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ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION

US ESTA — apply online

An ESTA is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization under the Visa Waiver Program — a travel authorization tied to your passport, not a visa. Eligible travellers need one for short visits to the United States.

Cleared in ~3 days Up to 90 days per visit 2 years (multiple entries)

Who needs US ESTA?

  • Travellers from an eligible country, visiting for a short stay — typically tourism, business or transit.
  • Tourism and sightseeing across the USA
  • Visiting friends and family
  • Attending business meetings and conferences (without paid work)
  • Transit through the United States
  • Short-term study (certain programs)

What you'll need

  • Valid Biometric Passport — An e-Passport (machine-readable with a chip) valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Good Character — No criminal convictions, drug offenses, or immigration violations.
  • No Prior Visa Denials — Not previously denied a US visa or refused entry (unless a waiver was obtained).
  • Short-Term Visit Only — Travel must be for tourism, business, or transit — stays up to 90 days.
  • Payment — Payment of the $21 ESTA application fee.
  • Valid Biometric Passport — An e-Passport with a chip, valid throughout your intended stay in the United States.
  • Passport Photo & Selfie — A clear scan of your passport data page and a selfie for identity verification.
  • Travel Itinerary — Details of your travel plans including US address and point of contact.
  • Employment Information — Current or previous employer details (if applicable).

How to apply

  1. Check you're eligible

    Confirm your passport meets the validity rules and that your trip is for a purpose this authorisation covers; the covered purposes are listed on this page. Always confirm the details with the issuing authority.

  2. Complete the guided form

    Answer plain-language questions and upload the documents we ask for. We pre-check every field as you go.

  3. We review and submit

    Automated checks and our team verify everything for accuracy, then submit to the relevant authority on your behalf.

  4. Receive your US ESTA

    We email you as soon as the authority issues its decision, and your US ESTA is stored in your account. An approved US ESTA is permission to travel — entry is still decided at the border.

Processing, validity and stay

Typical processing
~3 days
Maximum Stay
Up to 90 days per visit
Validity
2 years (multiple entries)

Get it right the first time

Small, avoidable mistakes are a common cause of US ESTA refusals. These are the ones we check for before your application is submitted.

  • A passport without enough validity left for your trip
  • A blurry, cropped or glare-covered passport photo page
  • Names or dates that don't exactly match your passport
  • Leaving the application until the last day before travel

US ESTA — FAQ

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It determines the eligibility of visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Most ESTA applications are processed and decided within minutes. However, the U.S. government recommends applying at least 72 hours before your departure to account for any delays. We offer expedited processing options for urgent travel needs.
With an ESTA, you can stay in the United States for up to 90 days per visit. You can make multiple trips during the 2-year validity period, but each stay must not exceed 90 days.
No, an ESTA does not permit employment or paid work in the United States. If you wish to work, you need to apply for the appropriate work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1).
If your ESTA is denied, you cannot appeal the decision, but you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include criminal history, previous immigration violations, or travel to certain countries.
Yes, even if you are only transiting through the United States en route to another country, you need an approved ESTA or a valid US visa.
You will need a valid biometric e-Passport, a scan of your passport data page (JPG/JPEG), a selfie for identity verification, your employment details, travel itinerary, US contact information, and a payment method for the $21 fee.
Yes, if you have traveled to Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen (since March 2011), or Cuba (since January 2021), your ESTA may be denied. You may need to apply for a visa instead.
We simplify every stage of your ESTA application, saving you valuable time. Our team pre-screens your eligibility, reviews your application for accuracy, and provides complete customer support. If we're unable to process your application, we refund our service fee (government fees are not refundable).
$89all-in · US ESTAStart my application