An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online approval required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who plan to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit without a visa.
The American Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online pre-screening requirementfor eligible Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries visitors to travel to the United States without a visa for short stays.
ESTA was established under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. Applications opened in August 2008. Since January 12, 2009, ESTA authorization has been mandatory for
VWP travelers entering the United States by air or sea. Beginning January 20, 2010, airlines have been subject to fines if they transport VWP passengers without a valid ESTA.
People from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries need an approved ESTA to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for fun, work meetings, or passing through.
This is a must for travel by plane, boat, or car. Every person, even babies and children, needs their own ESTA. If you plan to stay longer, work, study, or come from a country not in the program, you must get a regular visa.
People with a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country can get an ESTA if they want to visit the United States for business or pleasure and stay 90 days or less. If you already have a valid U.S. visitor visa (B1/B2 or any other visa) in your passport, you are not allowed to use ESTA, even if you come from a Visa Waiver Program country. This rule is the same for adults, children, and even babies – every person needs their own approval.
As of 2025, citizens of 42 countries may travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Andorra
Chile
Finland
Iceland
Latvia
Monaco
Portugal
Slovenia
Taiwan
Australia
Croatia
France
Ireland
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Qatar
South Korea
United Kingdom
Austria
Czech Republic
Germany
Israel
Lithuania
New Zealand
San Marino
Spain
Belgium
Denmark
Greece
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Singapore
Sweden
Brunei
Estonia
Hungary
Japan
Malta
Poland
Slovakia
Switzerland
Andorra
Belgium
Croatia
Estonia
Germany
Iceland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Malta
New Zealand
Portugal
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
Australia
Brunei
Czech Republic
Finland
Greece
Ireland
Japan
Lithuania
Monaco
Norway
Qatar
Slovakia
Spain
Taiwan
Austria
Chile
Denmark
France
Hungary
Israel
Latvia
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Poland
San Marino
Slovenia
Sweden
United Kingdom
Some travelers lose VWP access if they visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011, or Cuba after January 12, 2021. Dual citizens of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea,Sudan, or Syria also face this rule. Waivers can apply for official diplomatic, military, humanitarian, news, or real business trips. Anyone blocked from ESTA can still request a standard visa at a U.S. embassy.
Starting September 30, 2025, every ESTA approval costs $40 to complete. You pay $10 right away when you send your form, and if everything checks out, $50 (processing fees) more gets added to finish it. This full amount helps cover the review work and supports efforts to bring more visitors to America.
Kids pay the same amount as adults since each traveler needs individual approval. The price stays the same for each person, no matter their age. You can submit your form anytime, but plan to do it at least three days before your flight, cruise, or drive. One clear fee opens the door for two years of travel to the U.S
Your American Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) stays good for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It lets you visit the United States many times, but each trip must be 90 days or less.
Most applications clear in minutes. CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel, as errors or peak seasons can extend processing to three full days.
To apply for United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization, you’ll need to have the following Information:
Valid e-Passport: From a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country with electronic chipsinside.
Recent Photos: Upload a clear, up-to-date photo that meets US size and format guidelines:
● Size: 2 x 2 inches (51×51 mm) photo.
● Background: Plain white or off-white.
● Image size: Less than 500 KB, JPG or JPEG format.
Email address: To get status updates and approval number.
Contact information: Your home address and phone number.
Emergency contact: Name, phone, and email of someone to reach if needed.
Payment method: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) or PayPal for $60 fee.
Biographic information: Full name, date of birth, city of birth, country of citizenship.
Travel information: Address and contact (hotel, friend, or business) in the United States.
Employer information: Name and address of your job, if you have one.
Eligibility answers: Yes/no questions about health, crimes, drugs, past U.S. visits, and travel to certain countries.
Getting your United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is quick and simple. Just follow these three steps:
Fill in your details like name, birth date and place, passport info, parents' names, job details, and email.
Check everything for mistakes before sending. Pay the $40 fee with credit card or PayPal.
Submit and get a number to track it. Go back to the site within 72 hours to see if approved.
Singaporean citizens can stay up to 6 months. Embark on your journey to the United Kingdom with the UK ETA and explore a multitude of opportunities.
Here’s what you can do with UK ETA_
Visiting for holidays, sighsteeting, friends or relatives.
Attending conferences, contract negotations.
Visiting for holidays, sighsteeting, friends or relatives.
Visiting for holidays, sighsteeting, friends or relatives.
You can use the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization for Tourism, Business, Transit, Education (Short-Term Study) under the United States Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Program. ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days per visit and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Tourism ESTA lets you visit the United States for fun, family, or rest for up to 90 days.
You can see sights, go to beaches, visit friends, or get medical care. No work or school allowed. Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov for $60.
It works for 2 years or until your passport ends. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the airport checks if you can enter. Covers Puerto Rico and Guam too.
Business ESTA lets you visit the U.S. for meetings, talks, or training up to 90 days.
Attend events, meet clients, sign deals. You must keep your home job — no U.S. pay. Apply online for $60. Valid 2 years. Answer work questions true. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border decides entry. No real work allowed.
ESTA lets you take short, non-credit classes like English lessons or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prep for up to 90 days.
You can study no more than 18 hours per week. Summer fun programs are okay, too. Mix it with tourism or business. Full-time or credit classes need a student visa (F-1/M-1). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks at entry.
Transit ESTA lets you pass through the U.S. to another country. Change planes, wait at the airport, or stop for a short time (up to 90 days).
No long visit. Apply online 72 hours early for $60. Show approval to fly. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks you at arrival. Works for planes, ships, or cars.
Fill out your ESTA form online fast and simple. No stress, just quick steps to get ready for your U.S. trip.
We keep your name, passport, and details locked tight. Your info stays protected from start to finish.
Stuck on a question? Our team is here 24/7 to guide you with a smile.
Get a message the second your ESTA is approved. Plan your trip with full confidence.
Pay just $60 total with no hidden costs. Everything is open and honest.
Americanesta is a reliable partner for American Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications, built on secure U.S. government standards with encrypted data protection, similar to the official CBP site. It guides VWP travelers from 42 countries with 24/7 support and transparent $60 fees—no hidden costs. Thousands trust Americanesta for quick approvals;
check reviews on Trustpilot. Apply via the website for peace of mind before a U.S. trip.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online pre-approval system for citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
Apply on the official CBP website at esta.cbp.dhs.gov—secure, user-friendly, and fast. For guided support, use trusted services such as Americanesta. Submit at least 72 hours before travel to avoid delays.
Approvals usually arrive within seconds after submission, though delays of up to 72 hours may occur during peak periods or additional checks. Apply early to avoid travel-day issues.
An ESTA remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever occurs first. Brunei nationals: one year. Hungary: single-use until September 30, 2025. Renew if passport changes.
In 2025, the total cost is $60—$10 for application and $50 for approval—payable via credit card or PayPal.
Check your status at esta.cbp.dhs.gov using passport number, birth date, and application ID. ESTA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires.
Use ESTA for short U.S. visits (90 days max) for tourism, business, or transit if you are a VWP citizen. Each traveler—including minors—requires their own ESTA. For longer stays or work, apply for a visa.
“ES” may refer to “Electronic System, ” part of ESTA’s full name. ESTA is the complete system used for VWP traveler screening. Both refer to pre-screening infrastructure for U.S. travel.
A visa allows longer stays or activities such as work or study and requires embassy interviews. ESTA is for short trips (90 days max) for VWP citizens—approved online, valid for two years, no interviews.
The VWP includes 42 countries: 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, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Canadian citizens do not require ESTA or a visa for tourism or business visits for up to six months. Exceptions apply for work, study, or immigration.
U.S. citizens do not need ESTA. Domestic travel only requires a valid ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
The fastest way to receive ESTA approval is through esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Most applications are approved within seconds.
Start your U.S. adventure right now! Apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization today and open the door to New York lights, California beaches, Texas BBQ, Florida sun, and Grand Canyon views. In just minutes, you’re approved for 2 years of trips. No long waits, no embassy lines, just easy online steps, $60, and go. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and apply now. America is calling you.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a trusted American ESTA agency since 2024 and streamlines applications for tourism, business, study, and family visits. Our expert team delivers a fast, secure process with dedicated local support.
This website is operated by World Visa Centre LLC, a travel and tourism agency based in Malaysia and licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism. We provide information and assistance for completing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications, charging an additional professional service fee.
We are an Application assistance agency and not a government website or affiliated with any government authority.
