Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Travelers were able to apply for ESTA in August 2008, and the authorization became mandatory for travel by air or sea from January 12, 2009. Since January 20, 2010, airlines may be fined if they do not require ESTA from passengers traveling under the VWP.{{cite web|url=http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101402&nav=13 |title=Electronic System for Travel Authorization Compliance Now Required |ETB News Australia |publisher=Etravelblackboard.com |access-date=2014-05-20}}

Initially ESTA was available for free from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. On September 8, 2010, following the Travel Promotion Act, CBP began charging a fee of $4 to cover administrative costs, and if the application was approved, an additional fee of $10 to fund the Corporation for Travel Promotion (also known as Brand USA[https://www.thebrandusa.com/terms-of-use Terms of use], Brand USA.), for a total of $14 for each approved ESTA. On May 26, 2022, the second fee was increased to $17, for a total of $21 for each approved ESTA.{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=ESTA Fee Increase: What is the new cost of the ESTA application?}}{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=ESTA Fee Increase: When will CBP begin to collect the new fee?}} The European Union criticized the fee when it was introduced,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurunion.org/eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3466&Itemid=58 |title=Travel Promotion Act of 2009 could have unintended consequences |date=September 4, 2009 |access-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625221119/http://www.eurunion.org/eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3466&Itemid=58 |archive-date=June 25, 2010 |df=mdy }}{{cite web |url=http://www.visabureau.com/america/news/27-09-2010/european-parliament-criticizes-esta-fee-to-fund-travel-promotion.aspx |title=European Parliament criticizes ESTA fee to fund travel promotion |publisher=Visabureau.com |date=2010-09-27 |access-date=2014-05-20 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122726/http://www.visabureau.com/america/news/27-09-2010/european-parliament-criticizes-esta-fee-to-fund-travel-promotion.aspx |url-status=dead }}; beginning in 2026, the EU will also require an electronic travel authorization named ETIAS for a much lower fee of €7, which will only finance the ETIAS itself and not EU travel promotion.[https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-authorisation-system_en European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)], European Commission.

ESTA became required also for entry by land from October 1, 2022.[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers CBP Expands ESTA Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, April 7, 2022.

On July 6, 2023, the validity of new ESTA applications from nationals of Brunei became limited to one year.{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=About ESTA and The Visa Waiver Program: Why is DHS reducing the ESTA validity period for citizens and nationals of Brunei?}} On August 1, 2023, the validity of new ESTA applications from nationals of Hungary became limited to one year and to a single use.

As of 2025, nationals of 42 countries may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html|title=Visa Waiver Program|publisher=U.S. Department of State|access-date=2024-11-21}}{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program |title=U.S. Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=12em|gap=0|style=max-width:48em|

• {{flag|Andorra}}
• {{flag|Australia}}
• {{flag|Austria}}
• {{flag|Belgium}}
• {{flag|Brunei}}
• {{flag|Chile}}
• {{flag|Croatia}}
• {{flag|Czech Republic}}
• {{flag|Denmark}}
• {{flag|Estonia}}
• {{flag|Finland}}
• {{flag|France}}
• {{flag|Germany}}{{efn|Only holders of biometric passports. German child passports, which could be requested for children under age 12 as an alternative to a standard German passport before 2024, are not biometric and thus are not eligible for ESTA.{{cite web |url=https://de.usembassy.gov/visa-waiver-program/ |title=Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany}} The last passports of this kind will expire at the end of 2026.{{cite web |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/prado/en/DEU-AO-02002/index.html |title=Document: DEU-AO-02002 |work=Public Register of Authentic identity and travel Documents Online |publisher=European Council and Council of the European Union}}}}
• {{flag|Greece}}
• {{flag|Hungary}}{{efn|Only Hungarian citizens born in Hungary.{{cite web |url=https://hu.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/ |title=Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Hungary}}}}
• {{flag|Iceland}}
• {{flag|Ireland}}
• {{flag|Israel}}{{efn|Only holders of biometric passports issued with full validity, which can only be requested in person in Israel.{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/visa-waiver-travel-for-israeli-citizens.html |title=Visa Waiver Travel for Israeli Citizens |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=October 19, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://il.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program-vwp-2/esta-faqs/ |title=ESTA – FAQS |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Israel}} Passports requested at Israeli diplomatic missions abroad, which are not biometric, and those requested online or for recent immigrants in Israel, which are issued with reduced validity, are not eligible for ESTA.{{cite web |url=https://new.embassies.gov.il/usa/en/services/israeli-citizens/issuance-travel-documents-passport-citizens-and-residents-israel |title=Issuance of travel documents (passport) for citizens and residents of Israel |publisher=Embassy of Israel in Washington |date=17 June 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.il/en/service/application-for-biometric-docs |title=Get a biometric passport or identity card online |publisher=Government of Israel |date=30 April 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/olim_passport_or_travel_doc/en/traveldoc_eng.pdf |title=Immigrants ("olim"): eligibility for a passport or a travel document |publisher=Population and Immigration Authority of Israel |date=July 2021}}}}
• {{flag|Italy}}
• {{flag|Japan}}
• {{flag|Latvia}}
• {{flag|Liechtenstein}}
• {{flag|Lithuania}}
• {{flag|Luxembourg}}
• {{flag|Malta}}
• {{flag|Monaco}}
• {{flag|Netherlands}}
• {{flag|New Zealand}}
• {{flag|Norway}}
• {{flag|Poland}}
• {{flag|Portugal}}
• {{flag|Qatar}}
• {{flag|San Marino}}
• {{flag|Singapore}}
• {{flag|Slovakia}}
• {{flag|Slovenia}}
• {{flag|South Korea}}
• {{flag|Spain}}
• {{flag|Sweden}}
• {{flag|Switzerland}}
• {{flag|Taiwan}}{{efn|Only holders of passports with a national identification number.}}
• {{flag|United Kingdom}}{{efn|British citizens are eligible to participate in the VWP, but other categories of UK national are not.[https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/machine-readable-biometric-passports/ Passports], U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom.}}

}}

Visitors under the VWP may stay in the United States for 90 days, which also includes the time spent in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the islands in the Caribbean if the arrival was through the United States.

Due to the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, those who have been in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, or who are dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria, are not eligible to travel under the VWP. However, those who traveled to such countries for diplomatic, military, humanitarian, reporting or legitimate business purposes may have this ineligibility waived by the Secretary of Homeland Security.[https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/01/21/united-states-begins-implementation-changes-visa-waiver-program United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program], U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 21, 2016. In any case, those ineligible for the VWP may still apply for a regular visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization.png

File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization terminal Brussels airport.jpg]]

File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization slip in Los Angeles airport.jpg print out slip of the system]]

In December 2018, CBP announced that instant ESTA approvals would no longer be available and reiterated that it "strongly encouraged" travelers to submit an online authorization request at least three days (72 hours) before traveling to the United States.{{cite web |title=CBP Reminds Travelers to Allow 72 Hours for ESTA {{!}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta |website=www.cbp.gov}} However, CBP's website still says that "In most cases, a response is received within seconds of submitting an application."{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) {{!}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travel |website=www.cbp.gov |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153524/https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travel |url-status=dead }} However, some immigration consultants report that decisions on ESTA applications can occasionally take longer than 72 hours, for example if the applicant had any U.S. visa refused before (even if declared on the application).{{Cite book |last=Bray |first=Ilona |url= |title=U.S. Immigration Made Easy |date=2023 |publisher=NOLO |isbn=9781413330724 |pages=371}}

Each travel authorization under ESTA can be valid for up to two years, for multiple trips during that period.{{efn|name=bnhu}} However, travelers must obtain a new ESTA authorization if they are issued a new passport, or change their name, gender or country of nationality, or if any answer to their ESTA application eligibility questions changes.

Each entry under the Visa Waiver Program is only valid for a combined maximum stay of 90 days in the United States and its surrounding countries. The admission period cannot be extended under the program. If a longer stay is intended, a visa is required.

ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP officers make the final determination of admissibility (entry) to the United States and may cancel or deny ESTA at any time during travel, for example for suspicions of giving false information in the application.

The applicant must provide the following information:

• Full name and gender
• Other names or aliases, if any
• Date and city of birth (according to passport)
• Country of nationality and passport
• Other nationality including historic, if any
• Passport number and expiration date
• Address
• Parents' names, if known
• Employer's name and address, if any
• Emergency contact, name, phone and address
• U.S. point of contact information (a person, business or hotel one intends to visit)
• Whether the applicant is a member of Global Entry
• Applicants must also specify whether any of the following applies to them by way of yes/no answers. Applications will be denied if the applicant:
• Has a physical or mental disorder posing a threat to others, or is a drug abuser, or has one of certain contagious diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, tuberculosis, plague, yellow fever, ebola or severe acute respiratory illnesses{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=Completing Your ESTA Application: Can you provide guidance and clarification for some of the Eligibility questions?}}
• Has ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority
• Has ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs
• Plans to engage in or has ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide
• Has committed fraud or misrepresented oneself or others to obtain, or assist others to obtain, a visa or entry into the United States
• Intends to seek employment in the United States or was previously employed in the United States without prior permission from the U.S. government
• Has been denied a U.S. visa, or been refused admission to the United States at a U.S. port of entry (This includes any past visa denials under INA 221(g), whereby a visa applicant needed to provide more information or a case needed further processing, even if the visa was later approved{{Cite web |title=Visa Refusals under Section 221(G) or 212(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act |url=https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-refusals-london/still-have-a-question/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom |language=en-US}}).
• Has previously stayed in the United States longer than the admission period
• Has traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021

Some websites offer to complete ESTA applications for a fee, often many times more than the required fee charged by the U.S. government. Access and application through the official U.S. government website are available to any travelers who qualify under the VWP program. Prevention of such "ESTA fee scams" was made more difficult when the mandatory U.S. government fee was imposed, as previous public education efforts focused on getting out the message that ESTA applications were free of charge and anybody requesting payment was an unauthorized third-party.{{cite web|title=Fraud Strikes U.S. Travel Authorization Agency|url=https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/fraud-strikes-travel-authorization-agency|website=McAfee Labs|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829153547/https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/fraud-strikes-travel-authorization-agency/|archive-date=August 29, 2015|url-status=dead}} Third-party websites try to make themselves look legitimate by using official-sounding web addresses and posting logos that resemble the U.S. government emblem. They may or may not contain a small disclaimer at the bottom of the page that says they are not associated with the U.S. government.

Even if one of the third-party websites is used, passengers themselves still have to complete the same form.{{cite web|url=http://www.usembassy.org.uk/americanservices/?p=519 |title=Beware of ESTA Scams |work=US Embassy in London |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720114740/http://www.usembassy.org.uk/americanservices/?p=519 |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |df=mdy }} Concerns have been raised that third-party sites could be used for identity theft, credit card fraud, or the distribution of malware.

• Electronic visa
• Electronic Travel Authority (Australia)
• Electronic Travel Authorization (Canada)
• European Travel Information and Authorisation System
• New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (United Kingdom)

• Visa policy of the United States

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Prone to spam|date=September 2019}}

• {{official website|1=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/|2=Official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website}}
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_8290000/newsid_8293700/8293707.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=8293707&bbcws=2 BBC TV Documentary about unofficial ESTA websites]
• [https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control Mobile Passport Control]

{{Electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt visitors}}

Category:Visa policy of the United States

Category:United States immigration law

Category:United States Department of Homeland Security

United States