ESTA Eligibility & Requirements
Who Is Eligible?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is available to citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Eligible travelers must meet specific criteria to qualify for ESTA, including holding a valid passport and having no prior immigration violations.
ESTA is designed for short-term visits to the United States for purposes including tourism, business meetings, conferences, and transit. Travelers intending to work, study, or remain for extended periods will need to apply for the appropriate visa through official channels.
Required Documents
- Valid passport from an eligible VWP country with at least 6 months remaining validity
- Active email address for correspondence and authorization delivery
- Credit or debit card for application processing payment
- Current employment details including employer name and address
- Travel itinerary with planned entry and departure dates
- Accommodation details in the United States (hotel, host address, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country
- Must not have previously been denied entry to the United States
- Must not have any criminal convictions or outstanding warrants
- Travel purpose must be tourism, business, or transit
- Intended stay must not exceed 90 days
- Must not intend to seek employment in the United States
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be machine-readable and contain a biometric chip (e-Passport). The passport should have at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date from the United States. If your passport is damaged, altered, or does not meet these requirements, you may need to obtain a new passport before applying for ESTA.
The ESTA is electronically linked to your passport number. If you receive a new passport after obtaining an ESTA, you will need to apply for a new travel authorization.