Register for ESTA for the United States 2025

ESTA is required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the United States.

You can apply for ESTA at any time.
However, you must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States.

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Travelers must apply online and receive approval before traveling to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Eligible Purposes for ESTA Application

• Visiting family or friends
• Business meetings or conferences (non-employment)
• Short-term medical treatment
• Transit through the United States
• Tourism (individual or group)

ESTA Application Process

• STEP 1: Complete the application form online
• STEP 2: Enter your email address
• STEP 3: Provide passport information
• STEP 4: Answer eligibility and background questions
• STEP 5: Review and make payment
• STEP 6: Wait for application review
• STEP 7: Check your ESTA result (usually within 72 hours)

Required Documents for ESTA Application

• Valid electronic passport (e-passport) from a Visa Waiver Program country
• Active email address
• Credit or debit card for payment of the application fee
• Accurate personal and travel information

ESTA Announcements

• Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain ESTA approval before entering the United States without a visa.
• Processing can take up to 72 hours or longer, depending on system volume or applicant background.
• It is strongly recommended to apply for ESTA well before your travel date.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first) and allows multiple short visits to the U.S.
• ESTA approval does not guarantee entry; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final admission decision.

Important Notes

• The validity period of ESTA (two years) is separate from the allowed stay (up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program).
• Even with ESTA approval, travelers cannot exceed the 90-day limit or engage in work or study activities.
• If false or incorrect information is provided, ESTA may be denied or revoked, and entry may be refused in accordance with U.S. immigration law.
• Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the approval result.

You must apply for a new ESTA if any of the following information changes

1. Name
2. Gender
3. Date of birth
4. Nationality
5. Passport information (number or expiration date)
6. Responses to eligibility questions (criminal record, visa denial, communicable disease, etc.)

If you have already received ESTA approval but your travel details (address in the U.S. or contact information) change, you may update these details online before departure.
Failure to update information could result in travel delays or entry denial.

Additional Information

• Travelers with valid ESTA approval do not need to complete the paper I-94W form upon arrival.
• ESTA does not permit employment or long-term stays.
• If you hold both an ESTA authorization and a valid U.S. visa, the visa will take precedence.
• Travelers who previously overstayed under the VWP may be ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa instead.
• It is advisable to print or save a copy of your ESTA approval for your records.

Apply for ESTA Early

Apply for ESTA well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry to the United States.
ESTA applications can be submitted through ETAPORTAL, where professionals provide guidance to ensure your information is correct and complete.