ESTA Application

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to enter the United States without obtaining a visa. It is designed to promote tourism in the United States and strengthen national security by carrying out enhanced checks on potential travelers before they board a plane or boat to the United States. To qualify for an ESTA, you must have a valid passport from a VWP country and a legitimate purpose for your visit to the United States. You also need to provide a valid email address, home address, and point of contact for emergency purposes in case your trip is canceled or delayed. You must not be a citizen of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Syria, or Sudan.

A valid ESTA approval is usually valid for two years. However, it is not a guarantee that you will be granted entry into the United States. If you are denied entry into the United States by a CBP officer, your ESTA will be canceled, and you will have to apply for a visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. It is recommended that you apply for a visa well in advance of your departure date so that you can be certain to obtain the right documents and avoid delays at the airport. You should also reapply for an ESTA if your passport expires, change your name, or change your answers to any of the questions on the ESTA application.

Do I Need an ESTA to Travel to the U.S.?

A ESTA is required for all air and sea travel to the US by VWP travelers. Applicants are asked questions regarding communicable diseases, previous arrests, convictions, past history of visa revocation or deportation, etc. The traveler must certify that the answers are true to their best knowledge and belief. The ESTA application is free and can be completed any time before boarding a flight. However, it is recommended that travelers apply at least 72 hours in advance of their travel date. Applicants should also be aware that they will not be permitted to board the airplane or ship if their ESTA is denied.

If the ESTA is approved, it is highly recommended that travellers ensure they have a valid passport and a confirmed airline reservation to avoid any last-minute issues. If the ESTA is refused, travellers may be able to apply for an alternative visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. It is best to seek professional guidance when applying for a visa because numerous options and requirements must be considered.

How Long Does ESTA Visa Last?

The ESTA travel authorization lasts two years from the date of approval. It allows travelers to visit the United States multiple times during that period, as long as their passport remains valid. However, if the traveler’s passport expires before the end of the ESTA’s validity period, they will need to apply for a visa. The simplest way to check the status of your ESTA is by visiting the official website and entering your passport number. The ESTA system will then display your ESTA travel authorization information. You can also enter your email address to receive a confirmation of your ESTA travel authorization information.

If you have a valid ESTA that is about to expire, it is best to renew it as soon as possible. If you wait until the last minute, you risk being refused entry at immigration screening in the United States. Also, if you notice any errors on your ESTA application, it is important to correct them as soon as possible. This will avoid delays in your upcoming trip.

If you are traveling to the United States from a country that does not participate in the VWP, you must obtain a visa through regular appointment processes at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are a national of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria, you must obtain a visa even if your ESTA is approved.