Travel to the United States for short visits, whether for leisure, business activities, or transit, often requires an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) if you are a passport holder of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). ESTA is not a visa; it is a pre-travel clearance system used to check travellers before they board transport to the U.S., confirming they meet eligibility and security requirements. Because rules, eligible country lists, and application fees can change, it is important to review the latest official guidance before applying.
What this article is about
This guide explains the Electronic System for Travel Authorization in detail. It covers who must obtain ESTA (including children and infants), how to apply, the eligibility framework, and compliance rules for travel under the Visa Waiver Program. It also sets out step-by-step instructions, highlights common issues leading to refusals, and provides practical tips to avoid delays or complications when travelling to the United States.
Section A: Understanding the ESTA
Travelling to the United States through the Visa Waiver Program requires a sound understanding of ESTA. This section explains the nature of the system, who requires it, and the limited situations in which it does not apply. It also clarifies the distinction between ESTA and a U.S. visa. While ESTA authorisation allows a traveller to board a flight or ship bound for the U.S., the final decision on admission is always taken by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry.
1. What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an automated platform operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It pre-screens nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries before they travel, checking their biographical details, security information, and travel history against U.S. databases.
ESTA is not a visa and does not grant the right to enter the United States. It permits carriers to board VWP-eligible travellers for transportation to a U.S. port of entry. CBP officers retain absolute discretion to admit or refuse entry on arrival. ESTA also does not provide work rights, study permissions, or immigration status of any kind.
2. Who Needs an ESTA?
All travellers who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries must secure an approved ESTA before travelling to the U.S. for tourism, short business activities, or transit for up to 90 days. This requirement applies regardless of age: each child, including infants, must have an individual ESTA linked to their own passport.
Examples of situations requiring ESTA include:
- Tourism or sightseeing visits to the United States
- Short-term business activities such as attending meetings or conferences
- Transit through the U.S. to a third country
Carriers are instructed to deny boarding to VWP nationals who require but do not hold a valid ESTA.
3. When You Don’t Need an ESTA
ESTA is not necessary in the following situations:
- U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
- Travellers with a valid U.S. visa (e.g. B-1/B-2 or other nonimmigrant categories)
- VWP travellers entering by land from Canada or Mexico: ESTA is not required, though a Form I-94W and a $6 fee are collected at the border. However, ESTA will be required if departing the U.S. later by air or sea.
- Nationals of countries outside the Visa Waiver Program (these travellers must obtain the appropriate visa before travel)
Section Summary: ESTA is a pre-travel screening system for VWP travellers making short visits to the United States. It is mandatory for all age groups, applies to tourism, business, and transit, and is distinct from a visa. While ESTA enables boarding, CBP makes the final decision on entry.
Section B: ESTA Eligibility
Before applying, it is essential to confirm that you meet the requirements for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. While many travellers qualify, certain circumstances can lead to refusal. This section explains who is eligible, the conditions of travel, and the common factors that make an applicant ineligible.
1. Eligibility Under the Visa Waiver Program
To apply for ESTA, you must hold a passport from a country recognised under the Visa Waiver Program. As of 2025, there are 40 participating countries, including the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and most European Union member states.
Key conditions for eligibility include:
- Purpose of travel: The trip must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
- Length of stay: Each visit must not exceed 90 days, including any onward travel to Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands during the same trip.
- Valid e-passport: Your passport must be an electronic passport containing a digital chip.
- Proof of onward or return travel: You must show evidence of departure from the U.S. within the 90-day limit.
If your purpose of travel involves work, study, or a longer stay, ESTA is not suitable. In those cases, you must apply for the relevant U.S. visa instead.
2. Ineligibility Scenarios
Even if you hold a VWP passport, certain factors can make you ineligible for ESTA. These include:
- Previous denials: Past visa or ESTA refusals often trigger additional scrutiny and may disqualify you from ESTA use.
- Immigration breaches: Overstays, unauthorised employment, or other violations of U.S. entry conditions normally bar ESTA approval.
- Criminal history: Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, drug-related offences, or multiple convictions can disqualify you.
- Travel to restricted countries: Travel since March 2011 to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen makes you ineligible. These restrictions are subject to change, so always check the latest CBP guidance.
- Dual nationality: Dual nationals of a VWP country and one of the restricted countries are barred from using ESTA entirely and must apply for a visa.
Applicants who fall into any of these categories must apply for a conventional nonimmigrant visa, typically a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Importantly, ESTA refusals cannot be appealed or reviewed, so the only option is to pursue a visa application.
Section Summary: ESTA is only available to passport holders from participating countries who meet the VWP conditions for travel. Immigration violations, certain criminal convictions, or travel and nationality links to restricted countries will make an applicant ineligible, in which case a standard U.S. visa must be sought.
Section C: ESTA Application Process
The ESTA application process is designed to be straightforward and completed entirely online, but accuracy is critical. Errors or incomplete information can result in refusal, delays, or additional checks. This section explains where to apply, what information is required, how long decisions take, and the cost involved.
1. How to Apply for ESTA
Applications must be submitted through the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Third-party sites often charge inflated fees or misrepresent services, so applicants should use the official portal only.
You will need to provide the following information:
- Personal details: Your full name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Passport details: Passport number, issuing authority, and expiry date.
- Travel details: Intended flight or ship details, U.S. accommodation address, and emergency contact information.
- Security and background questions: Information about health conditions, criminal history, past immigration breaches, and travel to restricted countries.
Accuracy is essential. Even small mistakes, such as an incorrect passport number, can cause rejection or delays.
2. Application Review and Approval Timelines
Most applications are processed within minutes, though it can take up to 72 hours. Travellers are advised to apply at least three days before departure. Submitting the application well ahead of time provides flexibility if there are complications or if a visa application becomes necessary.
Once approved, ESTA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. While it is not necessary to carry a printed copy, retaining a copy of the approval may be useful in case of airline or system issues. Applicants can check their status anytime by logging into the ESTA portal with their passport details and confirmation number.
3. Cost and Payment
As of 2025, the ESTA application fee is $21 (USD). Payments can be made by debit card, credit card, or PayPal through the official CBP system. If the application is denied, the fee is non-refundable.
Because fees may change, applicants should always confirm the current amount on the official CBP website before submitting an application.
Section Summary: The ESTA application process is quick when submitted online through the official CBP portal. Travellers must ensure information is correct, apply at least 72 hours before departure, and confirm the current $21 fee. Avoid third-party services that charge unnecessary fees.
Section D: Validity and Restrictions
Understanding how long an ESTA remains valid, the permitted duration of each stay, and the limits on repeated use is crucial to staying compliant with U.S. border rules. This section explains ESTA validity, the 90-day stay rule, and when a new application must be submitted.
1. Duration of Validity
An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of issue, or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. If you renew or replace your passport, you must submit a new ESTA application to link the updated passport details.
During the validity period, multiple trips to the U.S. are permitted without reapplying, provided your circumstances have not changed and each trip complies with Visa Waiver Program conditions.
2. Length of Stay Allowed
Each entry to the United States under ESTA allows a stay of up to 90 days. This period also counts any time spent in Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands if visited during the same trip after entering the U.S.
Consequences of overstaying include:
- Immediate cancellation of ESTA authorisation
- Permanent loss of eligibility to use ESTA in the future
- Significant difficulties when applying for U.S. visas later
Travellers making frequent, consecutive trips that suggest an intention to live in the United States rather than visit temporarily may also be refused entry by CBP officers.
3. Submitting a New ESTA Application
ESTA does not have a renewal mechanism. A new application must be submitted if:
- Your passport expires or is replaced
- Your current ESTA expires
- Your personal circumstances change, such as acquiring new criminal convictions or travelling to restricted countries
Travellers should complete a new application in advance of planned trips, especially during peak travel periods, to avoid last-minute complications.
Section Summary: An ESTA is generally valid for two years or until passport expiry, allowing multiple entries within that time. Each stay must not exceed 90 days. Overstays, repeated back-to-back visits, or changed circumstances require a new application and may affect future travel rights.
Section E: Compliance and Common Issues
Securing an ESTA approval is only the first step. To maintain eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program, travellers must comply with all conditions of use. This section explains key compliance responsibilities, common reasons ESTA applications are refused or cancelled, and the options available if an ESTA is denied.
1. Travel Compliance
To remain compliant while travelling on ESTA, the following rules must be followed:
- Accurate information: All details submitted in the application must be truthful and updated where permitted.
- Permitted purposes only: ESTA authorises travel for tourism, business, or transit. It cannot be used for employment, study, or residence.
- No employment: Any form of work, whether paid or unpaid, including internships and volunteering, is prohibited.
- Proof of onward travel: Travellers should carry evidence of return or onward tickets showing departure within the 90-day period.
- Lawful behaviour: All U.S. laws and immigration conditions must be respected throughout the stay.
2. Common Reasons for ESTA Denial
ESTA applications can be refused for many reasons, including:
- Incorrect or incomplete data: Errors such as misspelled names or incorrect passport numbers can trigger denial.
- Immigration history: Previous overstays, illegal work, or other violations of U.S. immigration rules will often lead to refusal.
- Criminal history: Convictions involving moral turpitude, drug offences, or multiple convictions are red flags for ESTA approval.
- Security flags: Past travel to restricted countries or other security concerns detected during screening.
3. What to Do if Your ESTA is Denied
ESTA refusals cannot be appealed or reviewed. The only alternative is to apply for a standard visa, such as the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants should expect to:
- Explain their travel history and the circumstances of the ESTA refusal
- Provide supporting evidence of ties to their home country, such as employment or family connections
- Attend a consular interview and undergo additional background checks
Because visa processing takes longer than ESTA, travellers should apply well in advance of intended trips if an ESTA refusal is likely.
Section Summary: Compliance with ESTA rules is mandatory, including using ESTA only for permitted activities and respecting the 90-day limit. Errors, past immigration breaches, or criminal convictions are common reasons for refusal. ESTA refusals cannot be appealed, and a consular visa application is the only alternative route for lawful entry.
Section F: Tips for Smooth Travel
Even with a valid ESTA, preparation is key to avoiding delays or complications on arrival in the United States. This section provides practical guidance for ensuring a smooth journey, covering both pre-departure checks and what to expect at the U.S. border.
1. Before You Travel
Travellers should complete the following checks before departure:
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport will remain valid for the duration of your stay. Nationals of countries in the “Six-Month Club,” including the United Kingdom, only need validity through the intended period of stay, not six months beyond.
- Confirm ESTA approval: Check that your ESTA is approved and valid for the full duration of your trip. If it is due to expire before travel, submit a new application.
- Carry confirmation: Although ESTA is electronically linked to your passport, having a printed copy of your approval can be useful in case of technical errors.
- Onward or return travel: Have evidence of onward or return travel within the 90-day limit.
- Proof of ties to your home country: Documents such as employment confirmation, property deeds, or family records can demonstrate your intent to return if asked by CBP officers.
2. At the U.S. Port of Entry
ESTA authorisation does not guarantee entry. The decision rests with Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry. To support a smooth admission process:
- Answer truthfully: Provide clear, consistent responses to questions in line with your ESTA details.
- Keep documents accessible: Have your passport, accommodation details, and return travel information ready for inspection.
- Be cooperative if selected for secondary inspection: Additional questioning is not uncommon. Remain calm and provide requested information to verify your travel intentions.
Section Summary: Careful preparation reduces the risk of problems when travelling with ESTA. Check passport and ESTA validity, carry proof of onward travel and home ties, and be ready to present accurate information to CBP officers at the port of entry.
FAQs
What happens if my ESTA expires while I am in the U.S.?
If your ESTA expires after you have entered the United States, you may remain for the authorised 90-day period. However, you must apply for a new ESTA before making any future trips.
Can I update my ESTA with new travel information?
Yes. Certain details, such as your U.S. accommodation address or flight information, can be updated free of charge. If you obtain a new passport or if your personal circumstances change—for example, due to criminal history or travel to a restricted country—you must submit a new ESTA application.
Is ESTA a visa?
No. ESTA is a pre-travel authorisation for boarding a carrier to the United States. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry. Admission decisions are made by CBP officers at the port of entry.
Can I work in the U.S. on an ESTA?
No. ESTA does not allow any form of employment. This includes paid and unpaid work, internships, and volunteering. Attempting to work on ESTA can result in removal from the United States and long-term travel restrictions.
How long before travel should I apply for ESTA?
While many applications are approved within minutes, it is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Applying early ensures time to resolve issues or to apply for a visa if ESTA is refused.
Conclusion
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) simplifies short-term travel to the United States for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries. By understanding eligibility rules, the application process, and ongoing compliance responsibilities, travellers can minimise risks of delays or refusals at the border.
Always apply through the official CBP website, ensure your passport and ESTA remain valid, and comply with the 90-day stay limit. Travellers with complex circumstances—such as prior immigration breaches, criminal convictions, or dual nationality with restricted countries—should consider seeking professional legal advice before applying, as ESTA refusals cannot be appealed.
With careful preparation, ESTA provides a convenient and efficient way to travel to the United States without the need for a visa, while maintaining the security and compliance standards required under U.S. immigration law.
Glossary
| ESTA | The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, an automated system that determines eligibility for Visa Waiver Program travel to the United States. |
| VWP (Visa Waiver Program) | A U.S. program allowing eligible nationals to visit for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, for tourism, business, or transit purposes. |
| CBP (Customs and Border Protection) | The U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration checks and border enforcement at ports of entry. |
| Overstay | Remaining in the United States beyond the authorised 90-day period under ESTA or the VWP, which can result in cancellation of ESTA eligibility and future visa complications. |
| Six-Month Club | Countries whose nationals are exempt from the requirement that passports be valid for six months beyond their intended stay in the U.S.; the United Kingdom is included in this list. |
Useful Links
| Official ESTA Application | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ |
| U.S. Visa Waiver Program | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html |
| CBP Traveller Information | https://www.cbp.gov/travel |
| DavidsonMorris ESTA Guide | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/esta/ |
| NNU Immigration ESTA Guide | https://www.nnuimmigration.com/esta/ |
| CBP ESTA FAQs | https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta |
