Before Applying

When should I apply for ESTA authorization? 

You can apply for your ESTA authorization as soon as you decide to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It can be applied up to 72 hours (3 days) before the travel date, but it is recommended to apply as early as possible. If your travel authorization is denied, you will have to apply for a visitor visa, this process may take weeks.



How long does the ESTA application process take?

The estimated average time to complete this application is 20 minutes.

Do children also require an ESTA registration?

Yes, children who are traveling to the United States are in need of a valid ESTA, they also need an own digital passport (e-passport) in order to apply for the ESTA.

What are the additional questions with the new ESTA application?

As of November 3, 2014, the additional questions are:

- Other Names/Aliases;
- City of Birth;
- Other Citizenships;
- National Identification Number (if applicable);
- Parents name(s);
- U.S. Contact information (email, phone, points of contact);
- Employment information (if applicable).

Will ESTA accept my Post-dated passport?

For citizens of the United Kingdom: If you have applied for a Post-dated passport that will not be valid until after your marriage, you will not be able to apply for ESTA using that passport number until the day of your marriage, when the passport becomes valid.

I have dual citizenship, which passport do I use to apply for ESTA?

If you are a citizen of the country that elegible for the Visa Waiver Program and also a citizen of the country that does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you need apply for ESTA using your VWP-eligible passport. If you are a citizen of two countries which participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you may apply for ESTA using the passport that you want to use.

What if I have dual citizenship, but my non-VWP passport is expired or I do not have a passport for that country?

If you are a dual citizen, select the country from the drop down list and please enter the most recent passport information, even if that passport is expired. If you do not have a passport from another country, please do NOT enter anything in the Passport Number field.

Can I apply for an ESTA without having confirmed travel plans?

Yes. Specific travel plans are not mandatory at the time of application. Anytime you can update information about the address where you will be staying in the United States. If you are in transit, please select “Yes” to the “Is your travel to the U.S. occurring in transit to another country?” question in your application.

Can I apply for another person or have a third party apply for me?

Yes, you can ask someone else, or a third party to submit an application on your behalf, but ultimately, the traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and completeness of any information provided in ESTA application.