The United States ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to visit the United States without a visa.

Visa-exempt travelers to the US can use this permit instead of a visa. It's easier and quicker to apply for than a regular B1/B2 (tourist) visa and helps the United States government strengthen border security.

All visitors who are visa-exempt travelers to the US can use this permit instead of a visa. Those who require a visa for the United States instead, or those with permission to study, work, or live in the US, don't need the United States ESTA to enter the country.

However, please note they may need another document to enter.

You can apply for a US ESTA online by submitting your passport details, answering eligibility questions, and paying a government fee.

To apply for your US ESTA, you’ll need the following:

• A passport, valid for the duration of your stay.
• An email address to create the application and receive correspondence.
• A credit or debit card, or Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The official processing time for a US ESTA is up to 72 hours (3 days). However, if the application is complete and error-free, eligible travelers receive their approved ESTA within 3 hours in most cases. Delays may occur if additional information is needed or the details provided are incorrect.

Once your ESTA is issued, it's valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires), and you can travel to the United States on multiple trips.

Please note: For Brunei or Hungary passport holders, the US travel authorization ESTA is valid for up to 1 year from the date of issuance.

Having an ESTA authorization does not mean you may stay in the US for two years. It only allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days per visit.

While an approved ESTA is required, it doesn't guarantee entry. US Customs and Border Protection officers decide at the point of entry, and you can still be refused admission based on various factors, such as security reasons.

No. While the US ESTA isn’t a visa, the 2 travel documents are mutually exclusive. Those who require a visa for the United States, or those with permission to study, work, or live in the US, don't need the United States ESTA to enter the country.

Yes, you also need to register for a valid ESTA if you're just transiting in the country, even when you're not leaving the transit area at the airport.