U.S. Travel Authorization Service
Help

Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Enter your passport number exactly as shown on your passport. Include all letters and numbers without spaces.

Select the date your passport was issued. This must match the issue date printed on your passport.

Select your passport expiry date. Make sure your passport is valid for your planned travel duration.
Support & Resources

Help Center & Traveler Resources

Your comprehensive hub for ESTA guidance, troubleshooting, and self-service tools. Whether you are preparing your first application or managing an existing authorization, the answers you need are organized below.

Troubleshooting Common Situations

Quick resolutions for the issues travelers encounter most frequently. If your situation is not covered here, our support team can provide personalized guidance.

I discovered an error after submitting my application.

If the error involves a modifiable field (email, phone, travel itinerary, or U.S. contact), you can correct it through our modification portal. For errors in locked fields such as your name, passport number, or date of birth, contact our support team immediately. Depending on the processing stage, we may be able to intercept and resubmit, or we will guide you through filing a corrected application.

My confirmation email never arrived.

First, thoroughly search your spam, junk, and promotional folders — automated messages are frequently filtered. If the email remains missing, navigate to our status tracking page and enter your application reference (visible during the submission confirmation screen). As a last resort, contact support with your full name, date of birth, and the email address you used, and we will retrieve your records manually.

My authorization request was not approved.

A denied ESTA does not permanently bar you from visiting the United States. It means the Visa Waiver Program pathway is not available for this particular application. The most common next step is to apply for a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Our team can outline the process and help you understand the potential reasons for the denial.

Am I unsure whether I need an ESTA or a standard visa?

If you hold citizenship in one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries and your visit is for tourism, business meetings, or transit lasting 90 days or fewer, an ESTA is the appropriate authorization. For longer stays, employment, academic enrollment, or other purposes, a traditional visa is required. Our requirements page provides a complete eligibility breakdown.

Can I board my flight while my ESTA is still being processed?

No — airlines are required to verify ESTA authorization before allowing passengers to board U.S.-bound flights. We strongly recommend submitting your application at least 72 hours before departure. If your departure is imminent, our Rush and Super Rush processing tiers can significantly accelerate the timeline.

My passport is expiring soon. Does that affect my ESTA?

Your ESTA validity is tied to your passport's expiration date. If your passport expires before the two-year ESTA period, your authorization becomes invalid on the passport expiration date. After renewing your passport, you must apply for a new ESTA linked to the new document.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential facts about ESTA authorization at a glance.

Processing Windows

  • Standard tier: 36 hours
  • Rush tier: Approximately 9 hours
  • Super Rush tier: Approximately 3 hours
  • Specialist review: 1-4 hours

Authorization Scope

  • Valid for 2 years from approval date
  • Unlimited U.S. entries permitted
  • Maximum 90 days per individual visit
  • Covers tourism, business, and transit

What You Will Need

  • Valid electronic passport (e-Passport)
  • Current travel itinerary details
  • U.S. accommodation or contact address
  • Active email for notifications

Preparing for a Smooth Application

Maximize your chances of a quick approval by following these preparation guidelines before you begin the application form.

Gather Documents First

Have your e-Passport, employer details, and U.S. accommodation information ready before starting. Switching between the form and document search increases the risk of entry errors.

Use a Secure Connection

Submit your application from a private, secure network. Public Wi-Fi at airports or cafes can expose sensitive information. Our platform uses 256-bit encryption, but your local connection matters too.

Group Applications

Traveling with family? Our group submission feature lets you process multiple travelers in one session. Each person needs their own passport details, but shared trip information auto-fills across entries.

Choose the Right Processing Tier

Standard processing works well for trips planned weeks ahead. If your departure is within days, select Rush or Super Rush to ensure your authorization arrives before you need to board.

Double-Check Before Confirming

Our expert review catches most issues, but verifying that your passport number, name spelling, and dates match your physical document eliminates the most common cause of processing delays.

Know Your Eligibility

ESTA is available only to citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries traveling for tourism, business, or transit. If your purpose of visit falls outside these categories, a standard visa application is the correct route.

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