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Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

Find out the requirements for ESTA

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you must meet the eligibility requirements to travel to the U.S. under the program. You will also need authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before beginning your trip. Learn about the VWP and ESTA and if your country participates in the program.

How to request a travel authorization to the U.S. through ESTA

If you find out your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program:

Confirm that your passport meets the program requirements. You must have an  electronic passport or “e-Passport”  to participate in the VWP. This type of passport includes a chip.

Complete the  ESTA application  online.

Pay the fees: The total cost is $21. When you apply, you will pay a $4 processing fee. If you are approved to travel to the U.S., you must pay an additional $17 authorization fee.  Learn about the payment options available to pay ESTA fees.

When you complete and submit the form and processing fee, you will get an ESTA application number. Use that number to  check the status of your application . It may take up to 72 hours to find out if you are authorized to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

Each approved ESTA application is generally valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the U.S. within that period without having to apply for another travel approval. If your passport expires in less than two years, you will receive an ESTA approval valid until the passport's expiration date.

When you travel to the U.S. for tourism or business under the VWP, you may stay up to 90 days per visit.

If you have questions about the ESTA and VWP application process, visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) FAQ page .

Other travel documents you will need to enter the U.S.

Even if you qualify for the VWP, you will need to bring a passport from your country of citizenship to enter the U.S. Generally, a visitor’s passport must not expire less than six months from the date they plan to exit the U.S. But some countries extend the validity of their passports for an additional six months after expiration. They are known as being part of the “Six Month Club.” Learn which countries are exempt from the six-month passport rule.

When you enter the U.S., officials at your port of entry will issue you a Form I-94W, an electronic record of your entry date. Learn more about I-94W and how to apply.

LAST UPDATED: June 18, 2024

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• Transportation Security
• Visa Waiver Program
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization
• Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to apply for and receive an approved travel authorization via ESTA to board a plane or vessel bound for the United States. (A travel authorization via ESTA is not a guarantee of admission into the United States. Travelers must establish their eligibility for the program during inspection by an officer at a port of entry.)

In most instances, ESTA applicants will receive real-time notification on the status of their application to travel to the United States. Applicants denied an ESTA will be advised to apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy.

For more information, and to apply for a travel authorization, see ESTA .

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What to know about the US ESTA 'visa' — when to get it, how to apply and how much it costs

If you're traveling to the U.S. any time soon and you're a citizen of the United Kingdom or Europe, it's quite likely that you'll need to apply for an ESTA before you visit.

Short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization, applying for an ESTA might seem daunting if you've never done it before. Don't worry — we have you covered.

Below we break down everything you need to know about applying for an ESTA, from how much it will cost and approval times to when you should renew it and when you need to consider applying for one.

Related: What to know about the ETIAS 'visa' — when to get it, how to apply and how much it will cost

What is the ESTA 'visa'?

An ESTA is an automated part of the Visa Waiver Program that allows visitors from specific countries to visit the U.S. Visitors must be citizens of countries classed as part of the U.S. visa waiver list to be eligible for an ESTA application. Currently, 40 countries are included on the list, including the U.K. and much of Europe.

ESTA holders can visit the U.S. for a period of 90 days or less without the need to apply for a standard visa if their visit is either a vacation or a business trip.

ESTA was initially rolled out by the U.S. in 2008 to allow the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Borders Protection to use authorized databases to pre-screen visitors to the country. It also allows the easier identification of terrorists, criminals and banned flyers, and is designed to help prevent such people from entering the country. It can also help identify those who may be a risk for overstaying their visits.

Is an ESTA a visa?

No, an ESTA is not a traditional visa and instead is classed as a visa waiver. As such, the application process is much more straightforward than applying for a traditional visa, and eligible travelers can do so by filling out a short online application on ESTA's official website.

The form requires applicants to share basic personal information, travel history and other simple security questions. Applications are usually processed within 72 hours.

Who needs to apply for an ESTA?

You'll need to apply for an ESTA if you are a citizen of a country classed as part of the U.S. visa waiver program, which includes the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, among others. You can view the full list of the 40 eligible countries on the DHS website .

If you are visiting the U.S. from one of these countries as part of a vacation or business trip that is set to last for 90 days or less — and you are arriving by either plane or cruise ship — you can apply for an ESTA.

If you already hold a visa for visiting the U.S., you do not need to also apply for an ESTA. Additionally, if you are only briefly stopping in the U.S. to catch a connecting flight or ship before moving on to your final destination, know that you will still be required to apply for an ESTA, regardless of how brief your stay is.

How much does an ESTA cost?

The ESTA application fee is $21; you can pay this fee online after filling out your application form. The fee was increased from $14 in May 2023, and its current pricing will remain in effect until September 2027.

Valid payment methods include:

• American Express
• Discover (JCB or Diners Club only)

Your application will not be submitted for approval until your payment has been received.

How do you apply for an ESTA?

You can only apply for an ESTA online. Find the official site here .

You will be asked to accept various terms and upload an image of your passport during your application. After uploading an image of your passport, you will also be asked to share your passport information, valid email address and other standard personal details, along with information regarding your upcoming and previous travel history.

If applicable, you may also be required to share details about your employment; aliases or other names; a national ID or personal ID number; your Global Entry, Nexus or Sentri ID number; and the name, addresses or phone number for any U.S. points of contact.

When do I need to apply for an ESTA?

Your ESTA application can be submitted at any time before you travel to the U.S. However, the DHS advises you to apply at least 72 hours before travel to allow time for processing ahead of departure.

How long does an ESTA application take to be approved?

In TPG's experience, an ESTA application can often be approved on the same day you apply, though it can sometimes take up to 72 hours to be processed. We recommend applying at least a week or two before traveling to allow time for the application to be approved.

How long is an ESTA valid for, and will I need to apply for each trip to the US?

Once approved, your ESTA will be valid for two years from the date it was authorized or until the date your passport expires — depending on which comes first. You will not be required to apply for a new ESTA for each subsequent visit to the U.S. as long as any trips fall within the two-year validity period.

If you acquire a new passport or change your name, sex or citizenship after having your ESTA approved, you must submit a new application for approval.

How can I check my ESTA status?

If you have applied for an ESTA and want to check its status, you can do so by visiting the ESTA website and selecting "Check ESTA Status."

If you are checking your own application, click "Check Individual Status." You will then be asked to supply either your passport number, date of birth and application number or your country of citizenship and passport issue and expiration dates.

To check the status of a group application, click "Check Group Status." From here, you will be asked to supply your group ID, family name, first (given) name, email and date of birth of your group's point of contact.

You will then be able to see the current status of your ESTA, which will fall into one of three categories:

• Authorization Approved — meaning your application was successful, and you are authorized to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program
• Travel Not Authorized — meaning your application was unsuccessful, and you're not authorized to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program
• Authorization Pending — Your travel authorization is still under review and should usually be determined within 72 hours

Note that while in most cases you will be fine entering the U.S. once your application is approved, having an ESTA alone does not guarantee admission. Your final entry will be at the discretion of the CBP officer at your destination.

Bottom line

If you are traveling to the U.S. from the U.K. or other countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure if you are not already approved.

Your ESTA will cost $21 and will be valid for two years from its authorization date. If you already have an ESTA, it's wise to check its status before any trips to the U.S. to ensure it's still valid.

Related reading:

• What to know about the ETIAS 'visa' — when to get it, how to apply and how much it will cost
• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or an expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 18 best places to travel in 2023
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases

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ESTA - How long is my ESTA approved for?

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
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Entry requirements

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in the US set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK .

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering the US.

Passport validity requirements

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country. Many countries will only allow entry if you have at least 6 months validity remaining on your passport. 

Dual nationals  

US law requires US citizens to enter and exit the US using a US passport. Contact the US Embassy or a consulate in the UK for more information.

Visa requirements

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an  Electronic System for Travel Authorisation ( ESTA ) visa waiver  or a visa .

The US State Department has more information on visas .

Applying for an ESTA visa waiver 

Apply for an ESTA visa waiver through US Customs and Border Protection. You can also apply using the ESTA Mobile app on android or on iOS .

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you have:

• been arrested (even if the arrest did not result in a criminal conviction)
• a criminal record
• been refused admission into, or have been deported from the US
• previously overstayed under an ESTA visa waiver

You cannot normally apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you were in the following countries on or after March 2011: 

• North Korea

You cannot apply for an ESTA visa waiver if you travelled to or were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021. 

If you are not eligible for an ESTA , you must instead apply for a US visa.

Applying for a visa

The US Embassy in London has information on how to apply for a visa .

US visa appointments

Visa appointments at the US Embassy in London are limited. Plan your application as far ahead as possible before travel. If you need to travel urgently, you can request an expedited interview through the US Embassy’s appointment service provider.

The US Embassy has more information on visa appointments .

Children and young people

Anyone aged 17 and under must:

• have a valid visa or ESTA visa waiver on arrival
• be able to provide evidence about the purpose, location and length of their visit if asked by immigration officials
• have written consent from one or both parents if travelling alone, with only one parent, or with someone who is not a parent or legal guardian

The US authorities can stop you entering the country if they have safeguarding concerns about a child. If this happens, the US authorities will take the child into their care, and their return from the US could take months. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot speed up the return of British nationals aged 17 and under from the US.

The US government has information about children travelling to the US . If you have questions, contact the US Embassy in the UK .

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide .

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Global Entry programme

The US Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry allows pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can  register to get a UK background check . If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.

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Do I need an ESTA to transit through U.S.?

An approved ESTA is required if you are from one of the Visa Waiver countries ( VWP ) and you want to travel to the US. The same rule applies if you are transferring or transiting within the US.

You have to enter the information required by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency ( CBP ) in the official ESTA application. The whole process can be completed online and you can get a decision within minutes – unless the authorities require additional information or documentation.

According to the US Customs and Border Protection , visitors who want to transit at an airport in that country while on their way to another country are viewed as (short- term) immigrants to the US.

ESTA also plays an important role in stopping suspicious individuals from using the US as a stopover when traveling to another country. The US has in the past been the target of more than one terror attack that caused loss of life. The US government responded to this by strengthening its security measures and requiring an ESTA from people who are on their way to another destination forms part of its response.

So don’t forget to apply for an ESTA well before the start of your trip.

What about my baby and preschool kids? Do they also require an ESTA?

The normal rules for who should apply for an ESTA also apply to all transit passengers, irrespective of their age. That means that you will have to apply for every member of your travel group who wants to transit via the US. Even infants and preschool kids must have an ESTA.

Since it could take a few days before you get confirmation of the screening results after submitting an ESTA application , the best option is to apply as early as possible, preferably the moment you decide to use the US to transit or transfer on your way to another country.

If you fail to apply for an ESTA for every member of your group before the time, you might not be allowed to board your flight or enter the United States. This is why we recommend that you check all destinations, flight numbers, and airports where you plan to transit well before your planned departure.

What is the difference between transfer, transit, and stopover/layover?

Visitors who want to use the US as a transfer destination typically do so in the following cases: transfer, transit, and stopover or layover. The differences between these terms are explained below.

This term refers to when someone changes flights. The difference between transfer and transit mainly comes down to whether or not you will use the same or a different plane to continue to your final destination. If you will continue your journey on a different plane, the term transfer is used by the authorities.

During a transfer you might, for example, have to move to another part of the airport or even to another terminal. In certain instances, you might even require a new boarding pass before boarding the new plane.

The term transit refers to a stop while you are on your way somewhere else. It is mainly used to describe a situation where the plane has to land at a US airport on its way to somewhere else to refill food and fuel supplies. The same aircraft then continues its journey to the next destination.

In the majority of cases, the aircraft stays in the airport for an hour or two while passengers either remain inside the plane or are asked to move to the airport’s transit room.

During a transit, the plane’s interior will typically be cleaned. If you are asked to go to the transit section, you should therefore make sure that you remove all your belongings that are stowed in the seat pockets or around your feet and place them in an overhead compartment. Also make sure to take important documents like your passport and expensive items such as your camera with you.

During transit, you will typically receive a transit card from airport staff. Make sure you don’t lose this.

Stopover or layover

These terms refer to when your plane remains at a particular airport for 24 hours or more while on its way to another destination. Both terms are used in British and American English.

Although the term stopover might sometimes be used when referring to a stay of shorter than 24 hours, it normally refers to one of more than 24 hours.

What are the different types of US Transit Visas?

If you are not from one of the countries that belong to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) you of course can’t apply for an ESTA. Below we discuss the different types of Transit Visas you could apply for if you plan to transit via the US on your way somewhere else. The C1 is the most common option.

General Transit Visa (C1)

This is the recommended transit visa if you are a non-American citizen who will be passing through that country en route to your final destination.

This is a transit visa aimed at non-American citizens who are on their way to the UN (United Nations) headquarters in the city of New York. This is also the correct visa for officials of the UN who are transiting via the US on the way to another destination. You can only apply for this visa once a petition or request has been delivered to the nearest United States embassy by the United Nations or a similar foreign mission.

This is the appropriate visa for officials of foreign governments who are on a layover in the United States while traveling to their end destination. The purpose of their trip has to be for work-related or governmental activities.

Steps to be followed when submitting a US transit visa application

• Submit form DS-160 online to start the pre-screening process – This is to confirm that you qualify for the visa. The process is fully online and required from everyone who applies for a non-immigrant visa at the office of the US Consulate/Embassy General, including preschool kids and infants. In the case of the latter, the application must be submitted by a parent or family representative if they are planning to live together in the United States as a family.
• Pay the relevant application fee for a US transit visa –  This is currently $185. Make a note of the payment reference onscreen and check you received confirmation via email as you will need this reference again. The fee for a C2 or C3 visa might differ and there could be other costs involved.
• Arrange an interview at the offices of the US Consulate/Embassy General – After making the required payment, continue by scheduling this interview – but contact them before the time because there might not be interview facilities in the city or country you currently are in.
• Prepare the necessary documents ahead of the interview – When booking the embassy appointment , you will be requested to prepare and bring a number of documents to your scheduled appointment. You will also select the method you prefer to receive your passport once your application has been processed.
• Attend appointment – On the scheduled date and time, you will need to attend the interview with a US consular official at the offices of the US Consulate/Embassy General. You will be asked a number of questions regarding the nature of your short visit to the United States, even though it is for transit purposes. The interview should last no longer than 60 minutes, however, additional time may be needed if security lines are long to enter the U.S. embassy.

After completing the steps above, you will usually receive your approved visa inside your passport within 3-5 business via the method you selected on the application form.

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-waiver-program/transit/

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ESTA Application

Covid-19 remains a serious health risk. from 26 january 2021, if you’re flying to the usa you must provide evidence of a negative covid-19 test within three days of your departure, or proof that you have recovered from covid-19. this applies to all passengers aged two years and older. various restrictions and public health measures are in place and vary by location. monitor the embassy website for further covid-19 related information., how to apply for your electronic system for travel authorization (esta).

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What is esta, what is the visa waiver program, who is required to apply for esta, our esta application includes:.

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Global Entry

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Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States by accessing the Global Entry processing technology at selected airports .

At airports, program members proceed to the Global Entry lanes where processing technology will be used to expedite the members by capturing a photo to verify their membership. Once the photo has been captured, the member will receive on-screen instructions and proceed to a CBP officer who will confirm that you have successfully completed the process.

Travelers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry program. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrollment. If a traveler was unable to schedule an interview at an Enrollment Center prior to their international travel, they have an option to complete their interview via Enrollment on Arrival upon their arrival to the United States.

Another upcoming processing technology option for travelers will be the Global Entry Mobile App. This app will enable members to validate their arrival to the U.S. on their iOS or Android device prior to entering the Federal Inspection Services area.

While Global Entry’s goal is to speed travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

Global Entry Benefits

• No processing lines
• No paperwork
• Access to expedited entry
• Available at major U.S. airports
• Reduced wait times