Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will be required to obtain an authorization via ESTA before traveling to the United States. Department of Homeland Security began accepting Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications on August 1, 2008.  ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP.  It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers currently fill out en route to the United States.  ESTA applications may be completed online at the Electronic System for Travel Authorization Web Site.  ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel.  An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States.  DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans.

Starting September 8, 2010, travelers from VWP countries must pay operational and travel promotion fees when applying for ESTA.  The total fee will be $14.00, with $4.00 to recover the cost of administering the ESTA system and $10.00 as mandated in the TPA.

• ESTA Fact Sheet (PDF 274kb)

• ESTA Tearsheet (PDF 196kb)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
• If you need more information or want to ask a question please click here.
• Video: Electronic System for Travel Authorization: Get It and Go (wmv file – 7,813 KB)
• Video: Electronic System for Travel Authorization: Get It and Go — Captioned Version (wmv file – 6,349 KB)