How do I apply for an ESTA?

To apply for ESTA, you must complete an Individual Application. Either select “Create New Application” and then “Individual Application”, or select “Individual Application” under “Submit Application” in the Global Menu. If you are submitting multiple applications, refer to “Submitting a group of applications. On your application, enter all required information marked with a red asterisk. You will be asked to provide: basic biographical information; information from your VWP-eligible passport and other passports; a valid email address, which will require verification; your current or previous employer; your address and contact person in the United States; an emergency contact person; and payment information. You will also be asked to answer nine security questions. Each member of your group must have an approved travel authorization or visa before traveling to the United States, regardless of age.

Review the application – In step 6 of the individual application process, you can check that your answers are correct before selecting “Next” and submitting your application. To make any corrections, you can select “Edit” in the appropriate section of the application and make changes. Once you’ve made your changes, you can click “Update,” then “Confirm and Continue” to proceed to step 7, “Pay Now and Complete Application.”

Make a note of the application number – After checking your email, the system will provide you with the application number. The application number will also be emailed to you at that address. Make a note of this application number for your records, but note that your application has not yet been paid. You will be asked for your application number, passport number, and date of birth to retrieve your application, check the status, or update your application.

Make Payment – After reviewing the payment summary in step 7, check the “Waiver” box and click “Pay Now,” you will go to the final step where you will enter payment information for fees associated with the Travel Assistance Act of 2009 and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 (PL 116-94).

Check the status of your application – Your ESTA application is usually updated in no more than 72 hours. You can check the status of your ESTA as described below: Individual Application: To check your ESTA status, go to the ESTA home page, select “Check ESTA Status,” and then click “Check Individual Status.” You will need to enter either your passport number, date of birth and application number, or your country of citizenship, date of passport issue and date of passport expiration. Group Application: To check your ESTA group status, go to the ESTA home page, select “Check ESTA Status,” and then click “Check Group Status. You will need to enter the group ID, last name, first name, middle name, email address, and date of birth for the group contact person. If you do not know your Group ID, select the “I do not know my Group ID” link to get your Group ID. The three possible responses to the ESTA application are as follows:

• Permit approved. Your travel authorization has been approved and you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The system displays a confirmation of approval of the application and a notification of receipt of payment indicating the amount of your payment. Travel authorization does not guarantee entry into the United States, as the final decision is made by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.
• Travel is not authorized. You may not enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may apply for a visa at the U.S. Department of State. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://estatousa.com/ for more information on applying for a visa. This response does not prohibit you from entering the United States. This response only prohibits you from traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The system also displays a payment receipt notice that indicates the amount of your payment for processing the ESTA application.
• Permit pending. Your travel authorization is pending because no immediate decision can be made on your application. This response does not mean a negative outcome. Typically, a decision will be ready within 72 hours. Please return to this website and select “Check ESTA Status” and then “Individual Application”. You will need to enter your application number, passport number, and date of birth to check your application status.