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Your complete guide to understanding and applying for the U.S. ESTA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the U.S. ESTA?

The U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to enter or transit through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is similar to systems like the UK ETA or Canada’s eTA.

The ESTA allows you to travel to the United States for tourism, business, short-term non-credit study, medical visits, or transit under the Visa Waiver Program. It permits stays of up to 90 days per visit. ESTA does not replace a visa for those needing to work, study long-term, or immigrate to the U.S.

You cannot use the ESTA to live, work (paid or unpaid), or study in the U.S. for academic credit or long-term programs. It also does not allow you to apply for permanent residency or change your immigration status. Travelers with multiple passports must enter the U.S. using the same passport used for the ESTA application.

All nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling to the United States by air or sea for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Each traveler, including minors, must have a separate ESTA linked to their individual e-passport.

Travelers with dual nationality must use the same passport for both the ESTA application and entry into the United States.

Certain individuals are ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa, including those who:

  • Have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.

  • Have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

  • Are dual nationals of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.

You do not need to apply for ESTA if you are:
• A U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• A lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
• A traveler entering with a valid U.S. visa
• A Canadian or Bermudian citizen (for most short visits — specific rules apply)
• Traveling by land from Canada or Mexico (different entry procedures apply)

ESTA is only required for eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling by air or sea.

Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own approved ESTA. Parents or legal guardians can complete the application on behalf of minors. When traveling with children—especially if they are unaccompanied or accompanied by someone other than their legal guardian—additional documentation such as parental consent letters or custody proof may be requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

Once approved, the U.S. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. It allows for multiple entries into the United States, with each visit lasting up to 90 days. Travelers must apply for a new ESTA if they get a new passport or if their personal details change.

To apply for a U.S. ESTA, you will need:

• A valid e-passport from a Visa Waiver Program country (must be valid for the duration of your stay in the U.S.)
• A valid email address to receive confirmation
• A payment method (credit/debit card or PayPal) for the application fee

The ESTA will be electronically linked to your passport. However, it’s recommended to keep a digital and printed copyof your approval with you when you travel. Additional information may be requested if needed.

The U.S. government fee for an ESTA application is $21 USD.

When applying through us, a service fee is also charged in addition to the government fee. Our standard service fee is USD 129.00 or EUR 115.00 for regular processing. If you need your application expedited, we offer a priority rush service for USD 148.00 or EUR 135.00, which we strive to process within 24 hours (see Terms and Conditions for more details on when this applies).

You can choose from two processing options:

  • Standard: For travelers with more time before departure.

  • Priority Rush: A faster alternative for those needing quicker approval.

Note: The government fee remains fixed; our service fee varies based on processing speed. Begin your application to view the full total before checkout.

We’ve helped travelers navigate visa and travel authorization processes for over 10 years. Our goal is to make applying for the U.S. ESTA easy, fast, and stress-free.

Why travelers choose us:

• Simplified process – Easier to complete than the official application
• 24/7 support – Friendly help available anytime you need it
• Clear guidance – Step-by-step help, even for non-native English speakers
• Proven experience – Thousands of successful ESTA applications

We charge a service fee in addition to the official government fee, but many travelers find the extra support and peace of mind well worth it.

Where can I learn more about the UK ETA and US ESTA?

In case you have any questions about the UK ETA or US ESTA or any other travel document, you can reach out to our customer support team at info@travelauthorize.com

The customer service phone number for the International Callers: +35722059295

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