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Travelling to the United States without a VISA (ESTA system)
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
With effect from 12 January 2009, all travellers under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be required to obtain electronic travel authorization before boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States.
Travellers must log on to the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and complete the online application form in English. They must submit the travel authorization application well in advance. The online system will ask them to identify themselves and answer questions concerning the criteria for admission to the United States, as on form I-94W.
Those who wish to submit an ESTA authorization application must consult the website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and follow the instructions in order to answer the questions asked. Access to this website has been available since 1 August 2008 and is free of charge.
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, although the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends that this formality should be completed at least 72 hours before departure. In the majority of cases, the electronic system for travel authorization provides a response almost immediately.
- Authorization Approved: The applicant is authorized to travel.
- Travel Not Authorized: The traveller must apply for a temporary visa at the consular department of an American embassy before travelling to the United States.
- Authorization Pending: The traveller can check the progress of his or her application on the ESTA website. A final response will be available within 72 hours.
- This authorization is valid for two years, unless cancelled, with effect from the date on which it was issued or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is first.
It is valid for multiple visits. The applicant can easily update an authorization that was previously approved on the ESTA website for subsequent travel or if the itinerary or destination address is changed.
It does not guarantee admission to the United States at a port of entry. The ESTA travel authorization merely enables passengers bound for the United States to board a carrier to travel by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program.
The objective of the ESTA system is to enhance the security of travellers going to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It is intended to support the program and widen participation.
Travellers who hold a valid visa are still authorized to travel to the United States on that visa provided that it covers the purpose of the trip. They are not required to apply for ESTA authorization.
New ESTA Fee: Effective September 8, 2010, all Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) registration applications or renewals on or after that date will require a $14.00 fee payment by credit or debit card. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date.
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