ESTA Requirements
Complete guide to ESTA eligibility requirements and restrictions for U.S. travel authorization
Valid Electronic Passport
Must have an electronic passport (e-passport) with an integrated chip
Visa Waiver Program Country
Must be a citizen of a country participating in the VWP
Maximum 90-Day Stay
Trip duration cannot exceed 90 days per visit
Tourism or Business Purpose
Travel must be for tourism, business, or transit purposes only
Eligibility Criteria
Passport Requirements
- • Electronic passport (e-passport) with digital chip
- • Valid for at least 6 months from travel date
- • Issued by a Visa Waiver Program country
- • Machine-readable with digital photograph
Travel Purpose
- • Tourism and sightseeing
- • Business meetings and conferences
- • Transit through the United States
- • Medical treatment (short-term)
- • Visiting friends and family
Stay Duration
- • Maximum 90 days per visit
- • Cannot extend stay beyond 90 days
- • Must not have intent to immigrate
- • Return ticket or onward travel required
Disqualifying Factors
You may not be eligible for ESTA if you have any of the following:
Visa Waiver Program Countries
Citizens of the following countries are eligible to apply for ESTA:
Dual Citizens
Special rules apply for travelers with dual citizenship:
- Must travel on VWP country passport
- Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria dual citizens ineligible
- Recent travel to certain countries may disqualify
Recent Travel Restrictions
You may be ineligible if you traveled to these countries since March 1, 2011:
- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia
- Sudan, Syria, Yemen
- North Korea (since March 1, 2021)
Exceptions may apply for official government travel or journalism.
Important Notes
ESTA vs. Visa
ESTA is not a visa. It's an authorization to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. If you don't meet ESTA requirements, you must apply for a U.S. visa.
Authorization Not Guaranteed
Meeting requirements doesn't guarantee ESTA approval. Each application is reviewed individually.
Entry Not Guaranteed
ESTA authorization doesn't guarantee entry to the U.S. Final admission decisions are made by CBP officers at the port of entry.