ESTA Application Form for Traveling to USA
ESTA stands for “Electronic System for Travel Authorization.” ESTA is an online application system developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before they are allowed to enter the United States. Due to the increased security regulations that went into effect on January 12, 2009 – visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a Travel Authorization in advance of their trip to the United States. Also, all travelers must have a machine-readable passport to gain admittance into the United States. The ESTA application form is entirely online and operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Every traveler must have an approved ESTA application
VWP Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015
- Step 1 – Start the ESTA form by clicking on the “CLICK TO APPLY”-button. Enter all the required information, such as the applicants’ name, gender, email, date of birth and passport number. Once you have entered all the needed information, you may continue to the 2nd step.
- Step 2 – Continue entering the required information, such as other citizenship, emergency contact, and address in the United States. Once you have entered all the needed information, you can continue to the 3rd step.
- Step 3 – In the 3rd step, you may enter your first name, last name, your payment details, and billing information. Submit secure payment for your application to complete the 3rd step.
- Step 4 – In the 4th step, you will see that you have successfully submitted your application for review and processing. You will receive your ESTA by email in PDF-format if you are approved.
- Your name, date of birth and a working email address.
- Your parents’ names.
- Your passport details (number, country of issue, expiry date).
- Your emergency contact.
- The address of your stay in the United States as of the time of application (not needed if you plan to transit via the U.S.).
- Information about your history of infectious diseases, if any.
- Information about your history of deportation or visa revocation, if any.
Renew your ESTA visa application
- If you receive a new passport (including an emergency or temporary one)
- If you change your name
- If you change your gender
- If you change the country where you live
- If you have to modify your answers to any "yes" or “no” questions on your ESTA application.
The VWP nationals who are also citizens of Iran, Iraq, or Sudan can apply
They can apply for visas through regular appointments at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. U.S. Consulates and Embassies are available to assist those who need access to travel urgently to the United States.
Individuals exempted from the Act due to their diplomatic, military, or other presence in any of the seven countries may have their ESTA denied. They can visit the CBP website or contact the CBP Information Center. A nonimmigrant visa may be applied for at any U.S. Embassy and Consulate.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection strongly suggests that all travelers to the United States verify their ESTA status before making travel arrangements or traveling to the United States. You can find more information on the Department of Homeland Security website.
If you wish to apply for a visitor (B) visa, even if your eligibility for VWP travel is not met, you can. You must apply for a visa if you travel by private aircraft or any non-VWP-approved air or sea carrier. Check out the list of approved pages. You will need a visa if your stay is more than 90 days.
To apply for a U.S. visa, you will need to complete the appropriate visa application form, pay the required fees, and attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The visa application process may involve providing supporting documents, such as a valid passport, financial records, and proof of the purpose of your travel.
Yes, you can travel to the border countries of the United States while under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or with a valid U.S. visa. The VWP may admit you if you make a short visit to Canada, Mexico, or another nearby country. The VWP will generally allow you to be readmitted to the United States for the remaining 90 days after your arrival. Your total stay must not exceed 90 days, which includes the short trip. Visit the CBP website for more information. The US does not require citizens of VWP countries* to show proof of travel to another country* upon entry.
Additionally, it’s essential to comply with the regulations of the country you are visiting and ensure you have any necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport and any required visas or permits for entry into the border country.
If you are traveling to the border countries for purposes other than tourism or business, such as to study or work, you may need to obtain the appropriate visa or permit from the country you plan to visit.
No, you cannot use the ESTA application to extend your stay in the United States. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is specifically designed for short-term visits under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows eligible citizens or nationals from participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.
If you wish to extend your stay in the United States beyond the authorized 90 days or if you have already entered the United States under the VWP and need to extend your stay, you will need to explore other options.
To extend your stay, you must apply for a different type of visa, such as a tourist visa (B-2 visa), work visa (H-1B visa), or student visa (F-1 visa), depending on the purpose of your stay. Each visa category has its own eligibility requirements, application process, and associated fees.
Yes, if your ESTA form application is approved, it means you have obtained travel authorization to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, approval of your ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. It simply indicates that you meet the initial eligibility criteria for the VWP.
Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, such as an airport or land border crossing, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will make the final determination regarding your admissibility into the country. They will conduct an inspection and may ask you questions regarding the purpose of your visit, your travel plans, and other relevant details.
During the inspection process, the CBP officer will review your passport, ESTA approval, and other supporting documents. They will assess your eligibility and compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations. If everything is in order and you satisfy the officer’s requirements, you will be granted entry into the United States.
However, it’s important to note that the final decision rests with the CBP officer, and they have the authority to deny entry even if you have an approved ESTA application for USA. It’s crucial to answer all questions truthfully and provide any requested documentation to facilitate a smooth entry process.
Brunei, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Nauru, New Zealand, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom citizens can visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands without a visa. However, they will need to complete Form I-736 before traveling. Chinese citizens do not require a visa for temporary admission to the Northern Mariana Islands.
