Electronic System for Travel Authorization
(ESTA)
ESTA is an automated system to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program and whether their travel poses any law enforcement or security risk. All nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP must receive electronic travel authorizations through the ESTA website prior to boarding a U.S.– bound airplane or vessel.
ESTA is accessible online in 22 languages at https:// esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Each approved ESTA application is valid for two years—a visitor may travel to the United States repeatedly within a two-year period without having to apply for another ESTA approval. Travelers whose ESTA applications are approved, but whose passports will expire in less than two years, will receive an ESTA valid until the passport’s expiration date.
A friend, relative, travel agent, or another person may file an application on behalf of the traveler. However, the traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and accuracy of all information submitted on his or her behalf. The traveler must provide (in English) biographical data, including name, birth date, and passport information. The traveler also must answer questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, and history of visa revocation or deportation, among other VWP eligibility questions.
For additional information on ESTA go to
www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/