Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The Visa Waiver Program, managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in cooperation with the U.S. State Department, allows eligible nationals from 42 designated countries to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Travelers must obtain an ESTA approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which assesses their eligibility to enter the country.
The 42 countries currently participating in the VWP are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands†, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The Visa Waiver Program, operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the State Department, allows citizens from 42 participating countries to visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Eligibility must be confirmed through an approved ESTA application via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
An approved ESTA grants permission to board a carrier en route to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Private transportation companies must be approved participants in the program. Refer to the list of approved carriers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advises submitting the ESTA request at the time of booking, but no later than 72 hours before departure.
All eligible nationals of VWP countries intending to enter the United States temporarily for business or tourism must obtain ESTA authorization before boarding a U.S.-bound aircraft or vessel, or presenting themselves at a land border entry point. ESTA or a visa is also required for transit through the United States.
Participating VWP countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands†, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
ESTA does not function as a visa and cannot substitute for a visa where one is required. Individuals holding a valid U.S. visa may travel to the U.S. under the conditions specified by that visa. Travelers using a valid visa are not required to apply for ESTA. As with visas, ESTA approval does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers may enter the United States multiple times during that period without reapplying. Each visit must not exceed 90 days, and travelers should allow for reasonable time between visits to avoid suspicion of attempting to reside in the U.S. There is no fixed minimum duration required between trips.
The Visa Waiver Program, enacted under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act, has been in effect since 2015. This legislation introduced updated eligibility standards for entering the United States via the Visa Waiver Program using an ESTA. These requirements do not prohibit travel to the U.S.; however, individuals who do not qualify under ESTA guidelines must apply for a visa, which typically involves an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
Passport Requirements
Only travelers with passports that meet specific security standards may use the Visa Waiver Program. The conditions include:
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A passport featuring a machine-readable zone on the identification page
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An electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric data of the holder
Personal Requirements
To qualify, travelers must:
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Not have visited Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, or Cuba on or after January 12, 2021
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Not possess a valid U.S. Visitor Visa
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Submit the ESTA application at least 72 hours prior to departure to the United States
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Travel solely for tourism or business
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Stay in the U.S. for no longer than 90 days
Excluded Categories from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
According to current regulations, the following individuals are not eligible to enter the United States under the VWP without a waiver:
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Citizens of VWP countries who have traveled to or stayed in Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 1, 2011 (subject to limited exceptions). These rules are intended to reinforce border protection and enhance safety for U.S. residents and international travelers
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Dual nationals from VWP countries who also hold citizenship in Iraq, Syria, Iran, North Korea, or Sudan
In addition, as of January 12, 2021, Cuba was designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism and added to the list of restricted countries.