The Eligibility Criteria for an American Transit ESTA require the traveler to be a citizen or national of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country and possess a valid e-passport with a chip, intending only for a brief transit trip through the United States to another country. This authorization is granted instead of a Transit Visa.
The Transit ESTA is required by citizens and nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who are travelers simply passing through a United States airport on an airplane or vessel en route to a final destination country. This Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an authorization for transit.
The Transit ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) cost is the same fee required for travelers entering the United States for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Currently, the total fee is $40 (US dollars) per application, regardless of the purpose, being a brief transit stop or a longer stay.
Applicants must possess a valid passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity period beyond their intended stay in the U.S.
A recent, clear passport-sized photo of the applicant is required, meeting specific size and format requirements outlined by the VWP authorities.
Applicants need a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to pay the processing fee for the U.S ESTA application.
A valid email address is essential for receiving updates, notifications, and the final decision on the U.S. ESTA application.
We review and correct your Transit ESTA Application before submission by using the dedicated Review Application page on the official DHS website, allowing the traveler to verify all data and responses before completion and payment of fees. The system requires a thorough check of all entered information and eligibility questions before you finalize the process.
You should apply for your Transit Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) with us because we streamline the entire Electronic System for Travel Authorization process, making it fast, safe, and straightforward for Visa Waiver Program visitors heading to the United States.
Is americanesta.com a Government Website?
No, americanesta.com is not an official Government website of the United States government. But we have the Government authority to make the ESTA application easy.
Can I trust Americanesta to apply?
You can use third-party assistance sites, but they are not officially endorsed and charge extra fees. For Data Privacy and cost, we support applying directly through the official DHS website to submit your application data.
Can I Use One ESTA for Both Transit and a Short Tourist Stay?
Yes. An approved ESTA travel authorization is valid for both transit purposes and short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Do Children and Infants in Transit Also Need Their Own ESTA?
Yes, every individual traveler, regardless of age, needs their own approved ESTA and a valid e-passport to be granted admission or transit under VWP law.
Is it an American ESTA Visa?
No, the ESTA is not a visa. It is a mandatory pre-screening authorization by the DHS that is required instead of a visa for eligible VWP citizens to travel to the United States.
What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
The VWP is a program that allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a traditional visa, provided they have an approved ESTA.
Can I Apply for ESTA From the United Kingdom?
Yes, citizens and nationals of the United Kingdom are eligible to apply for the ESTA as the UK is a participating country in the Visa Waiver Program.
What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)?
The ESTA is an automated system used by the DHS to determine the eligibility of individuals to travel to the United States under the VWP, screening them for security risk before departure.
When must I obtain a visa to travel to the United States?
You must obtain a non-immigrant visa if you are not a citizen of a VWP country, if you plan to stay over 90 days, or if your ESTA application is refused due to failing the eligibility questions.
How early should I apply for a Transit ESTA?
You should apply at least 72 hours before your trip departure. Although approval is often faster, the DHS advises applying early to allow for any extra screening process time.
What happens if my Transit ESTA is refused?
If your ESTA is refused, you are not eligible for the VWP. You must apply for a traditional non-immigrant visa, such as a Transit (C) Visa, at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before travel.
Do I need a Transit ESTA if I hold a valid U.S. visa?
No. If you hold a valid U.S. visa (for example, a Transit (C) Visa), you do not need an ESTA, as the visa already grants the necessary authorization for entry or transit.
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.
