Questions about ESTA

What is ESTA and why apply for ESTA to travel to the United States?

ESTA means Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. It is part of an electronic system for travellers wishing to travel to the US online, via the Internet. Since 2009, the US government has started to register travellers to the US by means of a US ESTA. This replaces the green application form I-94W that had to be filled in on a flight to the US. After the attack of 9/11 US Visa application and ESTA application was launched to increase safety of flights and cruises to the US.

If you wish to travel to the United States either by air or sea, and you are a resident living in one of the countries of the Visa Waiver Programme, you are required to have an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) is part of that Waiver Programme so if you are a UK citizen, you are required to apply for an ESTA.

ESTA application is only required for temporary business trips or tourist visits of up to 90 days. An ESTA Visa is also required when you enter the US on transit (even when you do not leave the airport).

Once a US ESTA is applied for and obtained, it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. In the case of needing to apply for a new passport, you would also need to apply for a new ESTA. Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in the US. During the ESTA period of validity, you can travel to the US as often as you like. However, you are only permitted to stay for up to 90 days per visit to the U.S. (The number of days you may be staying in Canada or Mexico will count and are considered part of the maximum of 90 days.)

You pay the price of the US ESTA as determined by the US government; this amount is fixed at $14 (USD). We charge a conciliation and administration fee for our service, with the aim that customers increase their chance of obtaining an ESTA. Regardless of the exchange rate, we will only invoice a fixed total amount of £27.50 once you have completed your application.

Other names you will often find for ESTA are ESTA US, ESTA USA, ESTA US, ESTA America.

Who is an ESTA aimed at?

Applying for an ESTA for America is only required for temporary business trips or tourist visits of up to 90 days. An ESTA is also required when you enter the US on transit (even when you do not leave the airport).

What do you need to make an ESTA application?

Requirements before you apply for ESTA US Visa: your passport needs to be valid at least right up to the end of your stay in the US, and you will also need a valid payment requirement such as a debit card or a credit card.

What are the costs for ESTA application with esta-applications.uk?

Our service provides support and assistance to travellers who are looking for an instant ESTA. You pay the price of the ESTA as determined by the US government; this amount is fixed at $14 (USD). We charge a conciliation and administration fee per ESTA USA application. Regardless of the exchange rate, we will only invoice a fixed total amount of £27.50, once you have completed your application. Usually we will send your Travel Authorisation to you by e-mail, but if you would like to receive it by post as well, we will charge an extra £4.00 per application.

In case of a rejected ESTA application, we will refund the full purchase amount to your bank account. (Currently more than 99% of all applications are accepted).

Is my country part of the Visa Waiver Programme, required for an ESTA application?

There are currently 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Programme:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Republic of Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,Taiwan, United Kingdom.

Do you guarantee ESTA for entering the United States of America?

Unfortunately not, because once an ESTA application has been assigned, you are able to travel to the US, based on the Visa Waiver Programme, but an assigned ESTA does not guarantee your final access to the USA. Upon arrival in the US your ESTA will be checked at the airport by a US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officer, who may inform you that you could enter the US with your ESTA Visa based on the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) or any other American legal provision related to the VWP. If an ESTA would not be accepted, you would be obliged to apply for a non-immigrant US Visa application (for business B1 and for tourists B2). Refusal of an ESTA would mean no permission to travel based on the Visa Waiver Programme. So this would not exclude a US Visa application. If you choose a US Visa application, you then still would have the opportunity to enter the USA with the US Visa.

If you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya or Somalia on or after 11th of March 2011, or if you have the nationality of any of these countries, then your ESTA application is likely to be rejected. In this case, we advise that you do not apply for an US ESTA but a US Visa. For more information about these procedures go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.

If I would travel via the United States to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean, would I have to apply for ESTA?

Yes, also even if you would not leave the airport, you have to be in the possession of an ESTA USA to be able to continue your travels. If you travel from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean islands back to the US you would also need a valid ESTA unless you enter the US by land transport. If that would the case, you would need to fill in an I-94 form at the US border.

Please be aware that the days of travelling in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean will also be part of the maximum stay of 90 days in the USA. On the Caribbean islands you would even need to spend no more than 45 days maximum.

When would I need a Visa instead of ESTA?

If you stay less than 90 days in the United States, you need to apply for a non-immigrant Visa (business B1 and tourists B2 Visa) with the American Embassy in your own country, instead of an ESTA application. In that case you will be able to fill in the DS-160 form online already at https://ceac.state.gov/. Subsequently you will need to make an appointment for an interview with the embassy in the UK. For more information about the procedures for US Visa application please inquire at the US Department of State/ Bureau of Consular Affairs atwww.travel.state.gov.

Also if you travel to the US for business or to study in the USA you will need to complete a US Visa application at your embassy.

If you are not sure whether you need an ESTA America or a Visa America, you can use the Visa Wizard. This is a tool developed by the US Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Please find more information about the Visa Wizard.

How long is an obtained ESTA valid for?

Once ESTA is applied for and obtained, it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. In the case of needing to apply for a new passport, you would also need to apply for a new ESTA. Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in the US. During the ESTA period of validity, you can travel to the US as often as you like.

However, you are only permitted to stay for up to 90 days per visit in the U.S. (the number of days you may be staying in Canada or Mexico will count and are considered part of the maximum of 90 days).

The ESTA authorisation is linked to your passport. Therefore please make sure before you travel that you bring the same passport, which you used for your application. In the case of needing a new passport after the application, your ESTA USA will no longer be valid with your new passport. You will therefore have to reapply for a new ESTA authorisation.

How long does my passport need to be valid after I have obtained ESTA?

Your passport must be valid for as long as the duration of your stay in the US (departure date of your return + 1 day). However, the duration of your stay cannot be longer than 90 days. You may enter the country several times within 2 years (as long as your ESTA America and your passport you originally requested ESTA with, are still valid).

The ESTA authorisation is linked to your passport. Therefore please make sure before you travel that you bring the same passport, which you used for your application. In the case you might need a new passport after the assignment, your ESTA will no longer be valid with your new passport. You will therefore have to reapply for a new ESTA authorisation.

What is the length of my maximum stay in the USA with an ESTA authorisation?

The duration of your stay cannot be longer than 90 days. You may enter the country several times within 2 years (as long as your ESTA America and your passport you originally requested ESTA with, are still valid).

The ESTA authorisation is linked to your passport. Therefore please make sure before you travel that you bring the same passport, which you used for your ESTA application. In the case of needing a new passport after the application, your ESTA Visa will no longer be valid with your new passport. You will therefore have to reapply for a new ESTA authorisation.

Am I allowed to use the same ESTA several times for travelling to the US?

Yes, as long as either your ESTA Visa or your passport has not been expired. Once an ESTA is applied for and obtained, it is valid for 2 years or earlier when your passport expires. This information is visible in your email with the confirmation of your ESTA after your ESTA application.

The ESTA authorisation is linked to your passport. Therefore please make sure before you travel that you bring the same passport, which you used for your application. In the case of needing a new passport after the application, your ESTA will no longer be valid with your new passport. You will therefore have to reapply for a new ESTA authorisation.

For how long should my passport be valid?

Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay within the US (return date + 1 day extra). Your stay cannot be longer than 90 days. Over a two-year period you are allowed to enter the US several times (as long as your passport when applying for the ESTA is still valid). The ESTA authorisation is linked to your passport. Therefore, make sure before your travel that you bring the same passport, which you used for your application. In the case of needing a new passport after your application, your ESTA will cease to be valid with your new passport. You will therefore need to reapply for a new ESTA authorisation with your new passport.

Do I need to show proof of my valid ESTA authorisation?

No, your ESTA Visa will be electronically registered when you apply with your passport. The passport number will be connected to your ESTA, so you do not need proof of your approved ESTA. However we do advise you to print off our mail with confirmation of the approved ESTA and take that with you.

Upon the check-in at the airport, you may be asked to show the address of your hotel or accommodation in the US for the first night.

Where can I find extra information about travelling to the US?

On the website https://www.visittheusa.com/info you will find more practical information and also some travel advice.

Can I get a flight to the US from a country, which is not part of the Visa Waiver Programme?

Yes, as long as you meet the conditions of the Visa Waiver Programme, you can board with your ESTA USA from anywhere in the world.

For how long must my ESTA authorisation be valid in order to travel to the US?

Your ESTA must be valid on the day of arrival in the US. During your stay you will not be able to hold an invalid ESTA Visa so your passport needs to be valid until your departure date (calculate departure date plus 1 day extra).

When is a person exempted from ESTA authorisation?

If you travel from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean islands back to the US you would also need a valid ESTA unless you enter the US by land transport. If that is the case, you would need to fill in an I-94 form at the US border.

In case of holding a valid permit or a valid Visa, you will be able to travel without an ESTA.

If you are of American nationality obtaining an ESTA will be not necessary.

Can I travel unaccompanied to the US as a minor below 18 years of age?

If you are a minor child and are wishing to travel unaccompanied to the United States of America, we advise that you contact your travel organisation. Different airlines have their own restrictions for travelling unaccompanied as a minor child. Apart from the airline’s possible documents, you must also be in the possession of a notarial act. If a child under the age of 18 will not be accompanied by both parents when traveling to the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that the child carries a notarised written consent letter from both parents, in case it is requested for review by immigration officials. If you have any further questions about the consent letter, we suggest you contact CBP directly.

What are the rules for travelling with a minor or child?

# If you as a parent travel with your minor child, a document must be shown on arrival with the signature of the non-travelling parent and a photocopy of a valid passport of the non-travelling parent. The parent who is taking the child abroad should also write a letter of consent. For more information check: https://www.gov.uk/permission-take-child-abroad

# If the parents are divorced and they both have parental responsibility, there must be some proof of joint parental responsibility. It is advisable to take a signed document, giving the other parent permission, for the trip with you as well.

# If the parents are divorced and one of the parents does not have parental responsibility, then the other parent should be able to show proof of full parental responsibility. # If one of the minor’s parents has died, the other parent needs to take an official certificate (death certificate) proving the death of the other parent.

# If you have been given custody or have adopted the minor child and you are not the biological or legal representative, you must be able to provide official proof of custody or adoption.

# This official website gives more information on how to proceed when you need permission to travel with your child. We recommend that you clarify what rules apply to you.

# For more information, please contact U.S. CBP Information Centre for more information.

What does the Global Entry Programme mean?

This is a Protection (CBP) programme that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members enter the United States through automatic kiosks at select airports. Global Entry is a Trusted Traveller programme that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Each membership card is valid for 5 years. Applicants must be in possession of either a machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card. At airports, programme participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveller a transaction receipt and directs the traveller to baggage claim and the exit. Members may be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the programme's terms and conditions will result in appropriate enforcement action and revocation of the traveller's membership privileges.

Travellers must be pre-approved for the Global Entry programme. All applicants undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrolment.

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

How to Apply for Global Entry?

Before you apply, make sure you are eligible for Global Entry. It’s easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Create a Trusted Traveller Programme (TTP) account. Regardless of your age, you must have your own TTP account.

2. Log in to your TTP account and complete the application. A $100 non-refundable fee is required with each completed application.

3. After accepting your completed application and fee, CBP will review your application. If your application is conditionally approved, then your GOES account will instruct you to schedule an interview at a Global Entry Enrolment Centre. Each applicant must schedule a separate interview.

4. You will need to bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver’s license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your machine-readable permanent resident card.