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US ESTA Visa - Electronic System for Travel Authorization

  • Lasts 2 Years, or up to Passport Validity
  • Grants Multiple Entries up to 90 days
  • Required for Business, Tourism or Transit
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Obtain Your US Visa in These Simple Steps

Fill out the ESTA application form

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ESTA - The latest Update


The US ESTA application & Corona USA travel restrictions

Latest News 05.04.2021

The UK is one of the leading countries as far as vaccinations are concerned and it looks like international travel will return to semi-normal shortly. This means, that ESTA travel to the USA will soon be back to normal, if you are vaccinated. 

Can I still send a ESTA application?

It is still possible to apply for a US ESTA despite the Corona Pandemic (Covid-19). Due to the qickly increasing numbers of vaccinated people in both, the USA and the UK, we expect travel between the two countries to reach some kind of normalcy soon. We would recommend applying for your Visa a.s.a.p. since there will be a huge backlog, once free travel for those with vaccinations are announced.

Please note that US immigration authorities may also refuse entry into the US at this time to travelers with a valid electronic travel permission or any other visa, if they pose a potential health risk to the US population. For the time being, this applies until April 12, 2020 to all travelers who have been in Germany, Austria or any other European country during the 14 days prior to their departure for the United States.

Before you apply for your US ESTA, read all the information about corona measures in the USA in our Corona information page

Electronic Visa, Apply Online

With an Electronic Travel Authorization, you may stay in the United States for up to 90 days.


Esta Visa

For Business Travel

When you have business to conduct in the country

USA ESTA

For Tourist Travel

When you come to the United States for pleasure

USA ESTA Visa

For Transit Travel

When you transit through the U.S. with another destination

You may obtain an ESTA Travel Visa if:
  • You possess a current e-passport
  • You are from a Visa Waiver Program vwp country and have a passport
  • Your stay will last 90 days or less
APPLY NOW FOR AN ESTA

The US ESTA application for Visa

Application process

“ESTA” stands for “Electronic System for Travel Authorization.” The application process is an automated system managed by the Department of Homeland Security. A traveller with an approved application is deemed eligible to enter the USA prior to their travel.


The application must be completed and submitted online. It replaces the paper entry forms formerly required. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to visit a USA Embassy for a conventional US Visa. Anyone traveling from a visa waiver country with a passport must apply for Visa. Completion of the application allows travelers to be screened by the US Government before they enter the United States. This was implimented to enhance the security of the United States, but also to improve the entry process at the US Airport.


An application must be completed regardless of the purpose of travel (i.e., personal or commercial) prior to your travel to the United States.


As a matter of fact, the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization Visa became mandatory on 12 January 2009 for any USA travel as part of the United States’ effort to boost border protection.

How long is it valid? It grants travelers a stay in the United States for up to 90 days at a time. But, you cannot exceed 180 days per year.

Who needs a US Visa?

Any traveler coming from a Visa Waiver Program country, who has a passport, needs to obtain one before departing for the U.S. The application should be started at least 72 hours prior to departure.

When should I apply for Visa. (ESTA)?

As early as possible. Submit your application at least three days before you plan to leave. Submit earlier if possible. By doing so, should there be a problem, you’ll have time to get a regular visa from a US Embassy.

Why does the U.S. require a Visa?

The requirement was established by the Department of Homeland Security to increase border security. This works by knowing the travelers details prior to him/her boarding an airplane. It also holds advantages for the traveler with faster immigration procedures.

What happens if my US ESTA application is denied?

Do not try to leave on your trip if your United States Visa has been denied. You must obtain a regular US Visa through the US Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or citizenship.

What you should know about getting a Visa for your USA travel

We’re committed to helping you obtain your electronic Visa easily and quickly. We have compiled a list of the most frequently-asked questions about the process. Please click here. for a comprehensive list of questions and answers that travelers commonly ask about getting a USA ESTA Visa.

ESTA Visa USA application

What is the Visa Waiver Program VWP and how does it affect your USA travel?

Prior to 2009, any traveler going to the United States, whether for business or pleasure, was required to possess a passport with a full US visa. Now, travelers coming from member countries of the Visa Waiver Program only need a digital Visa. The digital Visa means that no US Embassy visits are required anymore. However, this digital Visa for USA travel will only be granted if travelers meet the requirements. Only then will their application be approved. In case of an approved electronic US travel permit applications the travelers are eligible to enter the United States without a full US Visa. Not all countries are members of the conventional visa Waiver Programme.

Apply for ESTA or how do I apply for a US Visa?

Applications are submitted online. Applicants are notified via email if their application has been granted or denied. Usually, notification emails arrive within minutes of the US ESTA application submission, but they can take up to 48 hours.

You may apply for the electronic Visa on this website. If you do not receive a notification email within 48 hours, please contact us so that we may check the status of your application.

Does an US electronic system for travel Visa expire?

Yes, it expires two years from the date it was issued. Certain circumstances may necessitate a new application. These include:

  • Name change
  • Gender change
  • The issuance of a new passport
  • Change in country of citizenship
  • Change in eligibility criteria

What is an E-passport?

An e-passport, also called a biometric passport, is a traditional paper passportbook that contains an electronic chip. This chip holds all information printed in the passport book in digital form. It also includes a digital photo of the passport holder.

FAQ

ESTA application

What is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Visa USA)?

This form of authorisation became mandatory for entry into the United States in 2009. All visitors from member countries of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a regular US Visa or an electronic US Visa  before departure to the U.S.

As stated above, the US Visa is a travel permit. It replaces Form I-94W, a green paper document that travelers previously were required to fill out the application and confirmation process occur online at least three days before departure.

Must I have an ESTA US Visa for my USA travel from the UK?

Yes, unless you have a valid, conventional US Visa. Without either, you will not be allowed by the airline, to board the airplane on route to the United States. A conventional US Visa however will require you to visit the US Embassy for your visa application. Such visits usually involve long waiting times and personal interviews.

Travelers with a UK e-passport may enter the USA with only a US travel authorization esta Visa, if they have 1) purchased a return ticket and 2) if their trip is 90 days or less in length. They do not need a full visa.

What is the US Visa Waiver Program?

The US Visa Waiver Program grants citizens of countries who are members of the programme eligibility to enter the US with only an e-passport and a Visa. Citizens of countries not part of the Program must obtain full visas. The Visa Waiver Program was established to facilitate travel for business and pleasure while maintaining border security protocols.

What are my passport requirements?

Citizens of the United Kingdom applying for an ESTA must possess a passport that will be valid for the duration of their 90-day (or shorter) stay in the US. Citizens of other countries may be required to possess a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay and, in addition, is valid for at least six months before their intended travel date.

How long does it take to apply?

It only takes a few minutes to apply online through travel authorization ESTA. You may apply on this website. When you have completed the application, you will be taken to a secure electronic payment page. Submission of payment finalizes the application. Typically, an acceptance notification email is sent within minutes of application submission. The Visa follows by email.