If you are planning a trip to the United States, you may not need a visa—you might only need an ESTA. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a mandatory, automated system that determines your eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Think of ESTA as a security pre-screening check. It is not a visa, but rather a permission to board a flight or ship headed for the U.S.
A: Who Needs ESTA?
You must apply for an ESTA if you meet all the following conditions:
- You are a citizen or national of one of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participating countries.
- You are traveling to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit.
- Your stay in the U.S. will be 90 days or less.
- You possess a valid electronic passport (“e-Passport”) from your country.
Who is exempt? U.S. citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents, Canadian citizens, and travelers with a valid U.S. visa in their passport do not need an ESTA.
Current VWP Participating Countries (43 Nations):
The Visa Waiver Program is currently open to citizens of the following countries:
| Region | Participating Countries |
| Europe | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Singapore, Taiwan |
| Middle East | Israel, Qatar |
| South America | Chile |
B: How to Apply and the Cost
The application process is entirely online and managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Where to Apply: You must apply directly through the Official ESTA Application Website. Be careful to use only the official U.S. government site to avoid scams.
- Timing: It is strongly recommended to apply as soon as you start making travel plans, and no later than 72 hours before boarding, as processing can take up to three days.
- The Fee: The total cost for an ESTA application is $21 USD. This includes a $4 processing fee paid upon submission, and an additional $17 authorization fee paid only if your application is approved.
- Read also
- How to check your US immigration case status and find processing times.
- What can you do? IF Your Green Card Application is pending.
- How to apply for a Permanent Residence card . A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a U.S. Green Card.
- How to get a U.S. Employment-Based Immigrant Visas
- How Birthright Citizenship is Acquired in the USA.
C: Validity and Duration of Stay
Understanding the difference between ESTA validity and stay duration is crucial for VWP travelers:
- ESTA Validity: An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
- Multiple Use: You can use a single approved ESTA for multiple trips within that two-year period.
- Duration of Stay: Despite the two-year validity, each individual visit to the U.S. under the VWP cannot exceed 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a traditional B-1/B-2 visa.
D: When to Reapply
Even if your two years haven’t passed, your ESTA immediately becomes invalid and requires a new application if:
- You are issued a new passport.
- You change your name, gender, or country of citizenship.
- Your answers to any of the security/eligibility questions change (e.g., a new criminal conviction or change in travel history).
E: The Final Word on Entry
Remember that ESTA grants you permission to travel to the U.S., but it does not guarantee entry. The final decision to admit you into the country rests with the CBP Officer at the port of entry (airport or border crossing).
