Disclaimer: ESTA rules, fees, and eligibility can change. Always confirm on the official US government site before you apply.
What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is the United States’ online entry pre-approval system for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Instead of applying for a full visa, eligible travelers submit an ESTA application online, pay a small fee, and receive electronic authorization that is linked to their passport. Airlines check ESTA approval before boarding, and US immigration confirms it again on arrival.
ESTA does not guarantee entry. It simply confirms that you are authorized to travel to the US under the VWP. Final admission is always at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Why was ESTA introduced?
The US created ESTA in 2009 to improve border security after global terrorism concerns and to better manage high volumes of short-term travelers.
Key reasons:
- Pre-screening: Allows US authorities to check passenger data before departure.
- Efficiency: Reduces paperwork and speeds up arrivals for most travelers.
- Security: Identifies potential risks, overstays, or previous visa violations.
- Global trend: Similar systems now exist worldwide, such as Canada’s eTA, Japan’s upcoming JESTA, and eTravel Philippines for digital arrival forms.
Who needs ESTA?
You need ESTA if all of the following apply:
- You are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country (e.g., UK, France, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, most of Europe).
- You are traveling for tourism, business, or transit.
- Your stay will be 90 days or less.
- You are entering the US by air or sea (land borders have separate procedures).
Even children and infants must have their own ESTA approval, regardless of age.
Who does not need ESTA?
- Travelers who already have a valid US visa (tourist, business, work, or study).
- Citizens of countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program.
- Travelers entering by land from Canada or Mexico (though some exceptions apply).
How to apply for ESTA
The application is straightforward but must be done carefully. Follow these steps:
- Go to the official ESTA website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Create an application: Choose “Individual” or “Group” if traveling with family.
- Enter passport details: Ensure your passport is an e-passport (with chip logo). Regular machine-readable passports are not accepted.
- Provide personal information: Name, date of birth, citizenship, and contact details.
- Enter travel details: US address (hotel, friend’s home, or “unknown” if undecided).
- Answer eligibility questions: Security, criminal record, past visa refusals, or communicable diseases.
- Pay the application fee: Currently $21 USD (paid by credit or debit card).
- Wait for processing: Many approvals are instant, but it can take up to 72 hours.
- Receive your ESTA status: Approved, Pending, or Denied. Print or save a copy.
How long is ESTA valid?
- Valid for two years from approval (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).
- Allows multiple entries into the US during that period.
- Each stay can last up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.
If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ESTA even if your old one is still within two years.
What if ESTA is denied?
A denial does not mean you are banned from the US. It simply means you are not eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
In this case, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa (tourist or business) at a US embassy or consulate. Common reasons for denial include:
- Past overstays in the US.
- Previous visa refusals.
- Mismatched or incorrect application data.
- Security or immigration concerns.
ESTA vs JESTA, eTA, and eTravel Philippines
Travelers often confuse these systems. Here’s how they differ:
- US ESTA: Pre-travel authorization for visa waiver travelers to the United States.
- Canada eTA: Nearly identical to ESTA, but only for air arrivals.
- Japan JESTA: Launching in 2028, a new pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals.
- eTravel Philippines: Not a visa waiver authorization, but a digital arrival form required by everyone, including citizens.
The similarity is that all these systems represent the global shift toward digital border control, making international travel both more convenient and more regulated.
Common ESTA mistakes to avoid
- Using unofficial websites: Many third-party sites mimic the official portal and charge extra fees. Always apply through the government’s site.
- Incorrect passport details: Even a single digit error can invalidate your ESTA. Double-check carefully.
- Waiting too late: Apply at least 72 hours before departure, ideally much earlier.
- Assuming ESTA covers work or study: It does not. Those activities require a visa.
- Forgetting renewal: If your passport expires, your ESTA becomes invalid too.
Tips for smooth US travel with ESTA
- Save a digital and printed copy of your ESTA approval.
- Book accommodations in advance to have an address ready for the form.
- Use the same passport each time you travel. Your ESTA is linked to it.
- Remember the 90-day rule: stays longer than 90 days require a visa.
- Check your ESTA status before booking flights if you travel often.
Conclusion: Travel smarter with ESTA and Eskimo eSIM
ESTA makes US entry easier for millions of travelers from visa waiver countries. While it adds an online step before departure, the payoff is faster boarding and smooth immigration.
To ensure you never miss an approval email or boarding pass update, stay connected with Eskimo. Our global eSIM lets you activate data instantly across borders, with long validity and easy top-ups. New users can claim a free global eSIM trial to make travel to the US (and beyond) hassle-free. If you need reliable data stateside, grab a United States eSIM here.
FAQs
Is ESTA a visa?
No. ESTA is not a visa. It’s a pre-travel authorization for visa waiver visitors.
How much does ESTA cost?
$21 per person. Only pay through the official US government website.
How long can I stay in the US with ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit for tourism, business, or transit.
Can I use ESTA for work or study?
No. You must apply for a visa if your purpose is employment, study, or long-term stay.
Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age, requires a separate ESTA.
How early should I apply?
At least 72 hours before departure, but ideally weeks in advance.
