Frequently Asked Questions

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a digital pre-screening process that determines whether you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Unlike a traditional visa, the ESTA does not require an in-person interview at an embassy or consulate. The application is completed entirely online, and most determinations are made within minutes. However, the ESTA is limited to stays of 90 days or less for tourism, business, or transit — activities that would require a B-1 or B-2 visa for citizens of non-VWP countries. If your travel plans fall outside these categories, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa type.

Over 40 countries currently participate in the Visa Waiver Program, including most European Union member states, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and several other nations. The full list is maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is subject to periodic updates based on bilateral agreements and security assessments. If your country of citizenship is not part of the program, you will need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa through the standard consular process.

An approved ESTA authorization is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this validity period, you may travel to the United States multiple times without needing to reapply, as long as each individual visit does not exceed 90 days. If you obtain a new passport, change your name, change your gender, change your country of citizenship, or if any of the information on your application changes, you will need to submit a new ESTA application.

To complete your ESTA application, you will need your valid e-Passport, personal biographical information (full name, date of birth, country of citizenship), your travel details (expected arrival date, purpose of visit, U.S. contact information if applicable), and you will need to answer several eligibility and security-related questions. We recommend having your passport physically in front of you during the application process to ensure all details are entered exactly as they appear on the document.

Yes, it is possible to submit an ESTA application on behalf of another eligible traveler. This is particularly common for parents applying for their children, travel agents assisting clients, or employers facilitating business travel for employees. The person submitting the application must have access to all required information, including the applicant's passport details and the ability to accurately answer the eligibility questions. The applicant remains fully responsible for the accuracy of the information provided, regardless of who physically completes the form.

If your ESTA application is denied, you are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. However, this does not necessarily mean you cannot visit the country. You may apply for a nonimmigrant visa through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, where a consular officer will evaluate your circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Common reasons for ESTA denial include previous visa overstays, certain criminal convictions, travel to specific countries, or responses to the eligibility questions that flag additional concerns. It is not possible to appeal an ESTA denial directly.

If your travel dates, destination within the U.S., or purpose of visit changes after your ESTA is approved, you generally do not need to submit a new application. The ESTA is not tied to specific flights, dates, or itineraries. However, if any of your personal information changes — such as a new passport, name change, or change in citizenship — you must apply for a new ESTA. Similarly, if you answered any of the eligibility questions differently than on your original application, a new submission is required.

No. An approved ESTA authorizes you to board a carrier destined for the United States, but it does not guarantee admission to the country. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will inspect your travel documents and determine whether to admit you. The officer may ask questions about the purpose of your visit, your planned duration of stay, and your ties to your home country. In rare cases, travelers with approved ESTAs may be denied entry if the officer determines there are grounds for inadmissibility.

No. The ESTA does not authorize any form of employment in the United States. This includes paid work, freelance engagements, performing arts appearances for compensation, and any activity that involves receiving payment from a U.S.-based source. The Visa Waiver Program is strictly limited to tourism, short-term business activities (such as attending meetings or conferences), and transit. If you need to work in the United States, you must obtain the appropriate work visa.

After submitting your ESTA application, you will receive a reference number that allows you to track the status of your authorization. You can use this reference number along with your passport details to check your application status through our status checking page. We also send email notifications when your application status changes, so you will be informed as soon as a determination is made. If your application status remains pending for more than 72 hours, we recommend contacting our support team for assistance.