new application. Existing authorizations cannot be extended.
You do not need to wait until your ESTA expires to reapply. You may do so at any time. Should you receive the message “A valid, approved application with more than 30 days remaining has been found for this passport. Submitting this application will require payment for this application and will then cancel the existing application.” you will simply continue to begin your new application. Your prior ESTA will be canceled and replaced with your new application.
ESTA approvals are typically granted for a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The approval is good for multiple entries – meaning you may use it for more than one entry into the U.S. ESTA provides validity dates upon approval of the application.
You do not need to wait until your ESTA expires to reapply. You may do so at any time. Should you receive the message “A valid, approved application with more than 30 days remaining has been found for this passport. Submitting this application will require payment for this application and will then cancel the existing application.” you will simply continue to begin your new application. Your prior ESTA will be canceled and replaced with your new application.
ESTA approvals are typically granted for a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The approval is good for multiple entries – meaning you may use it for more than one entry into the U.S. ESTA provides validity dates upon approval of the application.
What should I do if I'm not approved for travel?
If you receive a Travel Not Authorized response to your travel authorization application, but wish to continue with your travel plans, please visit The Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States. In the event you are not approved for a travel authorization, no court shall have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under ESTA.
Can I find out the reason my application was denied?
DHS has carefully developed the ESTA program to ensure that only those individuals who are ineligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program or those whose travel would pose a law enforcement or security risk are refused a travel authorization. While the ESTA Web site provides a link to the DHS Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) Web site, there are no guarantees that a request for redress through DHS TRIP will resolve the Visa Waiver Program ineligibility that caused an applicant’s ESTA application to be denied.
Please note that Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials or resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial. Embassies and Consulates will be able to process an application for a non-immigrant visa that, if approved, will be the only way that a traveler whose ESTA application has been denied would be authorized to travel to the United States.
Please note that Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide details about ESTA denials or resolve the issue that caused the ESTA denial. Embassies and Consulates will be able to process an application for a non-immigrant visa that, if approved, will be the only way that a traveler whose ESTA application has been denied would be authorized to travel to the United States.
How many days will my partially completed Individual application be retained?
If the application is not completed and submitted within 7 days, your application will be deleted.
Updating Your Info
How can I correct a mistake regarding Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after completing my application?
An applicant can update the Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date as long as the application has not been paid for. If an applicant enters the wrong Passport Issuance Date or Passport Expiration Date after having paid for the ESTA application, the traveler will need to re-apply for a new travel authorization. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted. The previous application will be canceled.
How do I update the information on my application?
Prior to submitting an ESTA application, you can update all application data fields. However, once an application is approved, you can only update the following fields:
– Email address Note: If email address is updated, you will be required to verify the new email address.
-Address in the U.S.
– Email address Note: If email address is updated, you will be required to verify the new email address.
-Address in the U.S.
What should I do if my passport information has changed or expired?
If you obtain a new passport or there is a change to your passport information, you must apply for a new travel authorization and pay the associated fees. See What information can I update? for a full listing of information that can be changed after submission of your application.
When do I need to reapply for an ESTA?
A new travel authorization may be required in any of the following circumstances:
– The traveler is issued a new passport – The traveler changes his or her name – The traveler changes his or her gender – The traveler’s country of citizenship changes; or – The circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed.
Travel authorization approvals will typically be granted for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. ESTA will provide validity dates upon approval of the application. Therefore, a traveler must apply for a new travel authorization when a prior ESTA authorization or an applicant’s passport expires. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.
– The traveler is issued a new passport – The traveler changes his or her name – The traveler changes his or her gender – The traveler’s country of citizenship changes; or – The circumstances underlying the traveler’s previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a “yes” or “no” response have changed.
Travel authorization approvals will typically be granted for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. ESTA will provide validity dates upon approval of the application. Therefore, a traveler must apply for a new travel authorization when a prior ESTA authorization or an applicant’s passport expires. The associated fee will be charged for each new application submitted.
Privacy & Security
How does the U.S. Government protect the privacy of ESTA data and who has access to it?
Information submitted by applicants through the ESTA Web site is subject to the same strict privacy provisions and controls that have been established for similar traveler screening programs. Access to such information is limited to those with a professional need to know.
How long is my application data stored?
ESTA application data remains active for the period of time that the approved ESTA is valid, which is generally two years, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. DHS will then maintain this information for an additional year after which it will be archived for twelve years to allow retrieval of the information for law enforcement, national security, or investigatory purposes. Once the information is archived, the number of officials with access to it will be further limited. This retention is consistent both with CBP’s border search authority and with the border security mission mandated for CBP by Congress. Data linked to active law enforcement lookout records, CBP matches to enforcement activities, and/or investigations or cases, including applications for ESTA that are denied, will remain accessible for the life of the law enforcement activities to which they are related.
DHS has transitioned to a paperless I-94W, therefore the ESTA application data will replace the data that is collected through the paper I-94W. In those instances where ESTA application data is used in lieu of the information collected through the paper I-94W, the ESTA application data will be maintained in accordance with the retention schedule for the I-94W, 75 years.
DHS has transitioned to a paperless I-94W, therefore the ESTA application data will replace the data that is collected through the paper I-94W. In those instances where ESTA application data is used in lieu of the information collected through the paper I-94W, the ESTA application data will be maintained in accordance with the retention schedule for the I-94W, 75 years.
Is my credit card information safe?
Yes. The ESTA system does not retain your credit card information after the transaction is processed.
All transactions are secure and encrypted with AES-256 encryption. Payment information is never stored.
All transactions are secure and encrypted with AES-256 encryption. Payment information is never stored.
How does the U.S. Government protect the privacy of ESTA data and who has access to it?
Information submitted by applicants through the ESTA Web site is subject to the same strict privacy provisions and controls that have been established for similar traveler screening programs. Access to such information is limited to those with a professional need to know.
When do I need a VISA?
There are several exceptions when ESTA approval is not applicable for arrival in the US:
If you intend to arrive at the U.S. aboard a Visa Waiver Program non-signatory air carrier; If you intend to visit the U.S. for more than 90 days; If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply to you, you should apply for a non-immigrant visa; If you are travelling to the United States. for a purpose other than short-term tourism or business.
It is most important to know that Visa is not the same as ESTA.
By far the most important regulation for ESTA is that only citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries can apply for and use ESTA as a form of travel authorisation. This means that if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries and you are traveling to the USA under the regulations of VWP you do not need to obtain a Visa.
An appropriate type of Visa will therefore be needed in all cases when an ESTA cannot be used.
The regulations of VWP state that an ESTA can only be used by citizens of the VWP countries when:
Traveling to the USA for no longer than 90 days Visiting for tourism, transits or doing business Arriving by air or sea
For example, if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries, but you plan on staying in America for a period longer than 90 days, you will have to obtain a Visa.
This means that even if you are eligible to travel to the United States with an ESTA, it cannot always be used because of the regulations of VWP.
If you are not sure about how your ESTA can be used and should a Visa be obtained in different situations, please contact our experts who will answer all questions regarding Visa-Free travel to the USA.
In some cases a Visa might be needed when for some reason your ESTA is not being approved. There can be many reasons for this, however it is worth noting that if your ESTA application has not been approved, you might also have problems with obtaining a Visa.
If you want to be sure that ESTA can be used for your next travel to the USA, please read more about Visa-free travel in our blog section or visit our frequently asked questions sections.
If you intend to arrive at the U.S. aboard a Visa Waiver Program non-signatory air carrier; If you intend to visit the U.S. for more than 90 days; If you believe any grounds of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply to you, you should apply for a non-immigrant visa; If you are travelling to the United States. for a purpose other than short-term tourism or business.
It is most important to know that Visa is not the same as ESTA.
By far the most important regulation for ESTA is that only citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries can apply for and use ESTA as a form of travel authorisation. This means that if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries and you are traveling to the USA under the regulations of VWP you do not need to obtain a Visa.
An appropriate type of Visa will therefore be needed in all cases when an ESTA cannot be used.
The regulations of VWP state that an ESTA can only be used by citizens of the VWP countries when:
Traveling to the USA for no longer than 90 days Visiting for tourism, transits or doing business Arriving by air or sea
For example, if you are a citizen of one of the Visa Waiver Program countries, but you plan on staying in America for a period longer than 90 days, you will have to obtain a Visa.
This means that even if you are eligible to travel to the United States with an ESTA, it cannot always be used because of the regulations of VWP.
If you are not sure about how your ESTA can be used and should a Visa be obtained in different situations, please contact our experts who will answer all questions regarding Visa-Free travel to the USA.
In some cases a Visa might be needed when for some reason your ESTA is not being approved. There can be many reasons for this, however it is worth noting that if your ESTA application has not been approved, you might also have problems with obtaining a Visa.
If you want to be sure that ESTA can be used for your next travel to the USA, please read more about Visa-free travel in our blog section or visit our frequently asked questions sections.
