Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires travelers from select countries to get approval from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before checking in for a flight to the U.S.
Designated countries
If you’re a citizen or national of one of these Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, you need an ESTA before traveling to the U.S., even if it’s just for a connecting flight.
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
ESTA process
Apply and pay
To apply, complete an application on the ESTA website and pay the fee. Make sure to provide an email address you check often, as the system will email status updates and other important information.
Apply nowWait for approval
The ESTA application is short, but processing and final approval takes up to 72 hours. If you’re approved, your ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple trips to and through the U.S.
ESTA approval allows you to board a plane for travel to the U.S. but does not guarantee entry into the country. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for the complete list of VWP rules.
Apply and pay
To apply, complete an application on the ESTA website and pay the fee. Make sure to provide an email address you check often, as the system will email status updates and other important information.
Apply now Wait for approval
The ESTA application is short, but processing and final approval takes up to 72 hours. If you’re approved, your ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple trips to and through the U.S.
ESTA approval allows you to board a plane for travel to the U.S. but does not guarantee entry into the country. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for the complete list of VWP rules.
Traveler pro tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your next trip to the U.S. goes smoothly.
- Make sure you entered your passport and personal information correctly before you submit your application. If you make a mistake in these sections, you’ll have to reapply and pay another fee.
- Your ESTA must have the same information as your passport. If you update your last name, gender or country of citizenship before your ESTA expires, you’ll have to reapply.
- The U.S. may have different security rules than your home country. Visit the TSA security page to find out what to expect at the airport.
- While you're in the U.S., you'll need to carry an ID at all times. For more information, visit the U.S. travel documents page.
Traveler pro tips
Here are a few tips to make sure your next trip to the U.S. goes smoothly.
- Make sure you entered your passport and personal information correctly before you submit your application. If you make a mistake in these sections, you’ll have to reapply and pay another fee.
- Your ESTA must have the same information as your passport. If you update your last name, gender or country of citizenship before your ESTA expires, you’ll have to reapply.
- The U.S. may have different security rules than your home country. Visit the TSA security page to find out what to expect at the airport.
- While you're in the U.S., you'll need to carry an ID at all times. For more information, visit the U.S. travel documents page.