Apply & Check Status ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization United States : esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Organisation : U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Facility Name : Apply & Check Status ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization
Country : United States of America (USA)
Website : https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
What is ESTA Electronic System for Travel Authorization?
To strengthen the security of travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, requirements to travel visa-free have been enhanced. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel to the United States.
** The Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Border Protection have provided a secure public Web site with an automated form for you, or a third party, to complete in order to apply for a travel authorization.
Related / Similar Facilities : CBP Trusted Traveler Programs Apply for Global Entry United States
** Once you enter the required biographic, travel, and payment information on the secure Web site, your application is processed by the system to determine if you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa.
** The system will provide you with an automated response, and prior to boarding, a carrier will electronically verify with the United States Customs and Border Protection that you have an approved travel authorization on file.
** The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk.
** ESTA approval authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the United States under the VWP. Private carriers must be a signatory visa waiver program carrier. CBP recommends that you apply for ESTA at the time you book your travel, but no less than 72 hours prior to boarding.
Who Can Apply For ESTA?
** You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country.
** You are currently not in possession of a visitor’s visa.
** Your travel is for 90 days or less.
** You plan to travel to the United States for business or pleasure.
** You want to apply for a new authorization for one person or a group of applications for two or more persons.
What Do I Need To Apply?
** Valid passport(s) from a Visa Waiver Program country.
** List of Visa Waiver Countries
** Traveler’s valid email address.
** Traveler’s home address and phone number.
** Traveler’s emergency point of contact phone and email.
Payment method:
** Fee for application is $21.00 USD.
** Valid payment methods include MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB or Diners Club only), and PayPal.
The following information may also be required:
** Traveler’s aliases or other names (If Applicable).
** Traveler’s National ID or Personal ID number (If Applicable).
** Traveler’s Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number (If Applicable).
** Traveler’s employer address and phone number (If Applicable).
** Traveler’s U.S. point of contact name, address, and phone (If Applicable).
How To Apply for ESTA?
i. Answer Disclaimers
ii. Enter Applicant Information
iii. Enter Personal Information
iv. Enter Travel Information
v. Answer Eligibility Questions
vi. Review Application
vii. Pay
How to Check Your ESTA Status?
You can check the status of your ESTA as listed below:
Individual Application:
To check your ESTA status, go to the ESTA homepage, select “Check ESTA Status “, and then click “Check Individual Status”. You will need to enter either your Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Application Number OR the Country of Citizenship, Passport Issuance Date and Passport Expiration Date.
Group Application:
To check your ESTA Group status, go to the ESTA homepage, select “Check ESTA Status”, and then click “Check Group Status”. You will need to enter Group ID, Family Name, First (Given) Name, Email Address, and Date of Birth for Group Point of Contact. If you do not know the Group ID, select the link “I do not know my Group ID” to retrieve your Group ID. The three possible responses to an ESTA application are:
Authorization Approved :
Your travel authorization has been approved and you are authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The system displays confirmation of the application approval and a payment receipt notice showing the amount or your payment. A travel authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States as a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.
Travel Not Authorized :
You are not authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may apply for a visa from the Department of State for your travel. Please visit the U.S. Department of State Web site at travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. This response does not deny entry into the United States. This response only prohibits you from traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The system also displays a payment receipt notice showing the amount of your payment for the processing of the ESTA application.
Authorization Pending :
Your travel authorization is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will usually be available within 72 hours. Please return to this Web site and choose “Check ESTA Status,” and then “Individual Application.” Your application number, passport number, and birth date will be required to check the status of your application.
FAQ on Electronic System for Travel Authorization
When should I submit an application through ESTA?
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
How do I complete my partially completed application?
Select “Continue Existing Application” from the ESTA homepage and select “Individual Application”. Then you will need to retrieve your application by entering either your Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Application Number OR the Country of Citizenship, Passport Issuance Date and Passport Expiration Date. Once the application is successfully retrieved, you will be able to complete the application.
How long is my ESTA valid for?
** Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.
** 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.
Note: Effective July 6, 2023, any new ESTA applications for citizens of Brunei using a Brunei passport will have a maximum validity period of one year.
Note: Effective August 1, 2023, any new ESTA applications for citizens of Hungary using a Hungary passport will have a maximum validity period of one year.
If your ESTA expires while in the U.S. it will not affect your departure.
Note: It is important to PRINT a copy of the document for your records. The printout is not required upon arrival into the United States, as the officers have the information electronically.
** 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.
How long does the ESTA application process take?
The estimated average time to complete this application is 23 minutes.