What is an ESTA?
Key takeaways
An ESTA is required if you’re visiting the USA from the UK or another country that is eligible for the ESTA programme and you’re staying for fewer than 90 days
The ESTA programme is designed for short-term visits
You’ll need to pay a fee of $40.27 for your ESTA application
An approved U.S. ESTA is valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first)
What is an ESTA?
ESTA is an abbreviation for electronic system for travel authorisation - it’s a waiver form that means you won’t need a visa if you’re visiting the USA and staying for fewer than 90 days. You’ll need to fill it in before travelling in order to be eligible for your visit to the USA.
Who needs an ESTA?
An ESTA is required if you’re visiting the USA from the UK or another country that is eligible for the ESTA programme and you’re staying for fewer than 90 days. You’ll need one even if you’ve only got a connecting flight in an American airport - so long as you’re entering the country by air or sea you will require an ESTA.
If you’re planning to be in the country for 90 days or longer, then you’ll need to apply for a visa instead - the ESTA programme is designed for short-term visits.
Who can apply for an ESTA?
Visitors from 40 countries across the world can apply for an ESTA for their visit to the USA, including the UK - so this is the recommended route for British passport holders.
Where do I get an ESTA?
You should apply for an ESTA through the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. You can also apply using the official ESTA mobile app, available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
You’ll need a valid passport, a payment method, contact information and details about your most recent employment.
Be careful when searching online, as there are third-party websites that offer to submit an ESTA application for you and may charge additional fees. You do not need to use an agent or another website – applying directly through the official U.S. government service is the simplest way to avoid paying unnecessary charges.
If approved your ESTA will be valid for two years (or until your passport expires if that’s sooner) and can be used for multiple trips.
Passport requirements for an ESTA
You will need an e-passport, or a passport with a chip that can be read by a machine, otherwise you won’t be able to apply for an ESTA - so if you don’t have one you’ll need to get this first.
How long does it take to get an ESTA?
It can take up to 72 hours to be approved for an ESTA, however in some cases you may be told in seconds or minutes. Once you’ve applied you’ll get an application number which you can use to check the status of your application. You should apply for an ESTA and wait for it to be approved before booking flights.
How much does an ESTA cost?
You’ll need to pay a fee of $40.27 for your ESTA application. It’s broken down into a $10.27 processing fee when you apply and a $30 authorisation fee if approved.
You will only have to pay $10.27 if your ESTA application is rejected - any pending authorization hold for the $30 will be released.
Why might my ESTA application be declined?
Your ESTA application might be refused for a number of reasons, including:
You stayed in the USA for longer than permitted on your previous visit
You’ve lied or provided false information on your application
You’ve once lost a passport or reported it stolen
You’ve already applied for a visa
You’ve previously been denied entry into the USA
You’ve got a criminal record
You have a second nationality from or have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Yemen, Libya, or Somalia since 1 March 2011
What can I do if my ESTA application is denied?
Your only other port of call if your ESTA application is refused is to go to the US Consulate in order to apply for a non-immigrant visa - but this can be a lengthy process if you can’t get an urgent appointment. You can also file a redress request at The Department of Homeland Security Traveller Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) site, but this may also take a while.
This is why it’s recommended to arrange your ESTA prior to booking your holiday and at least well before flying out.
What else do I need to travel to the USA?
Alongside your ESTA, you’ll need your passport, tickets, accommodation details, and some US dollars for your trip. It’s also recommended that you take out travel insurance, particularly as medical treatment costs in the USA can be extremely high - ensure you have a worldwide policy that offers cover for the USA as this isn’t always included as standard.
Travel insurance with pre-existing conditions
Travel insurance lets you explore the world with confidence, even with a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes or cancer – as long as you tell your insurer about it.
We can show you prices from a panel of specialist insurers that offer medical travel insurance covering a wide range of medical conditions to ensure you’ll be covered should a condition flare up while you’re away.
If you're still struggling to find suitable cover, the MoneyHelper website provides a list of specialist insurers to help you get adequate cover, or you can call the British Insurance Brokers Association on 0370 950 1790.
More on medical travel insurance
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Frequently asked questions
What questions are on an ESTA application?
You’ll be asked for your passport details, date and place of birth, contact details, information about your employment and travel plans, any additional citizenships you have, and your parents’ names. You’ll also need to answer questions about involvement in criminal behaviour and associated convictions - answering ‘yes’ could lead to a refused application.
Do I need an ESTA to travel to Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii is still a state in the USA so you’ll need an ESTA - as you will if visiting Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands.
Does ESTA approval guarantee entry to the USA?
No. An approved ESTA means you are eligible to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme, but it does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter the country.
The final decision is made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive. They will check your circumstances and can refuse entry if they decide you do not meet the requirements.
While this may sound worrying, being refused entry after having an approved ESTA is relatively uncommon. It’s important to answer all ESTA questions honestly and accurately, particularly if you have any previous criminal convictions or other circumstances that could affect your eligibility.
Can US border officers search my phone or laptop?
Yes. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the legal authority to search electronic devices such as your phone, tablet, laptop or camera when you enter or leave the USA, without a warrant.
These searches are relatively uncommon and may happen as part of a routine inspection or during a secondary inspection. If you are travelling to the USA, it’s worth being aware that your electronic devices may be subject to inspection at the border.
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Emma Lunn
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Emma has written about personal finance for almost 20 years, with a career spanning several recessions and their inevitable consequences. Emma’s main focus is helping people learn to manage their...
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Beth is an experienced writer and editor who specialises in financial and economic content. She is currently the Senior Insurance Content Editor for MoneySuperMarket. Beth is passionate about making...
