What is ESTA? Complete Guide to Electronic System for Travel Authorization

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory online travel authorization system for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2009, ESTA determines whether travelers pose a security or law enforcement risk before they board a U.S.-bound aircraft or vessel.

You must obtain ESTA authorization if you meet ALL of the following criteria:

• ✓You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country (42 countries $40)
• ✓You are traveling to the United States for tourism, business, or transit
• ✓Your stay will be 90 days or less
• ✓You plan to arrive by air or sea carrier (cruise ship or international flight)
• ✓You do not currently hold a valid U.S. visa

The ESTA system performs automated checks against multiple law enforcement and security databases to determine if a traveler poses a risk. Here is how the process works:

• ✓You submit an online application with biographical and passport information
• ✓You answer eligibility questions about health, criminal history, and previous travel
• ✓The system performs real-time checks against security databases
• ✓You receive a response usually within minutes (can take up to 72 hours)
• ✓If approved, your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport
• ✓Airlines and cruise lines verify your ESTA before allowing boarding
• ✓CBP officers check your ESTA upon arrival in the United States

The entire process is automated, secure, and designed to process applications quickly while maintaining security standards.

Once approved, your ESTA authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

During this validity period, you can:

• ✓Make multiple trips to the United States
• ✓Stay up to 90 days per visit
• ✓Travel for tourism, business, or transit purposes
• ✓Enter through any U.S. port of entry (airport, seaport)

ESTA is not a visa, and there are important differences:

ESTA is simpler and faster: Online application, approved in minutes to 72 hours, costs $40, valid for 2 years, allows multiple entries, no embassy visit required.

U.S. Visa is more complex: In-person interview required, processing takes weeks, costs $185+, valid for 10 years, requires embassy appointment, more documentation needed.

However, a visa allows longer stays (typically 180 days per visit) and can be used for purposes not allowed under ESTA, such as work or study.