The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to the U.S. is a document that allows travelers from Visa Waiver countries to enter the United States and visit for 90 days without a visa. So, if you’re a citizen of one of the countries I share below, you won’t need a visa, but you’ll have to apply for the ESTA.
It’s not the most straightforward process, so I’ll share all the steps and important information you need in this article. First, we’ll check if you need an ESTA, and then we’ll look at the online ESTA application and its cost.
We’ve been living in the U.S. for years, but many friends and family visit us here, so we’re very familiar with the ESTA. You can apply for it through the official website or use iVisa, a faster and much easier alternative. The latter is more expensive, but it’s especially useful if you need the ESTA in a matter of hours or days. Plus, it dramatically reduces the odds of your application being denied!
We’ll get into everything below, but before we start, do you have travel insurance for the USA? I highly recommend it, as the U.S. is notorious for its healthcare costs.
- What is an ESTA for the USA?
- Who needs an ESTA for the United States?
- How to apply for the ESTA online
- Advantages of iVisa vs. the official ESTA application
- ESTA requirements for the United States
- What to do if your ESTA application is denied
- How long is the ESTA to the USA valid?
- How much does the ESTA cost?
- Other important information about the ESTA for the USA
What is an ESTA for the USA?
The ESTA for the United States is an electronic document that allows travelers to enter the country without a visa. Remember, only citizens from Visa Waiver countries can get an ESTA.
Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has used the ESTA to pre-evaluate and approve certain travelers. As such, you must apply for the ESTA before your trip to the United States. Your trip may be for work or leisure, but it cannot exceed 90 days.
Also, the ESTA is an online authorization, not a visa, so it can’t replace a U.S. visa. However, this shouldn’t be a problem since travelers with valid visas don’t need to apply for an ESTA.
Who needs an ESTA for the United States?
The ESTA is designed for travelers arriving in the U.S. from a Visa Waiver country. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of specific countries to visit and stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa.
Who needs an ESTA for the United States?
These are the countries that belong to the Visa Waiver Program:
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If you’re coming from one of these countries, you must submit an ESTA application before arriving in the United States. The ESTA is non-transferable, so each traveler must have their own. Also, if you have a layover in the U.S., you still need an ESTA, even if your final destination is a different country.
How to apply for the ESTA online
You can apply for an ESTA to the USA through the official government website. This site is operated by the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection organization.
We’ve used the official website plenty of times but also had moments when we needed to apply quickly. In those cases, we used iVisa, an online service that streamlines the process, reviews the application, and expedites the approval process.
Heads up: the ESTA is valid for 24 months from the approval date. However, if your passport expires within the next 24 months, so will your ESTA. So, double-check your passport to ensure you don’t encounter any problems.
Use the official ESTA website application
The official website is where you can find the online ESTA application and submit it for approval. To start, you’ll have to upload a photo of your passport and complete an online form with information like your name, address, and country of citizenship:
There is also an optional section about your social media presence and your involvement with the Global Entry Program (if any):
The application asks for a lot of information, so take your time and double-check that everything is correct. Even if just one little thing is wrong, your application will be denied, and you’ll have to start all over.
After reviewing your application, the final step is to submit your online payment. The price of the ESTA is $21 ($17 authorization fee + $4 processing fee). You can pay with a credit or debit card (American Express, Discover JCB or Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa) or with PayPal.
You can save your incomplete application for 7 days. However, they won’t process your application until you make the final payment. As for the ESTA approval time, it takes at least 72 hours. You can check your ESTA’s status online using your application number.
If you have any questions or concerns while filling out your application, check out the FAQ page here.
Apply for the ESTA through iVisa
Another option, and the method we choose when we’re in a rush, is iVisa. This website helps you complete the application and get the ESTA quickly and easily.
All you have to do is enter the website and select your country of origin. Then, you’ll see the entry document you need to enter the U.S. If you’re coming from a country that’s part of the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll see that you need to apply for an ESTA to the United States.
After clicking “Continue,” you’ll begin filling out the application. The ESTA form on iVisa differs from the official ESTA website. While the official site requires you to enter all your essential information, iVisa fills in many of the blanks automatically. Not only does this streamline the process, but it improves your chances of approval since it reduces the chances of you making a mistake.
Of course, I still recommend double-checking all the information. You’ll also have to upload a photo of your passport, just as you would on the official website.
Once you complete your application, you’ll see a page with the estimated processing time. The standard timeframe is 48 hours, but you can select the 24-hour or 12-hour option if you’re in a rush. The faster the delivery time, the more expensive it is, as you can see in the image below:
You’ll also see that the final price for the ESTA is the official government fee of $21 plus the cost of the processing time you choose. So, if you select the standard option ($89.99), your total will be $110.99. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or Google Pay. You must make the payment for your application to be submitted.
This isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s the best way to get a U.S. ESTA quickly. Plus, iVisa eliminates the guesswork and hassle of filling out the entire application yourself, and a team of qualified experts will review your application to ensure you’ll be approved. If you have any questions, you can contact the multilingual customer support team 24/7, although I’ve never seen anyone get denied when going through iVisa.
Advantages of iVisa vs. the official ESTA application
You can apply for an ESTA for U.S. entry at any time through the official website or iVisa. However, depending on your circumstances, one method may be better.
For example, one of the main advantages of iVisa is that you can expedite the processing and delivery time, so you get your ESTA in as little as 12 hours. The application form is also much shorter and easier to fill out than the official website form. Since iVisa thoroughly reviews your application, you can rest assured that you will receive your ESTA. A team of qualified experts reviews every application on iVisa, so if you make any mistakes on your form, you can fix them before submission.
On the other hand, if you use the official website, you’re responsible for all the information you provide. If you make a mistake, you must redo the application and pay to submit it again. This will waste a lot of time, and you’ll end up spending more money.
Another notable difference is that the official website doesn’t specify how long it takes to process your ESTA (it just says it’ll take at least 72 hours). With iVisa, you can get your ESTA confirmation in 2 days, 24 hours, or 12 hours, depending on the option you choose. There is also 24/7 chat support, so you can quickly get answers from an expert and make sure you’re submitting the correct information.
So, if you’re looking for a quick, foolproof way to get a USA ESTA, and you don’t mind paying extra, iVisa is your best bet. If you have time, feel confident about completing the application, and want to save money, you can apply through the official website.
ESTA requirements for the United States
Keep in mind that you must meet specific criteria to have your ESTA application approved. Because these requirements may change, we update this article regularly based on the information published on the official website.
Below, you can read more about the ESTA requirements for the United States:
Documentation
One of the basic requirements for the ESTA is a valid passport from one of the countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Documentation
Your passport must be valid when applying for the ESTA and during your trip. The ESTA is valid for 24 months, but if your passport expires before then, so will your ESTA.
Other required information includes a valid email address, your home address and phone number, and an emergency contact’s email and phone number. In some cases, such as traveling for a particular reason, you may have to provide additional info:
- Your alias(es) or other names you go by
- Your National Identification Number or Personal Identification Number
- Your Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID number
- Your employer’s address and phone number
- The name, address, and phone number of a contact person in the U.S.
As of April 1, 2016, travelers’ passports must be electronic and have a chip. Otherwise, they may be denied entry to the U.S., even if they have an ESTA.
Type of trip
The ESTA is for trips of up to 90 days. In addition to your ESTA, you must present a return ticket to your home country (or a country other than the United States).
Type of trip
You can use your ESTA travel authorization for tourist trips, visits to family or friends, and for business reasons. However, if you plan to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, for whatever reason, you will need a visa, not an ESTA.
Other requirements
The only way to get a United States travel ESTA is to submit an online application. The process requires scanning or uploading a photo of your passport, correctly filling out the ESTA form, and making an online payment.
Usually, the ESTA approval time is quick. The official website requires at least 72 hours to process your application, but it could take longer. On the other hand, iVisa provides expedited service, authorizing your application within 2 days.
Other requirements
If you’re entering the U.S. by air or sea, you must present a return ticket to a country other than the United States. For electronic tickets, make sure you get a copy of the itinerary. If you’re arriving by land from Canada or Mexico, you must present form I-94W, which you should receive at the U.S. port of entry.
Remember, you need an ESTA even if you just have a layover in the United States. Finally, while it’s not required, taking out a travel insurance policy is a good idea. I recommend Heymondo, which has an excellent coverage-to-price ratio and a high amount of emergency medical coverage. You can get a discount on a Heymondo policy using this link.
What to do if your ESTA application is denied
The most common reason your ESTA application would be denied is because there is incorrect information on the form.
If you’re using the official website, be very careful and take your time because once you submit your application, you can’t make changes to it. This is why we prefer using iVisa, which reviews your application before submission to ensure all the information is correct.
The United States ESTA can also be denied to people who:
- Have participated in illegal and criminal activities, such as drug trafficking; committed violent crimes, or have a criminal record, with or without conviction.
- Have committed immigration crimes, such as violating visa regulations or overstaying a visa.
- Have links with terrorists, whether individuals or organizations; or are involved with terroristic activities.
- Have been diagnosed with a contagious disease that could pose a public health risk.
- Have been banned from entering the U.S.
- Have been deported from the U.S.
- Have dual citizenship from visa-free countries: Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Cuba.
If you’re denied a U.S. ESTA for any of the above reasons, you may still be able to enter the country with a visa. However, it all depends on why you were denied an ESTA in the first place. If it’s as simple as providing incorrect information on your application, you may submit a new application with payment.
How long is the ESTA to the USA valid?
The ESTA for the United States is valid for 24 months, starting from the date of approval. If your passport expires before the 24 months, your ESTA will also expire. Note: If your passport is going to expire within the next 6 months, your ESTA application will be denied.
How long is the ESTA to the USA valid?
During the 24 months that your ESTA is valid, you can have multiple layovers in the U.S. and enter the country multiple times as long as your stay is less than 90 days. However, if your passport, name, sex, or citizenship has changed within those 24 months, you must request a new ESTA.
How much does the ESTA cost?
The price of an American ESTA is $21 through the official website ($17 + $4 processing fee). This is the cheapest way to apply for the ESTA. However, it’s a tedious process, and it takes at least 72 hours to receive your ESTA.
Consider getting a travel credit card to pay for the ESTA and any purchases you’ll make in the U.S. The best cards have no foreign transaction fees and earn points or miles towards your next trip so that you can make the most of them.
Another option is applying for an ESTA through iVisa, which is much faster but more expensive. You’ll have to pay the official fee of $21 plus the processing fee, which varies depending on the timeframe. The standard option costs $110.99; a 24-hour rush order is $140.99; and a 12-hour rush order costs $200.99.
We’ve used both methods and haven’t had any problems. That said, if you’re short on time or worried about completing the application correctly or navigating English instructions, I recommend using iVisa.
Other important information about the ESTA for the USA
You shouldn’t have significant issues if you meet the ESTA eligibility requirements. However, there are some exceptional cases in which the process may differ.
ESTA for families
If you’re filling out an ESTA application for a family or group, ensure each traveler has a valid passport from a Visa Waiver country and meets all the requirements.
ESTA for families
You can apply for all the ESTAs together using the official website or iVisa. Double-check your information, especially if you’re using the official site. If you’re traveling with minors, only their parents or legal guardians may apply for the ESTA and accept the conditions on their behalf.
ESTA for people with traffic tickets or criminal records
People with traffic tickets or even criminal records can apply for an ESTA, but their approval will depend on the offense’s severity, when the crime was committed, and the applicant’s age.
In this case, the best course of action is to be upfront about your tickets and record rather than try to hide this information. Even if your application is approved, you could be denied entry to the U.S. if the government finds out you’ve been hiding a criminal record.
ESTA for people with traffic tickets or criminal records
If you’re denied an ESTA, I recommend checking if you can get into the U.S. with a visa. It’s also worth getting a policy from one of the best travel insurance companies so you can recover the money you invested in your trip should you be denied entry.
Finally, it’s always better to begin the application process for the ESTA early so you have enough time to work out any problems.
FAQs – ESTA for the United States
You’re all set now that you have all the information about the ESTA application process. If you still have any questions, check the FAQs below to clear up any doubts.
Can you have a layover in the United States without an ESTA?
With the exception of Canadian and Bermudian citizens, you cannot have a layover in the U.S. without an ESTA or visa.
How much does the ESTA application cost?
The ESTA costs $21 through the official government website. Through iVisa, the price starts at $110.99 for 2-day delivery ($89.99 processing + $21 authorization fee).
How can you check if you are using the official ESTA website?
The official ESTA website is operated by the U.S. government and can be accessed here.
How long does it take to get an ESTA to the United States?
The official ESTA website takes at least 72 hours to process applications. If you have a rush order, you can use iVisa to get your ESTA in 2 days, 24 hours, or 12 hours.
Can you apply for an ESTA for another person?
Yes, you can apply for an ESTA for another person. Just make sure you use the correct form and specify that you’re filling it out for someone else.
Do you need to have a plane ticket or hotel reservation to apply for an ESTA?
You don’t usually need a hotel reservation or plane ticket to apply for the ESTA. However, you must provide an address in the U.S. where you’ll stay during your trip. When you enter the United States, you must present a return plane ticket to your country of origin or another destination.
Do you need travel insurance to get your ESTA approved?
No, you don’t need insurance to get an ESTA. However, I highly recommend getting a travel insurance policy since healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive. For example, Heymondo is an excellent provider and offers a 5% discount.
How will I receive my ESTA for the United States?
Your ESTA will arrive at the email address you used for your application. Keep an eye on your email for any notifications about issues or incomplete information on your ESTA application.
What happens if some of the information on the ESTA is incorrect?
You must submit a new application if there is incorrect information on your ESTA. If you use iVisa, the company will review your application thoroughly before submitting it, so you won’t have any problems.
Can you cancel the ESTA application if you decide not to travel to the United States?
No, you cannot cancel your application once it has been submitted.
Do minors need an ESTA?
Yes, all travelers, including minors, need an ESTA for the United States. A parent or legal guardian must submit the application for a minor.
Can I apply for an ESTA if I have recently traveled to Cuba?
If you recently traveled to Cuba, you need a visa to enter the U.S., not an ESTA.
Do I need an ESTA visa to enter the United States by land?
Yes, you need an ESTA to enter the United States by land.
That’s everything you should know about how to get the ESTA. Again, I recommend getting good travel insurance for the U.S. before your trip. It’s also worth having a travel credit card and a SIM card for the USA. I like the eSIMs from Holafly, which you can buy at a discount.
If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to comment below so I can help you. Stay safe, and have a great trip to the United States!
