View source for Electronic System for Travel Authorization

{{Short description|Automated system for United States travel eligibility}}
{{Use American English|date = March 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}}
{{Infobox website
| name         = ESTA
| url               =  {{URL|https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/}}
| logo                 = ESTA logo.svg
| screenshot           = ESTA record.png
| caption              = Record of ESTA approval
| logo_size            = 240px
}}
The '''Electronic System for Travel Authorization''' ('''ESTA''') is an automated [[Electronic visa|electronic travel authorization]] system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the [[United States]] under the [[Visa Waiver Program]] (VWP). ESTA was mandated by the [[Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/1|title=Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007|publisher=United States Congress}}</ref> ESTA only authorizes travel to a U.S. airport, border, or port of entry, but admissibility into the United States is determined by a [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection]] (CBP) officer upon arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions.

ESTA applications may be made at any time, but travelers are encouraged to apply at least 72 hours prior to travel. ESTA has an application fee of [[United States dollar|$]]4, and if approved, an additional fee of $17 is charged, for a total of $21.<ref name=faqfee>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=Fees and Payment Options: Is there a fee to apply for an ESTA?}}</ref> After approval, the authorization remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires if earlier, for multiple trips during that period.{{efn|name=bnhu|For nationals of Brunei applying from July 6, 2023, ESTA is valid for one year. For nationals of Hungary applying from August 1, 2023, ESTA is valid for one year and for a single trip.<ref name=faqvalidity>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=Checking Your ESTA Status: How long is my ESTA valid for?}}</ref><ref name=faqhu>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=About ESTA and The Visa Waiver Program: Why is DHS reducing the ESTA validity period for citizens and nationals of Hungary?}}</ref>}} Each person traveling under the VWP, regardless of age, needs a separate ESTA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=About ESTA and The Visa Waiver Program: Do I need to apply for an ESTA on behalf of my children?}}</ref>

ESTA is also needed for travel under the VWP to the [[U.S. territories]] of [[Puerto Rico]], [[U.S. Virgin Islands]], [[Guam]] and the [[Northern Mariana Islands]], but some of these territories have separate waivers for certain nationalities that do not require ESTA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=About ESTA and The Visa Waiver Program: Do I need to apply for ESTA if...?}}</ref> Travel to [[American Samoa]] requires a different electronic authorization or permit.<ref>[https://www.legalaffairs.as.gov/copy-of-immigration-office-1 Travel Authorizations: Entry Permits & OK Boards], Department of Legal Affairs of American Samoa.</ref>

== History ==
Travelers were able to apply for ESTA in August 2008, and the authorization became mandatory for travel by air or sea from January 12, 2009. Since January 20, 2010, airlines may be fined if they do not require ESTA from passengers traveling under the VWP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=101402&nav=13 |title=Electronic System for Travel Authorization Compliance Now Required &#124;ETB News Australia |publisher=Etravelblackboard.com |access-date=2014-05-20}}</ref>

Initially ESTA was available for free from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. On September 8, 2010, following the [[Travel Promotion Act of 2009|Travel Promotion Act]], CBP began charging a fee of $4 to cover administrative costs, and if the application was approved, an additional fee of $10 to fund the Corporation for Travel Promotion ([[trade name|also known as]] Brand USA<ref>[https://www.thebrandusa.com/terms-of-use Terms of use], Brand USA.</ref>), for a total of $14 for each approved ESTA. On May 26, 2022, the second fee was increased to $17, for a total of $21 for each approved ESTA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=ESTA Fee Increase: What is the new cost of the ESTA application?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=ESTA Fee Increase: When will CBP begin to collect the new fee?}}</ref> The [[European Union]] criticized the fee when it was introduced,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurunion.org/eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3466&Itemid=58 |title=Travel Promotion Act of 2009 could have unintended consequences |date=September 4, 2009 |access-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625221119/http://www.eurunion.org/eu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3466&Itemid=58 |archive-date=June 25, 2010 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visabureau.com/america/news/27-09-2010/european-parliament-criticizes-esta-fee-to-fund-travel-promotion.aspx |title=European Parliament criticizes ESTA fee to fund travel promotion |publisher=Visabureau.com |date=2010-09-27 |access-date=2014-05-20 |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122726/http://www.visabureau.com/america/news/27-09-2010/european-parliament-criticizes-esta-fee-to-fund-travel-promotion.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>; beginning in 2026, the EU will also require an electronic travel authorization named [[European Travel Information and Authorisation System|ETIAS]] for a much lower fee of [[Euro|€]]7, which will only finance the ETIAS itself and not EU travel promotion.<ref>[https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-authorisation-system_en European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)], European Commission.</ref>

ESTA became required also for entry by land from October 1, 2022.<ref>[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers CBP Expands ESTA Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, April 7, 2022.</ref>

On July 6, 2023, the validity of new ESTA applications from nationals of Brunei became limited to one year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=About ESTA and The Visa Waiver Program: Why is DHS reducing the ESTA validity period for citizens and nationals of Brunei?}}</ref> On August 1, 2023, the validity of new ESTA applications from nationals of Hungary became limited to one year and to a single use.<ref name=faqhu/>

== Eligibility ==
As of 2025, nationals of 42 countries may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:<ref name=dos>{{cite web|url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html|title=Visa Waiver Program|publisher=U.S. Department of State|access-date=2024-11-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program |title=U.S. Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security}}</ref>

{{columns-list|colwidth=12em|gap=0|style=max-width:48em|
*{{flag|Andorra}}
*{{flag|Australia}}
*{{flag|Austria}}
*{{flag|Belgium}}
*{{flag|Brunei}}
*{{flag|Chile}}
*{{flag|Croatia}}
*{{flag|Czech Republic}}
*{{flag|Denmark}}
*{{flag|Estonia}}
*{{flag|Finland}}
*{{flag|France}}
*{{flag|Germany}}{{efn|Only holders of [[biometric passport]]s. [[German passport#Child's Passport|German child passports]], which could be requested for children under age 12 as an alternative to a standard German passport before 2024, are not biometric and thus are not eligible for ESTA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://de.usembassy.gov/visa-waiver-program/ |title=Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Germany}}</ref> The last passports of this kind will expire at the end of 2026.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/prado/en/DEU-AO-02002/index.html |title=Document: DEU-AO-02002 |work=Public Register of Authentic identity and travel Documents Online |publisher=European Council and Council of the European Union}}</ref>}}
*{{flag|Greece}}
*{{flag|Hungary}}{{efn|Only Hungarian citizens born in Hungary.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hu.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/ |title=Visa Waiver Program |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Hungary}}</ref>}}
*{{flag|Iceland}}
*{{flag|Ireland}}
*{{flag|Israel}}{{efn|Only holders of [[biometric passport]]s issued with full validity, which can only be requested in person in Israel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/visa-waiver-travel-for-israeli-citizens.html |title=Visa Waiver Travel for Israeli Citizens |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=October 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://il.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program-vwp-2/esta-faqs/ |title=ESTA – FAQS |publisher=U.S. Embassy in Israel}}</ref> Passports requested at [[Israeli diplomatic missions]] abroad, which are not biometric, and those requested online or for recent immigrants in Israel, which are issued with reduced validity, are not eligible for ESTA.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://new.embassies.gov.il/usa/en/services/israeli-citizens/issuance-travel-documents-passport-citizens-and-residents-israel |title=Issuance of travel documents (passport) for citizens and residents of Israel |publisher=Embassy of Israel in Washington |date=17 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.il/en/service/application-for-biometric-docs |title=Get a biometric passport or identity card online |publisher=Government of Israel |date=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.il/BlobFolder/reports/olim_passport_or_travel_doc/en/traveldoc_eng.pdf |title=Immigrants ("olim"): eligibility for a passport or a travel document |publisher=Population and Immigration Authority of Israel |date=July 2021}}</ref>}}
*{{flag|Italy}}
*{{flag|Japan}}
*{{flag|Latvia}}
*{{flag|Liechtenstein}}
*{{flag|Lithuania}}
*{{flag|Luxembourg}}
*{{flag|Malta}}
*{{flag|Monaco}}
*{{flag|Netherlands}}
*{{flag|New Zealand}}
*{{flag|Norway}}
*{{flag|Poland}}
*{{flag|Portugal}}
*{{flag|Qatar}}
*{{flag|San Marino}}
*{{flag|Singapore}}
*{{flag|Slovakia}}
*{{flag|Slovenia}}
*{{flag|South Korea}}
*{{flag|Spain}}
*{{flag|Sweden}}
*{{flag|Switzerland}}
*{{flag|Taiwan}}{{efn|Only holders of passports with a [[National Identification Card (Taiwan)|national identification number]].}}
*{{flag|United Kingdom}}{{efn|[[British nationality law|British citizens]] are eligible to participate in the VWP, but other categories of UK national are not.<ref>[https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/machine-readable-biometric-passports/ Passports], U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom.</ref>}}
}}

Visitors under the VWP may stay in the United States for 90 days, which also includes the time spent in [[Canada]], [[Mexico]], [[Bermuda]], or the islands in the [[Caribbean]] if the arrival was through the United States.

Due to the [[Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015]], those who have been in [[Iran]], [[Iraq]], [[Libya]], [[North Korea]], [[Somalia]], [[Sudan]], [[Syria]] or [[Yemen]] on or after March 1, 2011, or in [[Cuba]] on or after January 12, 2021, or who are [[multiple citizenship|dual nationals]] of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria, are not eligible to travel under the VWP.<ref name=dos/> However, those who traveled to such countries for diplomatic, military, humanitarian, reporting or legitimate business purposes may have this ineligibility waived by the Secretary of Homeland Security.<ref name=restrictions>[https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/01/21/united-states-begins-implementation-changes-visa-waiver-program United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program], U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 21, 2016.</ref> In any case, those ineligible for the VWP may still apply for a regular visa from a [[List of diplomatic missions of the United States|U.S. embassy or consulate]].

== Application ==
[[File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization.png|thumb|The official website for Electronic System for Travel Authorization applications]]
[[File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization terminal Brussels airport.jpg|thumb|right|An ESTA terminal at [[Brussels Airport|Brussels airport]]]]
[[File:Electronic System for Travel Authorization slip in Los Angeles airport.jpg|thumb|[[Thermochromatic]] print out slip of the system]]
In December 2018, CBP announced that instant ESTA approvals would no longer be available and reiterated that it "strongly encouraged" travelers to submit an online authorization request at least three days (72 hours) before traveling to the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=CBP Reminds Travelers to Allow 72 Hours for ESTA {{!}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-reminds-travelers-allow-72-hours-esta |website=www.cbp.gov}}</ref> However, CBP's website still says that "In most cases, a response is received within seconds of submitting an application."<ref>{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions about the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) {{!}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection |url=https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travel |website=www.cbp.gov |access-date=August 22, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629153524/https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travel |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, some immigration consultants report that decisions on ESTA applications can occasionally take longer than 72 hours, for example if the applicant had any U.S. visa refused before (even if declared on the application).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bray |first=Ilona |url= |title=U.S. Immigration Made Easy |date=2023 |publisher=NOLO |isbn=9781413330724 |pages=371}}</ref>

Each travel authorization under ESTA can be valid for up to two years, for multiple trips during that period.{{efn|name=bnhu}} However, travelers must obtain a new ESTA authorization if they are issued a new passport, or change their name, gender or country of nationality, or if any answer to their ESTA application eligibility questions changes.<ref name=faqvalidity/>

Each entry under the Visa Waiver Program is only valid for a combined maximum stay of 90 days in the United States and its surrounding countries. The admission period cannot be extended under the program. If a longer stay is intended, a visa is required.<ref name=faqvalidity/>

ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP officers make the final determination of admissibility (entry) to the United States and may cancel or deny ESTA at any time during travel, for example for suspicions of giving false information in the application.

=== Mandatory information ===
The applicant must provide the following information:
*Full name and gender
*Other names or aliases, if any
*Date and city of birth (according to passport)
*Country of nationality and passport
*Other nationality including historic, if any
*Passport number and expiration date
*Address
*Parents' names, if known
*Employer's name and address, if any
*Emergency contact, name, phone and address
*U.S. point of contact information (a person, business or hotel one intends to visit)
*Whether the applicant is a member of [[Global Entry]]
*Applicants must also specify whether any of the following applies to them by way of yes/no answers. Applications will be denied if the applicant:
**Has a physical or mental disorder posing a threat to others, or is a drug abuser, or has one of certain contagious diseases such as cholera, diphtheria, tuberculosis, plague, yellow fever, ebola or severe acute respiratory illnesses<ref>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=Completing Your ESTA Application: Can you provide guidance and clarification for some of the Eligibility questions?}}</ref>
**Has ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority
**Has ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs
**Plans to engage in or has ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide
**Has committed fraud or misrepresented oneself or others to obtain, or assist others to obtain, a visa or entry into the United States
**Intends to seek employment in the United States or was previously employed in the United States without prior permission from the U.S. government
**Has been denied a U.S. visa, or been refused admission to the United States at a U.S. port of entry (This includes any past visa denials under INA  221(g), whereby a visa applicant needed to provide more information or a case needed further [[Security Advisory Opinion|processing]], even if the visa was later approved<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visa Refusals under Section 221(G) or 212(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act |url=https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-refusals-london/still-have-a-question/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=U.S. Embassy & Consulates in the United Kingdom |language=en-US}}</ref>).
**Has previously stayed in the United States longer than the admission period
**Has traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021


=== Optional information ===
The applicant may optionally provide the following information:
*Provider/Platform - Social media identifier<ref name=faqsocial>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=What additional data elements were added to the ESTA application in December 2016?}}</ref>

Information found in [[social media]] may be used for applicant vetting and to identify potential threats.<ref name=faqsocial2>{{cite web |url=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en |title=Frequently asked questions |work=Electronic System for Travel Authorization |publisher=U.S. Customs and Border Protection |at=How will CBP use my social media information collected through the additional question that was added to the ESTA application in December 2016?}}</ref> If an applicant does not answer the social media question or simply does not hold a social media account, the ESTA application can still be submitted without a negative interpretation or inference.<ref name=faqsocial />

=== Third-party websites ===

Some websites offer to complete ESTA applications for a fee, often many times more than the required fee charged by the U.S. government. Access and application through the official U.S. government website are available to any travelers who qualify under the VWP program. Prevention of such "ESTA fee scams" was made more difficult when the mandatory U.S. government fee was imposed, as previous public education efforts focused on getting out the message that ESTA applications were free of charge and anybody requesting payment was an unauthorized third-party.<ref name=fraud>{{cite web|title=Fraud Strikes U.S. Travel Authorization Agency|url=https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/fraud-strikes-travel-authorization-agency|website=McAfee Labs|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829153547/https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/fraud-strikes-travel-authorization-agency/|archive-date=August 29, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Third-party websites try to make themselves look legitimate by using official-sounding web addresses and posting logos that resemble the U.S. government emblem. They may or may not contain a small disclaimer at the bottom of the page that says they are not associated with the U.S. government.

Even if one of the third-party websites is used, passengers themselves still have to complete the same form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usembassy.org.uk/americanservices/?p=519 |title=Beware of ESTA Scams |work=US Embassy in London |date=March 25, 2009 |access-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720114740/http://www.usembassy.org.uk/americanservices/?p=519 |archive-date=July 20, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> Concerns have been raised that third-party sites could be used for [[identity theft]], [[credit card fraud]], or the distribution of [[malware]].<ref name=fraud/>

== See also ==
* [[Electronic visa]]
* [[Electronic Travel Authority (Australia)]]
* [[Electronic Travel Authorization (Canada)]]
* [[European Travel Information and Authorisation System]]
* [[New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority]]
* [[Trump travel ban]]
* [[Electronic Travel Authorisation (United Kingdom)]]

* [[Visa policy of the United States]]
* [[B visa#Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)|Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS)]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
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*{{official website|1=https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/|2=Official Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website}}
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_8290000/newsid_8293700/8293707.stm?bw=nb&mp=wm&news=1&ms3=6&ms_javascript=true&nol_storyid=8293707&bbcws=2 BBC TV Documentary about unofficial ESTA websites]
*[https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control Mobile Passport Control]

{{Electronic travel authorizations for visa-exempt visitors}}

[[Category:Visa policy of the United States]]
[[Category:United States immigration law]]
[[Category:United States Department of Homeland Security]]
[[Category:Electronic travel authorizations|United States]]