Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

Each country has its own entry requirements, which can be especially confusing if you do a lot of international travelling. If you’re planning on taking a vacation or business trip to the US, then you’ll need to get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation  (ESTA).

The U.S. made ESTAs mandatory in 2009 to make travel safer for everyone. You may not be familiar with them if you haven’t travelled to the U.S. in recent years, so here is everything you need to know about ESTAs.

What Is an ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation  (ESTA) is run under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It’s an automated travel authorisation system which determines whether travellers from VWP countries, such as the UK, are authorised enter the U.S. This applies to people travelling via flight or cruise ship for leisure or business. UK Travellers will need an ESTA even if they are only catching a connecting flight to another country. To apply for an ESTA, you must have a machine-readable e-passport. If you have an ESTA, you can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without needing a visa. Having an ESTA does not guarantee that you will get through customs.

How Do I Get an ESTA?

You can apply for an ESTA online on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site or via the Android app or iOS app. It costs $21, which can be paid by debit card or PayPal. Travellers are advised to apply for an ESTA when they start planning their trip and a minimum of 72 hours prior to travelling to the U.S. You may get authorised instantly, but it may take a little longer for some travellers.

To apply for an ESTA, you’ll need to provide your passport information, your phone number and home address, your email address, and emergency contact information. You may also need your National or Personal ID number; your aliases or other names; your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number; your U.S. point of contact name, address, and phone number; and your employer’s contact details. The application process will take approximately 25 minutes.

You won’t be asked for your application number when you check-in for your flight, but you should make a note of it just in case you need it in the future. An ESTA can be used for multiple trips and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, at which point you will need to apply for a new one if you plan on travelling to the U.S. again.

What Do I Do If I Can’t Get an ESTA?

If you apply for an ESTA and your application is denied, you will need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. To do this, you will need to fill in a DS-160 form and pay a fee. You’ll then need to make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy in London or at the U.S. Consulate General in Belfast. The interview will last for 2 to 3 hours. You need to bring your appointment confirmation letter, the confirmation page of your DS-160 form, a recently taken 2” by 2” visa photo, your previous U.S. visas (if applicable), and any other documents they request to your appointment.

You will need to leave your passport at the embassy while your application is being processed, which should take 5 working days if your application is successful. When your passport is ready, the embassy will deliver it to you.

No matter where in the U.S. you travel, you should cover your trip with travel insurance. For more information on entry requirements for travelling to the U.S., check out the FCDO’s travel advice for the USA.