ESTA
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (USA)
ESTA — an electronic entry authorization for the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, obtained online in advance.
- What it is
- ESTA — an electronic authorisation to enter the US under the visa-free programme
- Who it is for
- Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program
- How
- Obtained online in advance, before departure
- Keep in mind
- It is neither a visa nor a guarantee of entry
- How to use it
- Check whether your passport is in the VWP
In plain words
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an electronic authorisation to enter the United States for citizens of countries taking part in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It allows entry to the US for tourism or short business trips without an ordinary visa, with the authorisation obtained online in advance.
The key condition is citizenship of a country on the VWP list (it includes many EU states, the United Kingdom, Japan and a number of others, but not every country). Holders of such passports fill in the ESTA form on the official website, pay a fee and receive an authorisation, usually valid for two years and for multiple short trips (as a rule, up to 90 days).
It is important to understand: ESTA is not a visa and not a guarantee of entry but a preliminary authorisation; the final decision is made by the officer at the border. For those whose passport is not in the VWP, ESTA is not available and a full US visa is needed. That is exactly why a strong passport with access to visa-free entry to the US is so valued — it opens trips to the States through a simple online procedure.
Where ESTA comes up
What matters about ESTA
- Citizens of VWP countries
- Not every passport
- According to the programme’s list
- An online form
- Payment of a fee
- In advance, before departure
- Usually 2 years
- Multiple entries
- Short trips of up to 90 days
- It is not a visa
- Not a guarantee of entry
- The border decides
How to obtain ESTA
- 01Check your passport against the VWP list
- 02Fill in the online form
- 03Pay the fee and submit
- 04Receive the authorisation
- 05The trip to the US
What you need to know
- ESTA is an electronic authorisation to enter the US under the VWP
- It is available only to citizens of participating countries
- It is obtained online in advance, before departure
- It is usually valid for 2 years for short trips
- It is neither a visa nor a guarantee of entry
Common mistakes
- Assuming ESTA is available to every passport
- Leaving the application until the day of departure
- Confusing ESTA with a full US visa
- Using ESTA for long stays or work
- Making a mistake in the passport details on the form
What this means for a BRIDGES client
We take access to the US into account when choosing a programme: a passport from the VWP list opens entry on ESTA — through a simple online procedure instead of a visa and interview. We show the real value of each passport for travel to the States and help choose a document for your purposes, including access to America.
Frequently asked questions
01 /What is ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization — an electronic authorisation to enter the US for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, obtained online in advance.
02 /Is ESTA a visa?
No. It is an authorisation under the visa-free programme, not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry — the final decision is made by the officer at the US border.
03 /Who is ESTA available to?
Only citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program. If your passport is not on the list, ESTA is not available and a full US visa is needed.
04 /For how long and for what purpose?
The authorisation is usually valid for two years for multiple short trips (as a rule, up to 90 days) for tourism or business — not for work or long stays.
05 /How does ESTA differ from an eTA?
They are systems with the same logic: ESTA is for the US under the VWP, eTA for Canada and other countries. Both are obtained online in advance and are not visas.
06 /How do you gain access to ESTA?
You need a passport of a country in the VWP. The strong passports of many EU countries and other states give such access — we take this into account when choosing a programme.
See also
Read next
This material has undergone editorial review by BRIDGES.
Does access to the US matter?
We will choose a passport taking into account visa-free entry to the US on ESTA and other destinations you need — for your real travel.