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Welcome to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Easily apply for your USA travel authorization. I-ESTA.com provides guidance and support for a smooth and prompt ESTA application experience. Your journey starts here!

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

You are eligible to apply if:

You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country.

You do not currently hold a visitor visa.

Your stay in the United States will be 90 days or less.

Your trip is for business or leisure purposes.

You are applying for a new authorization for yourself or submitting a group application for two or more travelers.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Answer Disclaimers

Enter Applicant Information

Enter Personal Information

Enter Travel Information

Answer Eligibility Questions

Review Application

Pay

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY?

A valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country.
[List of Visa Waiver Program Countries]

A valid email address.

Your home address and phone number.

An emergency contact’s phone number and email.

A valid payment method to cover the application fee.

Any aliases or other names you have used (if applicable).

Your National ID or Personal ID number (if applicable).

Your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number (if applicable).

Your employer’s address and phone number (if applicable).

A U.S. point of contact’s name, address, and phone number (if applicable).

Accepted payment methods:

What Makes Us Unique


User-Friendly Interface

Quick Processing Times

Related Topics:

An approved travel authorization is not a visa and does not fulfill the legal or regulatory requirements to replace a U.S. visa when one is required by law. Travelers with a valid visa can still enter the United States for the purpose specified by their visa. Those holding a valid visa do not need to apply for a travel authorization.

To enhance the security of travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), additional requirements have been implemented. While nationals of VWP countries can still travel without a visa, they must obtain an approved travel authorization before departure.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provide a secure online system where travelers or third parties can submit an ESTA application. After entering the required biographic, travel, and payment details, the system evaluates eligibility for travel under the VWP. Applicants receive an automated response, and airlines verify ESTA approval electronically before boarding.
Key Features of ESTA:
ESTA determines whether a traveler is eligible to enter the U.S. under the VWP and assesses any potential security risks.
Approved ESTA authorization allows travelers to board a VWP signatory carrier for the U.S.
CBP recommends applying for ESTA when booking travel, but no later than 72 hours before departure.
ESTA is not a visa and does not replace one when required. Those with valid U.S. visas do not need an ESTA.
Validity and Requirements:
ESTA became mandatory on January 12, 2009.
Approved applications remain valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple visits without reapplying.
Each stay must not exceed 90 days, and sufficient time should pass between visits to avoid suspicion of residency attempts.
Travelers with a passport expiring in less than two years will receive an ESTA valid until the passport’s expiration date.
When to Reapply for ESTA:
A new ESTA is required if:
You receive a new passport.
You change your name, sex, or nationality.
Your circumstances change (e.g., criminal conviction or medical conditions affecting eligibility).
Application Fee:
Express: $184.00 USD.
Standard: $139.00 USD.
Status Checking: $32.00 USD.
Application Fees covers the authorization andprocessing fee.
Third-party transaction fees are not covered by CBP.
Important Notes:
If your ESTA expires while you are in the U.S., it does not affect your departure.
Printing the ESTA confirmation is recommended for records, but it is not required at U.S. entry points since CBP officers have the information electronically.

The “Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007” (9/11 Act) introduced key amendments to Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These changes required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement an electronic travel authorization system to strengthen the security of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was developed as an additional security measure, allowing DHS to evaluate travelers before departure. This system determines whether an individual is eligible to travel under the VWP and assesses potential law enforcement or security risks. By screening travelers in advance, ESTA enhances border security while maintaining the convenience of visa-free travel for eligible individuals.

On average, completing the ESTA application takes approximately 23 minutes. However, processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances and the accuracy of the information provided. It is recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure to ensure timely approval.

Active Data Retention: Your ESTA application data remains active for the duration of your approved ESTA, which is generally two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Extended Retention: After expiration, DHS retains the information for an additional year before archiving it for twelve years to allow retrieval for law enforcement, national security, or investigatory purposes.
Limited Access: Once archived, access to the data is further restricted to authorized officials only.
Law Enforcement Cases: Any data linked to law enforcement investigations, security watchlists, or denied applications will remain accessible for the lifetime of the related case.
Paperless I-94W Transition: With the transition to a paperless I-94W system, ESTA data replaces traditional paper forms and follows the I-94W retention schedule of 75 years in applicable cases.

Yes. This i-esta.com is designed to ensure the security and privacy of your information.
Advanced Security Measures: The site employs technology to prevent unauthorized access to the data you enter and view.
Privacy Protections: It operates under the United States Privacy Act and adheres to strict privacy regulations to safeguard your personal information.

Start Your ESTA Application Now

Don’t wait to book your trip. Get your USA travel authorization easily and quickly with I-Esta.com today.