Becoming authorized to travel to the United States
If you wish to visit the United States, you must obtain the proper authorization before entering the country. In some cases, this means applying for a visa but if you are a citizen of a country included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) may be a simpler and faster option. The VWP allows citizens of 38 countries to obtain travel authorization to the United States through the US Department of Homeland Security without acquiring a visa. If you are a current citizen of a participating country and have a valid passport, you only need to apply with the ESTA form. If you qualify, you will be granted authorization to travel to the US for a period up to 90 days.
ESTA denial
Although we are not supplied with the exact reason for denial, our experience shows the following conditions that may cause an ESTA rejection.
- Providing a passport number that was reported lost or stolen
- Exceeding the allowable stay in the US on a previous visit
- A previous visa request denial
- Engaging in unauthorized work on a previous visit
- A previous denial of entry into the United States
- Suspicion of immigration
- Connections with criminal or terrorist organizations
We are trained experts in ESTA processing, and we will communicate directly with you if there is any error or omission in the application form data prior to processing. We want your travel authorization to be approved but if it is not, a full refund will be issued.
When to complete the ESTA application?
Although we offer expedited services for extreme circumstances, it is highly recommended that you submit the ESTA application at least three days (72 hours) before your departure. Additionally, you do not need to supply travel dates when applying for travel authorization so you may submit the form well in advance before flights are booked.
If you have reasonable doubt that you will be approved for travel under the US Visa Waiver Program, it is recommended that you apply at least 15-20 days ahead of your travel date so that you may have time to acquire a visa if necessary.
When is the ESTA used?
Once you have been authorized to travel through our ESTA process, you may be wondering how and when this will be used during your trip. The primary point where your travel authorization occurs is at check-in with your carrier to allow you to board the plane or ship. Carriers do not receive your ESTA form details, but they do get a confirmation of your ESTA status with a system called the Advanced Passenger Information System. This authorization is required before issuing a boarding pass for travel to the United States.
It is suggested to carry a printed copy of your authorization during your travel to the United States.
Is there such a thing as an ESTA visa?
Many times the phrase ESTA visa is used, but this can be a bit confusing. The ESTA is very different from visa in several ways and using the term ESTA visa is misleading. The ESTA is a program that allows travelers to bypass the visa process and is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. See our section titled "Visa and ESTA" for more information.
ESTA form security questions
Some of the security questions on the ESTA form are a bit confusing. We've provided some additional information for each question to help you understand them better before selecting an answer. As always, you can contact us for help via email, chat or the contact us form for answers.
Do you have a physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict; or do you currently have any of the following diseases:
Physical or Mental Disorders
Travelers with physical or mental disorders that may lead to harmful behavior or might pose a threat to the welfare, safety or property of others are discouraged from traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. If you do not have a history of this behavior, answer "no" to this question.
Drug Abuser or Addict
While the terms "drug abuser" and "addict" can be very broad, we can try clarifying what the Visa Waiver Program's question intends to expose about the applicant.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines drug abuse or addiction as "…someone engaged in the nonmedical use of any substance named in section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act". The list of controlled substances maintained by the United States Government is not only extensive, but also frequently changes so listing them here would be difficult. A controlled substance can be considered as any chemical or drug that is regulated for use, possession or manufacturing by the government. Controlled substances are typically regarded as medications prescribed by a doctor or illicitly used drugs. If you are engaged in the nonmedical use of such a substance, you may not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.
Diseases
Many people have diseases, but most of them will not prevent you from visiting the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (such as the flu or pneumonia). There are some communicable diseases that have a public health significance classification by the United States Government that are taken very seriously. These diseases are listed below and may disqualify a Visa Waiver Program applicant.
- Chancroid
- Gonorrhea
- Granuloma inguinale
- Leprosy, infectious
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
- Syphilis (infectious stage)
- Tuberculosis (active)
If you have one of these diseases (in an infectious state) your ESTA application may be denied. You may be able to travel the United States in this condition by applying for a visa.
Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?
Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?
These questions are closely linked to a legal concept used by the United States government called "moral turpitude." Moral turpitude is a classification of many types of crimes, offenses or actions that are categorized as contrary to good morals, social standards, and general justice. Some examples of crimes that fall under this category are:
- Fraud
- Arson
- Blackmail
- Robbery
- Prostitution
- Rape
- Conspiracy
Additionally, the following offenses do not qualify as a crime that resulted in serious damage to property or serious harm to another person. If you have been arrested or convicted for these, you can select "no" to this question.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Simple assault
These are not complete lists, so check with us if you unsure about a prior arrest or conviction. Additionally, you can find more detailed descriptions of serious crimes at the link below.
Crimes for Ineligibility.pdf
Visa vs. ESTA
Simply stated - the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a scheme that provides quick and easy authorization to travel to the United States without forcing an individual to acquire a visa.
Prior to 1988, everyone that wished to visit the United States from abroad was required to obtain a nonimmigrant visa. Generally speaking, the application for a visa is expensive, time consuming and extremely thorough. This rigorous application process does not encourage travel to the US. Congress passed legislation in 1986 and created the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to facilitate tourism and short-term business visits by eliminating the visa requirement for citizens of certain countries. The US Visa Waiver Program transitioned to a paperless process in 2009 when the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was established online. Since then, citizens of countries that have been accepted into the US Visa Waiver Program can use this online system to obtain travel authorization for the USA instead of getting a visa.
You may see the phrase "ESTA visa" on other sites, but this phrase should not be used and can be quite misleading. At this moment, the US Government does not have a scheme for an ESTA visa.
Another common phrase is "visa free" that can refer to the Visa Waiver Program's convenience of traveling visa free or without a visa.
The customs inspection process
The customs inspection process is typically simple and very predictable. The basic customs steps are listed below.
- Fill out a declaration form provided on the airplane or ship. The declaration form indicates to the customs officer what items you are bringing into the United States and if any prohibited items are present or if any duty fees will be assessed upon entry. An example declaration form can be seen here.
- Proceed to the inspection area after arriving on a flight or ship. If present, use an Automated Passport Control kiosk to speed up the customs clearance process. A customs officer will typically ask you questions such as;
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- How long do you intend to stay?
- Where will you be staying?
- What is your occupation?
- Do you have anything to declare?
- Proceed to the international arrival baggage area and claim any checked baggage (this step may occur before you enter the inspection area in some airports).
- Show your declaration form to a customs officer and pay any duty if required.
- Exit the inspection area and if continuing to a connecting flight, re-check your baggage (the baggage re-check is typically located at the exit of the customs inspection area). If this is your final destination airport, you are free to leave the airport at will after clearing customs inspection.
The US Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
It is important to understand how the US Visa Waiver Program is related to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when considering travel to the United States. The Visa Waiver Program is a system developed by the US government that makes it easier for citizens of approved countries to travel to the US for pleasure or business without the burden of obtaining a visa. The ESTA is simply the online method used to apply for travel authorization via the US government. If you are a citizen of a country that is included in the US Visa Waiver Program, you can use the Electronic System to apply for Travel Authorization to the USA for a stay of 90 days or less.
ESTA validity period
Your travel authorization will be valid for two years from the date of issue. If your passport expires or changes within this period, a new travel authorization must be acquired with your renewed passport information.
ESTA application outcomes
After you submit the ESTA form, our agents process the data, submit and monitor the status. We will indicate one of the following three outcomes to you via email after the application has been processed.
- Authorization Approved: you have been authorized to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program
- Travel not authorized: You are not permitted to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program, and a full refund will be issued. It is suggested to contact an American Embassy to request a visa if this occurs.
- Authorization Pending: additional review is required before a determination can be made. A pending status occurs in some cases when the automated system cannot resolve your approval, but does not necessarily indicate negative findings. An ESTA application will only be pending for up to 72 hours (typically) before a determination is issued
Layovers and the ESTA
If you want to board a plane that is traveling to the US for any reason, you will need to obtain travel authorization through the ESTA application. You still need to acquire travel authorization through the ESTA process even if you only have a stopover in the US on your journey to another destination. For example, if you are traveling from the UK to Costa Rica via Miami, the ESTA is still required. We have supplied a field in the ESTA form to indicate this situation, and you should check "yes" if your travel to the US occurs in transit to another country.
Is my travel authorization still valid if my passport has changed?
If you get a new passport, the travel authorization you acquired with the old passport is no longer valid. Any time a passport is changed, you must reapply for travel authorization using the ESTA process with your new passport.
What if I already have a valid visa?
You do not need to apply for travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program if you have a valid visa. The visa authorizes you to travel to the United States already.
Will I need to fill out an I-94W form?
Customs and Border Protection now collects passengers' arrival and departure information electronically which eliminates the need to fill out the I-94W form if you have received ESTA approval.
Travel authorization vs. admission
- You are visiting the US for transit, pleasure or business for 90 days or less
- You have a valid passport issued by a participating Visa Waiver Program country
- You have received travel authorization after applying with the ESTA form
- You have an onward ticket or a return ticket (travel may not end in an adjacent island or contiguous territory)
- You are a citizen (or national in some cases) of one of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program
- You satisfy the US Customs and Border Protection officer's questions
- You waive any rights to appeal or review any entry denial by the US Customs and Border Protection (not applicable if seeking asylum)
- You do not pose any threat to the security, safety, health or welfare of the United States
- You have not violated any conditions of the Visa Waiver Program previously
Acceptable travel purposes
Normally, the ESTA is adequate for vacation and most business trips to the US. The following travel purposes are accepted in the US Visa Waiver Program for ESTA.
- tourism
- vacation (holiday)
- visiting relatives or friends
- medical treatment(s)
- involvement in social events hosted by fraternal, social or service groups
- participation (by amateurs) in a musical, sport, or any other similar type of contest or event, if not being paid to participate
- consult with business associates
- attending a scientific, an educational, a professional, or a business convention/conference
- attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the USA except for expenses incidental to your stay)
- negotiate a contract
If your travel purpose is listed below, a visa may be required for traveling to the US.
- study, for credit
- employment
- work as a foreign journalist, press, film, radio or other information media
- permanent residence in the USA
ESTA application processing time
When you submit your ESTA form, our agents immediately begin the detailed review process. After the application data is validated, travel authorization is typically granted within minutes, and you will receive your USA ESTA authorization document by email shortly after. We maintain a strict processing policy of fewer than 24 hours, but most application results are provided in less than 20 minutes.
Visiting Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands
You are allowed to visit the US for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program. If you wish to leave the US and travel to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands, your 90 days does not pause or reset. In other words, your stay in these areas will count towards your 90 days as well (the US includes adjacent islands such as these in your stay). If your 90 days expires while you are in Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, you may not be able to reenter the US without obtaining a visa.
The adjacent islands include the following areas.
Netherlands or French territories or possessions bordering on the Caribbean Sea, Turks and Caicos Islands, other British islands, Tobago, Trinidad, Grenadines, Saint Vincent, Saint Pierre, Saint Martin, Saint Maarten, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts-Nevis, Saint Eustatius, Saint Christopher, Saint-Barthelemy, Saba, Monserrat, Miquelon, Martinique, Marie-Galante, Jamaica, Haiti, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Curacao, Cuba, Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Bermuda, Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Aruba, Antigua and Anguilla.
What can be done if the ESTA is denied?
Rest assured, our ESTA specialists will make every effort to make sure your application is correct before it's processed to maximize your approval chances. Travel authorization is rarely denied but in the unlikely event that your ESTA application results in a "travel not authorized" outcome, your next best option is to obtain a visa for travel to the United States through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. There is no additional ESTA review process or appeal for this outcome. Being denied for travel through the Visa Waiver Program is not a determination of visa eligibility, however.
The only condition under which you can reapply and become authorized is if the conditions for the traveler have changed and the ESTA application form data becomes different as a result. It is important to understand that falsifying ESTA form information in an attempt to gain travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program will result in permanent ineligibility for travel to the United States through the Visa Waiver Program.
We issue a full refund if your travel authorization is denied for any reason.
Feel free to contact us via email or chat if you have any uncertainties about applying for the Visa Waiver Program through the ESTA.
Don't have access to the internet and/or a correct payment method?
A person can fill out the ESTA application form on your behalf, but the traveler is ultimately responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all form data submitted. A third party may also pay the fees on behalf of the traveler.
Previously denied visa request
If you've requested a visa in the past and it was denied, your ESTA application is likely to be rejected as well. If your ESTA application is accepted after a previous visa denial, be prepared for additional processing at the Customs Border Patrol (you may be denied entry as travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program is not a guarantee for admission into the United States).
What if I'm denied admission into the US?
A Customs Border Protection officer can refuse admission into the United States even when travel authorization has been granted under the US Visa Waiver Program. In the unlikely event that this occurs, the traveler will be returned to their country of origin or another country to which a traveler holds a round-trip ticket. The same carrier that the traveler used upon arrival to the United States will be utilized in this case.
Who needs travel authorization?
All persons traveling by air or sea to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program need to have travel authorization. Travel authorization applies to ticketed and non-ticketed passengers including infants. If arriving by land to the United States from Canada or Mexico, using the ESTA is not required.
Children and the ESTA
Travel authorization is also required for children traveling from a Visa Waiver Program country to the US. Children will need a valid passport to be eligible for travel authorization under the US Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA application form
The ESTA process is very straightforward but if the information is not correct, your request could be denied. Take care in filling out the ESTA form to make sure all fields are correct. A real person with a deep understanding of the ESTA process will review your submitted information to ensure the highest chance of approval. If there is anything that appears incorrect, missing or otherwise wrong we will contact you immediately to resolve the issue before processing the application. We are here to help you get approved, and this is why our customers have the highest ESTA approval rates in the industry.
Multiple visits with ESTA
Unfortunately, the United States does not have a clearly defined standard for how frequently you can visit with ESTA approval under the Visa Waiver Program. It is clear however that you cannot use Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean (adjacent territories) to "reset" your 90 days. Stays in these areas when the US is used as an entry point will count towards your 90-day period. The US only states that there should be "a reasonable amount of time between visits". A US Customs and Border Protection officer evaluates if you are attempting to live in the United States based on your recent travel activity. Presenting the US Customs and Border Protection officer with evidence of commitments and residence outside the United States will support your claim but does not guarantee frequent readmission.
Can I learn why my travel authorization was denied?
Generally, the only reasons you may be denied travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program are:
- You have not fulfilled the Visa Waiver Program requirements for one or more reasons.
- You pose a security or law enforcement risk.
You have the ability to check the Department of Homeland Security Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) for possible solutions to application denial but not all inquiries can be resolved.
You can also contact us if you would like to learn more about why your authorization was denied.
Expedited visa request after ESTA denial
There are no guarantees for quick (next day) appointments with a United States Embassy or Consulate, so it is highly recommended to apply for an ESTA as soon as travel to the United States is considered.
Average customs wait times for top international arrivals airports
By using data from the Customs and Border Protection airport wait times website, we can give you insight into the expected customs processing time for some of the busiest international airports.
The data below is the average customs wait time calculated from the period of June 2014 to June 2015 for the top 5 busiest international airports.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – 140 minutes
Miami International Airport (MIA) – 50 minutes
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – 42 minutes
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 41 minutes
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – 39 minutes
This data is freely accessible at http://awt.cbp.gov/.
Basic requirements for ESTA
- Stays of less than 90 days for business, tourism, medical treatment or similar reasons
- Citizen or national of a US Visa Waiver Program designated country
- Roundtrip travel to (or travel through) the US on an approved air/sea carrier
- Not previously found ineligible for a US visa
- If you've traveled to the US already, you have been compliant with previous admission conditions
- You possess a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months after your planned departure from the US
Visa Waiver Program country details
As of 2015, there are 38 countries that participate in the United States' Visa Waiver Program. Since the creation of this program, many countries have applied for acceptance into the program, but not all are approved. The United States takes Visa Waiver Program inclusion very seriously for several reasons.
Illegal immigrants
Certain countries may have emigration issues caused by a financial crisis or political instability. Accepting such countries into the Visa Waiver Program may put the United States at risk for an influx of illegal immigrants.
Law enforcement
The visa refusal rate for a country that has requested inclusion into the Visa Waiver Program is closely examined by the United States government. Because many of the visa approval requirements are related to a citizen's history of abiding by the law, this is a good indicator of that country's applicants' intentions while visiting the United States. If a country has a visa refusal rate of more than about 3%, it will not be accepted into the Visa Waiver Program.
Security
National security cannot be compromised by the Visa Waiver Program. All participating countries must comply with strict passport requirements that reduce the likelihood of forgery and false identity.
Visa Waiver Program country details
There are several countries that are currently waiting for acceptance into the Visa Waiver Program. There are also a few countries that have been removed from the program as well. For example, Argentina and Uruguay were both previously included but have since been removed because of financial instability and the possibility of mass emigration into the United States. Some countries that are being closely considered at this time are Poland, Israel, and Turkey. In order for a country to become accepted into the Visa Waiver Program, it must meet the following conditions.
- They must reciprocate travel in a similar manner to their country for United States citizens
- They must have low nonimmigrant refusal rates for previous years of about 2-3%
- They must issue machine-readable passports that are tamper-resistant with biometric identifiers to their citizens
- They must report and communicate with INTERPOL about the loss or theft of passports
- They must repatriate citizens that are deported from the United States within three weeks
- They must share information about citizens that represent a threat to the United States welfare and security
- They must not compromise security interests or law enforcement efforts of the United States
No specific travel dates?
You can use the ESTA application form to get your travel authorization before you've made specific travel arrangements. Apply without travel dates when you may need to visit the United States on short notice. The ESTA application process does not require specific travel dates or travel details.
Visa Waiver Program considerations
Before you attain travel authorization under the US Visa Waiver Program, it is important to know about the following conditions to the program.
- You may not change your non-immigrant status or extend your non-immigration status once you receive travel authorization under the US Visa Waiver Program.
- If you violate the terms of the US Visa Waiver Program, you have no right to appeal other than if applying for asylum.
Do I need the ESTA if entering the US by land?
You do not need to use the ESTA process if you enter the United States from Canada or Mexico by land. When arriving by land, you will be required to fill out the I-94W form and pay a $6.00 processing fee by cash.
If entering the United States by commercial plane or boat (approved carrier), you will need travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program, and you will need to apply for the ESTA.
Note: Traveling by the ferries that operate between Vancouver and Victoria, BC and Washington State is treated as a land entry method.
Prior arrests and convictions
The ESTA application form has a field that inquires about arrest and conviction for an offense or crime. In general, the Department of Homeland Security will deny your travel authorization if you've ever been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude that is defined as "conduct that is considered contrary to community standards of justice, honesty or good morals." This definition can be subject to some interpretation so if you think your ESTA will be denied for this type of arrest or conviction it is best to apply for a visa.
If you are unsure about your qualifications for the Visa Waiver Program or the ESTA process, contact us by email, chat or the contact us form and we can answer your questions.
Prior drunk driving conviction
Generally speaking, a single DUI conviction is not grounds to deny travel authorization or entry into the United States. Multiple DUI convictions or DUI convictions in combination with other offenses may make a person inadmissible to the United States, however. Any conviction involving moral turpitude will cause the ESTA application to be rejected (see moral turpitude details above). If you have reasonable concerns that your convictions will result in ESTA denial, a request for a visa is recommended.
If you are uncertain about the ESTA process or about qualifying for the Visa Waiver Program, contact us by email, chat or the contact us form and we can answer your questions.
ESTA application vs. electronic visa application
The requirements for the ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program are much less demanding than those of the non-immigrant visa electronic application. The visa application requires more biometric and travel information than the ESTA applicat
Visa Waiver Program and ESTA history
Explaining the history of the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA can help you understand the travel authorization process and why it is so important for the United States.
Before the Visa Waiver Program was established in 1986, obtaining authorization to travel to the United States for tourism or short-term business required a "B" nonimmigrant visa. In an effort to promote international business and tourism visits, the United States Congress passed legislation for the Visa Waiver Program that bypassed the lengthy process to obtain a nonimmigrant visa for citizens of specifically approved countries. The idea behind this legislation was to recognize low-risk travelers from specific countries and grant them travel authorization with a faster method and a reduced amount effort (from both the traveler and the United States).
The first country to be accepted into the Visa Waiver Program was the United Kingdom in July of 1988. At that time, there was no electronic system in place, and the Visa Waiver Program operated as a paper system using the I-94W form. In 2006, the United States introduced an electronic system that eliminated the need for paper forms, further streamlining the process. This is known as today's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The Visa Waiver Program has been a success since it was introduced in 1986. In 2012, over 19 million visitors used the Visa Waiver Program, which was 40% of all overseas visitors. It now has 38 participating countries with several more are awaiting approval.
Multiple passports
The ESTA application form requires information from a specific passport. The passport used to fill out the ESTA form must also be used while traveling to the United States. If a traveler renews or replaces a passport before traveling, they must submit a new ESTA application using the updated passport information.
Departing the United States
The Visa Waiver Program states that you must arrive at the United States on a participating carrier (air or sea) but there is no rule stating your departure must be on a participating carrier.
Do I need the ESTA if entering the US on a private plane?
Generally, you will require a visa if entering the United States on a private aircraft. If the private plane has an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to transport passengers through the Visa Waiver Program, you can apply for travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program and enter the United States with this method using the ESTA.
Visa Waiver Program countries
The following 38 countries have been accepted into the Visa Waiver Program by the United States and citizens of these countries can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The United Kingdom, Taiwan, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, South Korea, Slovenia, Slovakia, Singapore, San Marino, Republic of Malta, Portugal, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Monaco, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Japan, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Greece, Germany, Hungary, France, Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Czech Republic, Chili, Brunei, Belgium, Austria, Australia and Andorra
Exceeding your 90-day limit
If you stay longer than 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program and you have not extended your allowable stay with the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service (emergency situations only), you will lose your travel authorization and not be able to use the ESTA. Subsequent trips to the United States will require a visa.
Do I need the ESTA if entering the US on a private boat?
You will require a visa if traveling to the United States on a private boat. The Visa Waiver Program does not have provisions for this type of travel.
My passport has an "X" for the sex marker
The ESTA application form only has choices for male or female gender at this time. Although the selection of one of these is required, it will not solely determine the outcome of the travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program.
How does the ESTA work?
The USA ESTA process requires entering personal information about the traveler into the online application form, submitting payment and receiving the results typically within minutes.
This process requires the following items:
- Information about the traveler such as home address and phone number
- Information from the traveler's valid passport
- A valid email address
- A credit or debit card for payment.
Once the ESTA application form is complete, and payment is submitted, our agents will carefully review the information and look for errors. We've processed thousands of applications just like yours and know from experience what to check. After we confirm the application data, the information is submitted, and we monitor status. Once approved, we send you an informative email confirmation with a pdf attachment of the acceptance document. The entire USA ESTA process takes a few minutes, and you'll be approved for travel to the United States.Once the ESTA application form is complete, and payment is submitted, our agents will carefully review the information and look for errors. We've processed thousands of applications just like yours and know from experience what to check. After we confirm the application data, the information is submitted, and we monitor status. Once approved, we send you an informative email confirmation with a pdf attachment of the acceptance document. The entire USA ESTA process takes a few minutes, and you'll be approved for travel to the United States
Travel authorization expiration while in the United States
As long as your travel authorization is valid for the date of arrival in the United States, you will not need to reapply for a new travel authorization. It is acceptable to have a travel authorization expire after entry into the United States, but subsequent travel to the United States will require a new travel authorization. Your passport needs to remain valid for your entire visit to the United States.
What if my passport is about to expire before my trip to the United States?
You can obtain travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program with a passport that is nearing the expiration date. However, the passport needs to remain valid for the entire duration of your trip. Your departure date from the United States must be before the 90 days maximum stay allowance or the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first.
For more details about valid passports, see the passport requirements area.
HIV and the Visa Waiver Program
In 2009, HIV was removed from a list of "communicable disease of public health significance" by the US Government. Since then, qualified HIV positive travelers can obtain travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program. However, if an individual has been denied entry to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program in the past because of their HIV status (before 2009), United States Federal law states that they will not be given travel authorization through the Visa Waiver Program. Individuals that were previously denied entry under the Visa Waiver Program because of their HIV status need to apply for a visa.
If you are unsure about the ESTA process or meeting the qualifications of the Visa Waiver Program, contact us via email, chat or the contact us form and we can answer your questions immediately.
What happens to my personal information when I apply with the ESTA?
Simply stated, your personal information submitted on the ESTA form is used for a screening process. Government databases that hold information about individuals with derogatory records are utilized in an attempt to identify and prevent travel for those that may pose a threat to the United States.
The United States government has a system of records that allows Customs and Border Protection to collect and maintain information about individuals that apply for the Visa Waiver Program with the ESTA. The personal information supplied on the ESTA form is vetted by Customs and Border Protection against two primary law information databases to determine if travel authorization will be granted to the applicant. These primary databases that personal data is used with are called the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) and the Automated Targeting System (ATS). When someone submits the ESTA application, their personal information is screened through the ATS for terrorist activity or threats to aviation and border security. The information is also screened through the IBIS for law enforcement interests.
In some cases, personal information may also be used with other security and law enforcement databases at other federal agencies for further screening steps as well. The Department of Homeland Security also discloses that the information may be shared with other federal security and counter-terrorism agencies as well as case-by-case instances to state, local, territorial, tribal, foreign or international government agencies.
What is the "Passport Issuing Country"?
This field is found on the ESTA application form and can be confusing if you received your passport through a consulate. For example, if you are currently a UK citizen but received your passport through the UK consulate while in Japan, your passport issuing country is the UK. Generally speaking, consulates are an extension of the country that they represent.
Is the Visa Waiver Program related to the Global Entry Program?
These two programs are somewhat related and can be confused because they share similar screening procedures. The fundamental difference between the two lies in the primary function of each program. The primary function of the Global Entry Program is to expedite customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers which is very different than the Visa Waiver Program's primary function. The Visa Waiver Program's (VWP) primary function is to allow travelers to enter the United States without obtaining a visa.
Key Similarities
- They both share eligibility requirements such as criminal history, immigration violations, passport type, and specific country citizenship.
- They are both used during the Customs inspection process upon entry into the United States.
- They both share a risk-based approach when evaluating the acceptance of individuals into the programs (and into the United States).
Key Differences
- The Visa Waiver Program aims to facilitate travel to the United States by waiving the visa requirement for citizens of 38 specific countries. The Global Entry Program seeks to expedite the immigration process with low-risk travelers from 7 specific countries.
- To qualify for the Global Entry Program, participants of some countries must have an approved ESTA but there are no Global Entry Program requirements for the ESTA application process.
If you've already acquired your travel authorization through the ESTA process, you may be eligible for the Global Entry Program for a faster customs experience. Use the following link to learn more about the Global Entry Program.
http://www.cbp.gov/global-entry/about
Are the 90-day stay period and the two-year travel authorization period related?
Do not confuse the two-year travel authorization period with the 90-day stay period.
When you receive travel authorization through the ESTA process, it is good for two years to allow multiple trips to the United States. Each trip to the United States, however, cannot exceed 90 days or you will be in violation of the Visa Waiver Program.
How are the ESTA application and the paper I-94W / I-94 form related?
The I-94W form and the ESTA application form contain very similar information. Completing both is not required when arriving at the United States.
Use the ESTA if arriving by air or sea (on an approved carrier* and residing in a participating Visa Waiver Program country).
Use the I-94 / I-94W form when arriving by crossing a land border via Canada or Mexico.
The ESTA process has reduced the need for the paper I-94 / I-94W form due to the electronic collection of information by Customs and Border Protection.
*An approved carrier is typically any major commercial air or cruise line.
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