USA ESTA Application

Who Can Apply for the ESTA USA?

The American ESTA is issued to travelers from selected visa-free countries, such as Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and EU member states.

To take part in the Visa Waiver Program, visitors must travel for purposes of tourism, business, or transit and don't stay in the US for more than 90 consecutive days.

Other long-term visits (e.g., for employment) require the applicant to obtain a visa.

We advise using the Passporta entry requirements checker to see which nationalities are eligible for the ESTA application and which require a visa.

ESTA USA Requirements

For a successful application for the US ESTA, travelers need a biometric passport (e-passport) with an embedded electronic chip, valid for at least 6 months.

They also need a private email address they can easily access – the approved ESTA will be delivered electronically.

What is the ESTA USA?

The ESTA USA is a government-issued electronic travel permit under the Visa Waiver Program that allows entry into the United States.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is obtainable online, so the applicants can avoid traditional paperwork and embassy visits.

The application can be completed via our platform, Passporta. With us, travelers can be sure their online forms are checked before submission.

Travelers can get an ESTA only in the case of tourism, business, and transit.

After the approval, the ESTA remains valid for 2 years and permits multiple 90-day visits to the United States.

How to Apply for the ESTA USA?

The online application process for the US ESTA makes traveling to the United States easier than ever.

The entire procedure can be completed from home without the need to visit the embassy or complex in-person formalities.

1. Fill out the online form with personal data, travel details, and passport information.
2. Check the provided answers and make sure they are free from spelling mistakes.
3. Pay the processing fee for issuing the ESTA for the trip to the United States.

Payment can be covered with a credit card, debit card, or an online service (such as PayPal, Sofort, Klarna, etc.)

After around 3 business days, the applicant receives their approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization permit.

It's not necessary to print out the ESTA as it's connected to the passport number.

ESTA USA Validity and Period of Stay

The US Electronic System for Travel Authorization is valid for 2 years* from the date of issue or until the connected passport expires.

It permits multiple visits to the country for tourism, business, and transit. Travelers can spend up to 90 days per stay in the United States.

*Since 2023, Brunei and Hungarian passport holders receive a one-year ESTA USA.

Processing Time of the ESTA USA

Travelers can submit the online application for US ESTA anytime, as the standard processing time is 3 business days (72 hours).

It's highly advisable to complete the formalities earlier to obtain the Electronic System for Travel Authorization document on time.

The Passporta experts may take some more time to process submitted applications and check if all the details are correct – this way, the risk of rejection is minimal.

Sample of the ESTA USA

The image below illustrates an approved ESTA USA. After receiving the document, travelers should verify that all the information matches their passport details.

ESTA USA Rejection Reasons

The ESTA USA applications may be rejected for various reasons, so it's crucial to prepare for the application to avoid problems.

Common denial causes include errors or inconsistencies in the application, such as incorrect personal information or mismatched passport details.

Applicants with a criminal record or prior deportations from the US are also likely to face rejection.

Moreover, individuals not from Visa Waiver Program countries are automatically ineligible for ESTA approval.

FAQs

• Do I need the US ESTA?

  You can easily access this information by selecting your nationality in our eligibility checker available at the top of the website.

• Is ESTA required for transit through the US?

  Yes, travellers from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries need the ESTA, even if they are only transiting through the United States.

• I’m a dual citizen. Can I apply for the ESTA?

  No, if you are a US citizen and also hold citizenship of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, the law requires you to travel to and from the United States using an American passport. The ESTA program is intended only for travelers who are not US citizens.

• What documents are required for the US ESTA?

  For the ESTA application, we require a colour copy of the biometric page in your passport (first page with photo, all 4 corners must be visible, no light reflections) and a recent selfie photo (no glasses, neutral facial expression, light background). The photo must be different from the one in the passport.

• How long does it take for the ESTA to be approved?

  Most ESTA applications are approved within approximately 24 hours. In some cases, the approval can take up to 72 hours. The final processing time always depends on the US authorities. Once approved, the ESTA will be automatically sent to the email address provided in the application.

• Do I need to submit a new ESTA for each trip to the USA?

  No, once your ESTA is granted, it remains valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple entries to the USA. You can use the same ESTA document for various trips without the need to update your address of stay. The only requirement is that your passport remains the same and has not expired.

• How can I check the status of my application?

  To check the status of your application, you need a Passporta account. Please use this link to log in to your existing profile or create a new one.

• My application status shows “Finished” – where is my ESTA?

  Once your application status shows "Finished", the ESTA will be sent to your email address as a PDF attachment. Please check your inbox. Remember to check your SPAM or junk folder as well.

• How will I receive my ESTA after approval?

  Once approved, your ESTA will be sent directly to the email address provided in the application form.

• I cannot find my ESTA in the government system. What can I do?

  If you have trouble checking the status on the government website or in the ESTA Mobile application, please make sure you are entering the application number correctly – for example, pay special attention to distinguishing between the digit 0 (zero) and the letter O.

• What should I do if my ESTA has been rejected?

  Unfortunately, the Immigration Office has determined that you do not meet the requirements for the ESTA. In this case, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States to apply for a traditional visa.