An electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines the eligible visitor to travel to the United States with the visa waiver program. An approved ESTA allows an applicant to travel to the US for business or pleasure for 90 days or less.
An ESTA aims to determine the eligibility for traveling to the United States for Business or pleasure. The US visa and ESTA are not identical. A US visa is issued for multiple purposes, such as extended or short stays. An ESTA visa is not a visa but determines if a citizen can enter the country under the VWP. ESTA is available in 38 countries.
ESTA provides a lot of benefits for travellers to the United States, which includes:
An ESTA is a travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) controls the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program and determines whether a visitor can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
ESTA is eligible for 42 countries who are eligible to travel in the United States, such as:
An applicant should apply for an ESTA if they are citizens or eligible nationals of a Visa waiver program (VWP) country if they meet the following criteria:
Whereas an applicant should apply for a traditional US visa if:
Duration of Stay: The main difference between the duration of stay for an ESTA and a US visa is that an ESTA allows a maximum stay of 90 days per trip, while a US visa allows an applicant to stay longer in the country.
Types of activities allowed (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
With an ESTA, an applicant is permitted to:
With the US visas an applicant is allowed to activities, such as:
To be eligible for the ESTA, an applicant must be eligible:
Travelers with an approved ESTA can visit the US for up to 90 days per entry. While traveling to the US with an approved ESTA, it is necessary to:
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determine if an applicant is admissible to the US after arriving at the border, regardless of their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ESTA) system.
Step 1: Access the official US ESTA application site
Step 2: Fill out the ESTA Application form
Step 3: Pay the ESTA Application Fee
Step 4: Submit and Wait for approval
Step 5: Receiving and Printing ESTA
Below is the application Fee of ESTA Breakdown:
| Application Fee of ESTA Breakdown | |
| Fee breakdown | Total Fees |
| Processing fee | $4. |
| Application Fee | $21 |
| Additional fees | $17 |
*Note: The ESTA fee is non-refundable irrespective of whether an application is approved or denied.
*Note: It is not necessary to provide ESTA physical copy at the border.
An ESTA is valid for two years until the passport expires. Although, an applicant can stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit to enter the country.
Rules for multiple entries during the validity period
An applicant must abide by the rules for various entries to US visa ESTA:
An applicant should reapply for an ESA when:
Travelers with an approved ESTA have to undergo some security check-ups and interviews in the US when they arrive:
There are several reasons why an applicant might be denied to enter the country even after having an approved ESTA:
Options and next steps if denied entry at the border
If an ESTA application is denied, then an applicant can:
The US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows applicants from certain citizens to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa. There are different benefits of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for travelers, such as:
Applicants under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to:
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online system that allows travelers to obtain authorization to participate in the VWP.
Steps to Renew an ESTA
Step 1: Go the official website
Step 2: Follow the instruction
Step 3: Reapply for ESTA via the official website
Step 4: Apply for the new Application process for renewal
Y-Axis is regarded as the best overseas immigration consultancy that provides immigration services to clients and provides proper guidance to avoid any errors. Y-Axis includes the services of the following:
Check your eligibility for free to migrate to the UK with the Y-Axis immigration point calculator.
Explore What Global Citizens have to say about Y-axis
USA Visit Visa
Y-Axis received a great review from Faiz
Read More...
USA Visit Visa
Y-Axis received a great review from Swat
Read More...
USA Visit Visa
I have been extremely satisfied with the
Read More...
No, you don’t need to apply for an ESTA if they already have a valid US visa.
The ESTA application takes up to 72 hours to process.
If your ESTA application is denied, then you can:
Yes, you can travel to the United States multiple times with the same ESTA for Travel Authorisation within its two-year validity period.
Yes, you can update your ESTA with new travel details via this step-by-step procedure:
Step 1: Check your ESTA status
Step 2: Selecting update
Step 3: Confirming or modifying the information
Yes, you are permitted to travel to the US for medical treatment or to study there for 90 days.
You should renew your Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) when your current ESTA approval or passport expires.
You can apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before the intended trip.
