Lois Larson
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that determines eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All eligible citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for business or pleasure are required to receive authorization through ESTA before boarding a U.S.-bound airplane. An approved ESTA is not a visa and does not meet the requirements to serve in lieu of a U.S. visa. While it is not mandatory to have a printed copy of your ESTA, it is recommended to carry one in case airline employees ask to see it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ESTA? | An automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and whether such travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. |
| Who needs an ESTA? | All eligible nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under VWP. Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are also required to obtain an independent ESTA approval. |
| When to apply for an ESTA? | At any time, but preferably as soon as a VWP traveler begins to plan a trip to the United States. |
| How to apply for an ESTA? | Travelers may file ESTA applications through the ESTA website. A third party, such as a relative or travel agent, is permitted to submit an ESTA application on behalf of a VWP traveler. |
| Do you need to print your ESTA? | It is not necessary to print your ESTA, as it is an electronic system tied to your passport. However, some travelers recommend bringing a screenshot or a printout of the approved details in case airline employees are unfamiliar with the system. |
| What if your ESTA application is denied? | If a traveler wishes to continue with the trip, they will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. |
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What You'll Learn
Do you need to print your ESTA confirmation?
If you've received an approved ESTA, there's no need to print a physical document as your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. However, it is recommended that you bring a screenshot of the approved details from the website as some airline employees may not be aware that the ESTA is electronic and may ask for physical evidence. Additionally, ensure that you bring the passport that you used for the application.
In the case that you change your passport, you will need to apply for a new ESTA. It is important to have your ESTA with you when travelling to the US and showing proof of it at the airport is necessary. While it is not mandatory to have a printed copy, it is advisable to carry one as a backup, especially if you are running late for a connecting flight and may not have access to the electronic version.
The ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It is an electronic authorisation for travellers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing them to travel to the US for tourism, business, or transit purposes without a visa. The entire process can be completed online, and the ESTA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
While printing the ESTA confirmation is not a requirement, it can be a good idea to have a physical copy as a backup in case of any issues with accessing the electronic version or encountering individuals who are unfamiliar with the electronic nature of the ESTA. However, as long as the passport information remains the same, the ESTA remains valid, and there is no need to reapply or present a physical copy during travel.
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What to do if your ESTA application is denied
It is important to note that you cannot get an ESTA at the airport. ESTA applications are usually processed straight away, and a decision is typically given within 72 hours. If your application is denied, you should first review the denial notice to understand the reason for the rejection. Incorrect or incomplete information provided during the application process or not meeting the requirements of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are the most common reasons for denial. If the information was incorrect or incomplete, you can reapply with the correct details. However, if you do not meet the VWP requirements, you will need to apply for a regular US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
If your ESTA application has been denied, you should consider your options, which may vary depending on your circumstances. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are not required to provide the grounds for refusing your ESTA application. Without official grounds for refusal, you will need to examine your application to understand the probable cause for denial. If there is a known issue, such as a past overstay or arrest, it is better to apply directly for a visa and provide supporting documents.
Even if you already have an approved ESTA, customs and border guards have the discretionary powers to deny your admission to the United States. If your ESTA application is denied and you still wish to continue with your trip, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. A valid visa will allow you to travel to the United States for the purpose for which it was issued.
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ESTA requirements for travelling with children
The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official website accepts ESTA applications for individuals as well as groups and families travelling together. The ESTA scheme is a US initiative, and even very young children require official permission to travel to the country. This means that each child must have their own authorisation, and they cannot be registered on their parent's passport.
The child must have a valid electronic or biometric passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of travel. The child must also be a national of one of the ESTA member countries. The ESTA authorisation is linked to the passport number, so it is important to ensure that the information entered on the ESTA application matches the information on the passport. It is possible for children to travel to the US without their parents and be accompanied by other adults. In such cases, a legal parent must apply for the ESTA or a visa if ESTA is unavailable.
The cost of an ESTA application is the same for both adults and children. The time taken to process an application is also the same. It is recommended to begin preparing the ESTA application soon after deciding on travel plans. While it is not mandatory, having an ESTA can help immigration screening procedures and shorten waiting times. It is also recommended to carry a screenshot or printout of the approved ESTA details from the website, as some airline employees may insist on physical evidence of the ESTA.
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ESTA requirements for transiting through the US
If you are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you will need an ESTA to transit through the US, even for a simple stopover. This includes when you are not planning to leave the airport. The ESTA application can be completed on the ESTA website, and travellers should enter "In Transit" and their final destination in the address lines. An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, and travellers may be subject to additional checks by immigration officers.
The ESTA authorisation only covers tourist visits and visits to family or friends. It is valid for multiple entries into the US for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The duration of stay in the US with an ESTA is limited to 90 consecutive days. Longer stays or travel for work, study, or permanent settlement require a traditional visa.
To use the VWP, travellers must have an e-passport, which is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The ESTA is an automated system that determines eligibility to travel to the US under the VWP and whether the traveller poses any law enforcement or security risks. An approved ESTA is not a visa and does not meet the requirements to serve in lieu of a US visa.
It is recommended to have a screenshot or printout of the approved ESTA details, as some airline employees may not understand that the ESTA is electronic and tied to your passport. However, this is not mandatory, and travellers are not supposed to provide physical evidence of their ESTA.
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The difference between an ESTA and a visa
When travelling to the United States, there are two different travel documents available: the tourist visa or the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The ESTA is not a visa—it is an electronic authorisation process that does not involve a visa application. Instead, it is a programme where a visa is waived.
The ESTA is available to citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. To travel under the VWP, you must meet eligibility requirements and receive ESTA authorisation before your trip. Your passport must also meet the program's requirements and be valid for at least six months from the date you plan to leave the US.
The ESTA is a quicker, less complex, and cheaper process than applying for a visa. However, a tourist visa allows you to do more in the US. The application for a tourist visa is long and complex and must be issued by a US consulate or embassy abroad. It usually takes up to three months for approval. A tourist visa is valid for ten years, while the ESTA is only valid for two years (or until your passport expires if that is less than two years).
If you are planning a trip that is longer than 90 days, or if you want to receive medical treatment or participate in business, you must request a tourist visa.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you must apply for an ESTA before travelling to the US.
No, your ESTA is electronic and connected to your e-passport. However, it is recommended that you bring a printed copy with you in case you are asked for it during check-in or immigration.
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an automated system that determines eligibility to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
All eligible citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the US for temporary business or pleasure are required to receive an authorization through ESTA prior to boarding a US-bound airplane or vessel. Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, also require an independent ESTA approval.
If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a US Embassy or Consulate if you still wish to travel to the US.
