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.
Eligibility Criteria

ESTA Requirements & Eligibility Guide

Determine whether you qualify for electronic travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. Review the complete criteria and document requirements before beginning your application.

Core Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program, every one of the following conditions must be satisfied:

  • Hold citizenship or nationality of a participating Visa Waiver Program country
  • Possess a valid electronic passport (e-Passport) containing a machine-readable zone and embedded biometric chip
  • Intend to enter the United States for tourism, business discussions, or transit purposes exclusively
  • Plan to remain within U.S. borders for no more than 90 consecutive days
  • Have no prior record of U.S. visa denial or involuntary removal from the United States
  • Maintain a clean criminal history free of offenses involving moral turpitude, controlled substances, or national security concerns
  • Have not previously violated the terms of any U.S. immigration status or overstayed a lawful visit
  • Possess a valid payment instrument for processing applicable fees
  • Maintain an active email account for receiving authorization correspondence and status notifications

Documents and Information to Prepare

Assemble the following materials before starting your application to ensure an efficient submission:

Passport Details

  • Valid e-Passport with biometric chip
  • Passport number and country of issuance
  • Issuance and expiration dates
  • National identification number (where applicable)

Travel & Contact Information

  • Complete travel itinerary with flight details
  • U.S. accommodation address and contact person
  • Emergency contact within the United States
  • Current employer name and workplace address

Participating VWP Countries (42)

Citizens of these nations are eligible for ESTA electronic travel authorization:

AndorraAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBruneiChileCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandIsraelItalyJapanLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaMonacoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPolandPortugal QatarSan MarinoSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSouth KoreaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanUnited Kingdom

Who Should Apply for a Visa Instead

The Visa Waiver Program may not be available to you if any of the following apply:

  • You are not a citizen of any Visa Waiver Program participating country
  • Your visit will exceed 90 days in duration
  • You intend to engage in employment, academic study, or long-term residence
  • You have a criminal record involving arrest, conviction, or pending charges
  • You were previously denied a U.S. visa or removed from the United States
  • You violated terms of a prior U.S. immigration admission or overstayed a lawful visit
  • You traveled to certain restricted countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen) after March 2011

Understanding the e-Passport Requirement

Every ESTA applicant must travel with an electronic passport. An e-Passport incorporates an embedded microprocessor chip that securely stores the holder's biometric data. The distinctive camera/chip symbol printed on the front cover identifies it.

If your current passport lacks an electronic chip, you will need to obtain a replacement from your national passport authority before applying for ESTA, or pursue a traditional U.S. visa through a consular office. We advise ensuring your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival date in the United States.

Satisfy all the criteria? Begin your application with confidence.