What Do You Need to Apply for an ESTA?

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If you're planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors from eligible countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business trips lasting 90 days or less.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about what is required to apply for an ESTA, including the eligibility criteria, required documents, and important steps in the application process.

What is an ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online system used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine the eligibility of visitors traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. It is not a visa, but rather a travel authorization that grants you permission to board a flight to the U.S.

ESTA is available for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes many European, Asian, and Oceanic countries. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for ESTA instead of applying for a U.S. visa, saving time and effort.

Eligibility for ESTA

Before you apply for an ESTA, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  1. Citizenship of a Visa Waiver Program Country: You must be a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program. Some of the countries include the UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, and many others.

  2. Purpose of Travel: ESTA is intended for travelers coming to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes. If your purpose is to study, work, or immigrate to the U.S., you will need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of ESTA.

  3. Travel for 90 Days or Less: ESTA only applies to trips of 90 days or less. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa.

  4. Possession of a Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport from a VWP country. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.

  5. No Prior Visa Violations: You must not have any previous immigration violations in the U.S., including overstaying a visa or being deported.

Key Note: If you are planning to visit the U.S. for purposes such as work, study, or immigration, or if you are from a country not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a regular visa.

What Do You Need to Apply for an ESTA?

When applying for an ESTA, there are several essential items and pieces of information that you will need to provide. Here’s a list of what you need to apply for an ESTA:

1. Valid Passport

A valid passport is the most important requirement for applying for an ESTA. The passport must be from one of the Visa Waiver Program countries and must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.

  • If you are traveling with a passport that is not an electronic passport (one with a digital chip containing biometric information), you may not be eligible for ESTA.

    Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  • If your passport has expired, you will need to renew it before applying.

2. Travel Information

You will need to provide basic details about your trip, including:

  • Flight information: Your flight details, such as the airline and the flight number, will need to be entered into the application.

  • Destination in the U.S.: You will be asked to provide information about where you will be staying during your visit to the U.S. This can be the name of a hotel, a friend, or a relative.

3. Personal Information

You must provide personal details, including:

  • Full name: Your full legal name as it appears on your passport.

  • Date of birth: Your date of birth.

  • Gender: Your gender.

  • Country of citizenship: The country that issued your passport.

4. Contact Information

You will be required to provide contact details, including:

  • Email address: A valid email address where your ESTA application and updates can be sent.

  • Phone number: Your contact number in case the U.S. authorities need to reach you.

    Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

5. Emergency Contact Information

In some cases, you may be asked to provide emergency contact information, such as the name and phone number of someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Background Information

You will be asked several security-related questions to determine your eligibility for ESTA, including:

  • Criminal history: Whether you have been convicted of a serious crime.

  • Health: Whether you have any contagious diseases or mental health conditions that might pose a risk to the public.

  • Previous U.S. immigration violations: If you have overstayed a previous visit to the U.S. or have been deported, you may be ineligible for ESTA.

The questions on this section will need to be answered truthfully. If you answer “yes” to any of the security-related questions, your ESTA application may be denied, and you may need to apply for a U.S. visa instead.

7. Payment Information

The application fee for ESTA is required to be paid online at the time of submission. The fee is typically around $14. You will need a valid credit card or payment method to complete the payment. This payment is non-refundable, even if your ESTA application is denied.

8. Information About Your U.S. Travel Plans

Though you are not required to have booked your flight before applying for an ESTA, having a rough idea of your travel plans is essential. This may include:

  • Dates of travel: The approximate dates of your arrival and departure from the U.S.

  • Place of stay: Whether you plan to stay with friends, relatives, or at a hotel.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for ESTA

Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website

Go to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ESTA website to begin your application. Make sure you are on the official website to avoid scams and ensure that your personal information is secure.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

Fill out the online application form by entering all the required information. Make sure to double-check your details before submitting to avoid errors.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

After completing the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. Payment can be made via credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment methods.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once the payment is processed, submit your ESTA application. In most cases, your application will be processed instantly, and you will receive your ESTA approval within minutes. However, in some cases, the processing may take up to 72 hours.

Step 5: Check Your ESTA Status

Once approved, your ESTA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It is recommended to carry a printout of your ESTA approval when you travel to the U.S.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for an ESTA?

The actual application process for ESTA typically takes around 20-30 minutes to complete, depending on how quickly you can provide the required information. The approval process is usually fast, with most applications approved within minutes. However, it is always advisable to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your planned departure to avoid last-minute issues.

Common Issues and Mistakes When Applying for ESTA

1. Inaccurate or Incomplete Information

Ensure that you double-check all your details before submitting the application, as even a small mistake can lead to delays or rejections.

2. Expired Passport

Remember, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. If your passport expires, your ESTA application will be invalid.

3. Failing to Answer Security Questions Correctly

If you fail to provide truthful or accurate answers to the security-related questions, your ESTA application may be denied.

Conclusion

Applying for an ESTA is a simple and straightforward process, but it is important to gather all the necessary information and ensure that your application is accurate. With ESTA, travelers from eligible countries can visit the U.S. for business or tourism without the need for a traditional visa.

Are you ready to apply for your ESTA?

CLICK HERE to start your ESTA application and get approval quickly!

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

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