Applying for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a straightforward online process that most travelers can complete in under 20 minutes. This guide walks you through every step of the ESTA application process, from gathering your documents to receiving your approval.
Before You Start: What You Need
Before beginning your ESTA application, make sure you have the following ready:
- A valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country
- Your home address and contact information
- Your employer’s name and address (if applicable)
- Emergency contact information
- Your U.S. point of contact (hotel, person, or business you plan to visit)
- A valid credit card, debit card, or PayPal account for payment
Your passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information. Machine-readable passports without biometric features are not eligible for ESTA travel.
Step-by-Step ESTA Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website
Navigate to the official U.S. government ESTA website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. This is the only authorized website for ESTA applications. Be aware that many third-party websites charge excessive fees for the same service. Always verify the URL before entering personal information.
Step 2: Accept the Terms and Conditions
Read and accept the disclaimer and terms of use. This page explains that ESTA authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States and that a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
Step 3: Choose Application Type
Select either “Individual Application” for a single traveler or “Group of Applications” if you are applying for multiple travelers at once. Group applications are convenient for families traveling together, though each person still needs their own ESTA.
Step 4: Enter Applicant Information
Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport:
- Full legal name (as shown on passport)
- Gender
- Date of birth
- City and country of birth
- Country of nationality
- Passport number
- Passport issuance and expiration dates
- Other names or aliases, if applicable
- Other nationalities, if applicable
Important: Enter your information exactly as it appears on your passport. Any discrepancies between your ESTA application and passport can cause issues at the port of entry.
Step 5: Provide Additional Personal Information
Continue with the following required fields:
- Home address (street, city, state/province, postal code, country)
- Phone number
- Email address
- Parents’ full names (if known)
- Employer name and address (if currently employed)
- Social media accounts (optional)
Step 6: Answer Eligibility Questions
You must answer a series of yes/no questions regarding:
- Physical or mental health conditions
- Drug abuse or addiction
- Arrest or conviction history
- Immigration violations
- Travel to restricted countries
- Terrorist activities or espionage
- Employment intentions in the U.S.
- Previous visa denials or overstays
Answer all questions truthfully. Providing false information on an ESTA application can result in permanent ineligibility for the Visa Waiver Program and potential criminal charges.
Step 7: Enter Trip Information
Provide details about your upcoming trip:
- Your U.S. point of contact (name, address, phone number)
- If you do not have a specific contact, you can enter your hotel information
- Contact information while in the United States
Note: Trip information is not required to submit the application. You can complete this section later if your travel plans are not yet finalized.
Step 8: Review Your Application
Carefully review all entered information before submitting. Check for:
- Spelling errors in your name
- Correct passport number
- Accurate dates of birth and passport expiration
- Proper answers to all eligibility questions
If you need to make changes, use the back button to return to previous sections.
Step 9: Pay the Application Fee
The total ESTA fee is $40.27 USD, which includes:
- Application processing fee: $10.27
- Authorization fee (charged upon approval): $30.00
Payment methods accepted:
- MasterCard
- VISA
- American Express
- Discover (JCB or Diners Club only)
- PayPal
Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Step 10: Submit and Record Your Application Number
After payment, you will receive an application number. Write down this number or take a screenshot – you will need it to check your application status. The application number is your reference for all future inquiries about your ESTA.
Understanding ESTA Application Status
After submission, your application will show one of three statuses:
- Authorization Approved: You are cleared to travel to the United States under the VWP
- Authorization Pending: Your application requires additional processing time
- Travel Not Authorized: Your ESTA application has been denied
Most applications are approved within seconds, but CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel to allow for any processing delays.
ESTA for Children and Minors
Every traveler, including infants and children of all ages, needs their own ESTA authorization. Parents or legal guardians may complete the application on behalf of their children. Each child must have their own valid passport.
Group ESTA Applications
The group application feature allows one person to submit applications for multiple travelers simultaneously. This is useful for families or tour groups. Each traveler still receives their own individual ESTA authorization, and the group application fee is charged per person.
Common ESTA Application Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors that can delay or derail your application:
- Passport information errors: Double-check your passport number, expiration date, and name spelling
- Using an ineligible passport: Ensure your passport is biometric and from a VWP country
- Incomplete eligibility answers: Leaving questions unanswered will prevent submission
- Using third-party websites: Only use the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov website
- Waiting until the last minute: Apply at least 72 hours before departure
- Not updating expired information: If your passport expires, you need a new ESTA
ESTA Application Tips
- Apply as soon as you begin planning your trip
- Use a computer rather than a mobile device for easier form completion
- Keep your passport open next to you while filling out the application
- Save your application number immediately after submission
- Check your email for status updates (though most approvals are instant)
- If your ESTA expires during your trip, you are still allowed to complete your visit
What to Do If Your ESTA Is Denied
If your ESTA application is denied, you have several options:
- Apply for a nonimmigrant visa (B-1/B-2) at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Review your application for errors and reapply if you believe the denial was based on incorrect information
- Wait if your application shows “pending” status – it may still be approved
- Contact CBP if you believe there has been an error
A visa application involves an in-person interview and additional documentation, but it provides an opportunity to explain any issues that led to the ESTA denial.
ESTA Renewal
You cannot renew an existing ESTA. When your authorization expires, you must submit a new application. The process is identical to your initial application. You can apply for a new ESTA at any time, even before your current one expires.
Important Links
For more information about related topics, visit:
- ESTA USA complete guide
- Visa Waiver Program information
- How to check your ESTA status
- ESTA fees and validity details
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Applications
How long does the ESTA application take to complete?
The online application typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete. You need your passport, travel information, and payment method ready before starting. The form cannot be saved and resumed, so allow enough uninterrupted time to complete it in one sitting.
Can I apply for ESTA without confirmed travel plans?
Yes, you can submit your ESTA application without confirmed travel plans. The trip information section is optional and can be updated later. Many travelers apply for ESTA well in advance of booking their flights.
What if I make a mistake on my ESTA application?
If you realize you made an error after submission, some information can be updated on the ESTA website (email address, phone number, U.S. point of contact). For errors in passport details, name, or eligibility answers, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again.
Do I need to print my ESTA approval?
No, printing is not required since ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. However, keeping a printed copy or screenshot of your application number and approval status is recommended for your records and in case of any system issues.
Can someone else submit my ESTA application?
Yes, a third party such as a travel agent, family member, or friend can submit the ESTA application on your behalf. However, the applicant remains responsible for the accuracy of all information provided.
What happens if my passport expires before my ESTA?
If your passport expires, your ESTA becomes invalid regardless of its remaining validity period. You must obtain a new passport and then submit a new ESTA application with your new passport details.
