 |
Electronic System for Travel Authorization from the Official U.S. Government Web Site
What is a travel authorization?
To strengthen the security of travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, requirements to travel visa-free have been enhanced. Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries will still be eligible to travel without a visa but will have to obtain an approved travel authorization prior to their travel to the United States.
Here is how the travel authorization process works:
The Department of Homeland Security and the United States Customs and Border Protection have provided a secure public Web site with an automated form for you, or a third party, to complete in order to apply for a travel authorization. Once you enter the required biographic and travel information on the secure Web site, your application is processed by the system to determine if you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa. The system will provide you with an automated response, and prior to boarding, a carrier will electronically verify with the United States Customs and Border Protection that you have an approved travel authorization on file.
Return to Top of Page
Who is required to have a travel authorization?
All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States by air or sea. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States. An application may be submitted by a third party on behalf of a Visa Waiver Program traveler.
Return to Top of Page
Does a travel authorization guarantee me admission to the United States?
If your electronic travel authorization is approved, this approval establishes that you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but does not guarantee that you are admissible to the United States. Upon arrival in the United States you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible under the Visa Waiver Program or for any reason under United States law.
Return to Top of Page
How long is my travel authorization valid?
Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.
Return to Top of Page
When do I need to apply for a travel authorization?
Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. Unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Return to Top of Page
How do I apply for authorization to travel to the United States?
Step 1: Complete Your Application
Enter all required information. You will be asked to provide information from your passport and your travel arrangements, and to answer seven security questions. Each member of your party must have an approved travel authorization or a visa, regardless of age.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Review your answers for accuracy. To make corrections, return to the application by selecting the Previous button.
Step 3: Record Your Application Number
After you submit your application, the system will provide you with an application number. Record this application number for your records. To check the status of or to update your application, you will be asked to provide your application number, passport number, and date of birth.
Step 4: View Your Application Status
In most cases the Electronic System for Travel Authorization will return an Application Status immediately. In cases where more time is needed to determine the status of the application, an answer will be returned within 72 hours. Information will be provided to check the application status if you receive a pending response. The three possible responses are:
-
Travel Not Authorized. You are not authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your travel. Please visit the United States Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying for a visa. This response does not deny entry into the United States. This response only prohibits traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.
-
Authorization Pending. Your travel authorization is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will be available within 72 hours. Please return to this Web site and choose Update or Check the Status of a Previously Submitted Authorization to Travel to the United States. Your application number, passport number, and birth date will be required to check the status of your application.
Return to Top of Page
What information do I need to complete the application?
Applicant Information
| Field |
Description |
| Birth Date, Day |
Choose the day on which you were born. The day of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application. |
| Birth Date, Month |
Choose the month in which you were born. The month of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application. |
| Birth Date, Year |
Choose the year in which you were born. The year of birth is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application. |
| Country Where You Live |
Choose the country in which you reside. The country where you live is required to complete the application. |
| E-mail Address |
Enter the e-mail address at which you can be contacted. The e-mail address is optional to complete the application. |
| Family Name |
Enter your family name as the family name appears on your passport under the Family Name or Surname field. The family name is required to complete the application. |
| First (Given) Name |
Enter your first (given) name as the first name appears on your passport under the First or Given Name field. Do not include the middle name in this field. First name is required to complete the application. If you do not have a first name, then enter the letters FNU which stands for First Name Unknown. |
| Sex |
Choose your gender, either male or female. The sex (gender) is required to complete the application. |
| Telephone Number, Country Code |
Choose the country code of the telephone number where you can be contacted. The country code and telephone number are optional to complete the application. |
| Telephone Number |
Enter the telephone number where you can be contacted. The telephone number is optional to complete the application. |
Passport Information
| Field |
Description |
| Passport Expiration Date, Day |
Choose the day on which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The day on which the passport expires is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Expiration Date, Month |
Choose the month in which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The month in which the passport expires is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Expiration Date, Year |
Choose the year in which your passport expires, as it appears on your passport under the Expiration Date or Extension field. The year in which the passport expires is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Issuance Date, Day |
Choose the day on which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The day on which the passport was issued is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Issuance Date, Month |
Choose the month in which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The month in which the passport was issued is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Issuance Date, Year |
Choose the year in which your passport was issued, as it appears on your passport under the Date of Issue field. The year in which the passport was issued is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Issuing Country |
Choose the country of citizenship, as it appears on your passport. The passport issuing country is required to complete the application. |
| Passport Number |
Enter your passport number as it appears on your passport. The passport number is required to complete the application or to check the status of your application. |
Travel Information
| Field |
Description |
| Carrier Information, Carrier Name |
Choose the carrier name for the carrier on which you will be traveling to the United States, if your travel information is available. The carrier name is optional to complete the application. |
| Carrier Information, Flight Number or Vessel Name |
Enter the flight number or vessel name for the carrier on which you will be traveling to the United States, if your travel information is available. The flight number or vessel name is optional to complete the application.
|
| City Where You are Boarding |
Enter the last city where you will board an aircraft prior to arriving in the United States on this trip. The city where the applicant will board is optional to complete the application. |
Address While In the United States Information
| Field |
Description |
| Address Line 1 |
Enter the number and street of the location where you will stay while in the United States. Do not include the city and state in this field. Address Line 1 is optional to complete the application.
- If multiple locations are planned, enter the first address.
- If the complete address is not known, enter the name of the hotel or location you will visit. You may update this information once confirmed.
- If you are leaving the United States immediately and do not have an address, enter the words ”In Transit” and your final destination location.
|
| Address Line 2 |
Enter apartment, suite, unit, floor, building, or other, if appropriate. Do not include the city and state in this field. Address line 2 is optional to complete the application. |
| City |
Enter the city of the address where you will stay while in the United States. The city is optional to complete the application. |
| State |
Enter the state of the address where you will stay while in the United States. The state is optional to complete the application. |
Return to Top of Page
Help is provided for some of the "Do any of the following apply to you?"
questions where the meanings are less clear:
| Question |
Help |
| A) Do you have a communicable disease; physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict? |
Communicable Diseases
Under United States law communicable diseases of public
health significance include:
Physical or Mental Disorders
With regard to physical or mental disorders, answer
”Yes” to this question if:
(a) You currently have a physical or mental disorder and
a history of behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has
posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others;
or
(b) You had a physical or mental disorder and a history
of behavior associated with the disorder that has posed a threat to your
property, safety or welfare or that of others and the behavior is likely
to recur or lead to other harmful behavior.
Answer ”No” if:
(a) You currently have no physical or mental disorders;
or
(b) You have or had a physical or mental disorder without
associated behavior that may pose or has posed a threat to your property,
safety or welfare of that of others; or
(c) You currently have a physical or mental disorder with
associated behavior, but that behavior has not posed, does not currently
pose nor will pose a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that
of others; or
(d) You had a physical or mental disorder with associated
behavior that posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that
of others, but that behavior is unlikely to recur.
Drug Abusers and Drug
Addicts
Under United States law persons may not be admissible if
they have been determined to be a drug abuser or drug addict.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(1)(A), and corresponding regulations
in the Code of Federal Regulations. |
| B) Have you ever been arrested or convicted for an offense or crime involving moral turpitude or a violation related to a controlled substance; or been arrested or convicted for two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentence to confinement was five years or more; or been a controlled substance trafficker; or are you seeking entry to engage in criminal or immoral activities? |
Crimes involving moral turpitude - Such offenses generally
involve conduct which is inherently base, vile, or depraved and contrary
to the accepted rules of morality and the duties owed to persons or society
in general. There are factors, such as the age of the offender or the
date of the offense, that may affect whether an offense will be considered
a crime involving moral turpitude for purposes of the Immigration and
Nationality Act.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(2) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2), § 101(a)(43) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43) and corresponding regulations
in the Code of Federal Regulations. |
| D) Are you seeking to work in the U.S.; or have you ever been excluded and deported; or been previously removed from the United States; or procured or attempted to procure a visa or entry into the U.S. by fraud or misrepresentation? |
Individuals entering the United States under the Visa Waiver
Program are admitted as non-immigrant alien visitors and may not seek
employment in the United States. While Visa Waiver Program travelers may
not seek employment in the United States, there are many classifications
of non-immigrant and immigrant employment-sponsored visas for those who
qualify.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(5) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(5).
For further information on non-immigrant and immigrant employment
visas, refer to www.travel.state.gov. |
| E) Have you ever detained, retained, or withheld custody of a child from a U.S. citizen granted custody of the child? |
Any alien who, after entry of an order by a court in the
United States granting custody to a person of a United States citizen
child who detains or retains the child, or withholds custody of the child,
outside the United States from the person granted custody by that order,
is inadmissible until the child is surrendered to the person granted custody
by that order.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(10)(C) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(10)(C). |
| G) Have you ever asserted immunity from prosecution? |
With regard to immunity from prosecution, answer ”Yes”
to this question if all of the following apply:
(a) you have committed a serious criminal offense in the
United States as defined in 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101(h), including any felony,
at any time for which immunity from criminal jurisdiction was exercised;
and
(b) as a consequence of the offense and exercise of immunity
identified in (a), you have departed from the United States; and
(c) you have not subsequently submitted fully to the jurisdiction
of the court in the United States having jurisdiction with respect to
that offense.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(2)(E) and 101(h)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(E) and 1101(h).
|
Return to Top of Page
What information can I
update?
Return to Top of Page
What
should I do if the information on my passport has changed?
If you obtain a new passport or there is a change to your passport information,
you must apply for a new travel authorization. See What
information can I update? for a full listing of information that can
be changed after submission of your application.
Return to Top of Page
Is there a
fee for a travel authorization?
Currently there is no fee to apply for a travel authorization. However,
there may be an application fee in the future.
Return to Top of Page
I have seen other Web sites that are charging money and assisting travelers in applying for their ESTA application. Is there a benefit to using one of these other sites?
Visa Waiver Program travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites that charge a fee to provide information about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization and to submit applications on behalf of the Visa Waiver Program traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with the Department of Homeland Security or the United States Government. The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain travel authorization through the official Web site. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization will not expedite the granting of approval.
Return to Top of Page
What
should I do if I am not approved for a travel authorization?
If you receive a Travel Not Authorized response to your travel authorization
application, but wish to continue with your travel plans, please visit
the United States Department of State Web site at www.travel.state.gov for additional information about applying
for a visa. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel
under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility
for a visa to travel to the United States.
In the event you are not approved for a travel authorization, no court
shall have jurisdiction to review an eligibility determination under the
Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
Return to Top of Page
What is the Visa Waiver
Program?
The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries
to travel to the United States for business or pleasure, for stays of
90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers admitted under the
Visa Waiver Program must agree to waive their rights to review or appeal,
as explained in the Waiver of Rights section of the Application screen.
See Who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program? for further information.
For further information refer to § 217 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1187, and 8 C.F.R. § 217.
Return to Top of Page
Which
countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program?
| Andorra |
France |
Luxembourg |
Singapore |
Czech Republic |
| Austria |
Germany |
Monaco |
Slovenia |
Estonia |
| Australia |
Iceland |
Netherlands |
Spain |
Hungary |
| Belgium |
Ireland |
New Zealand |
Sweden |
Latvia |
| Brunei |
Italy |
Norway |
Switzerland |
Lithuania |
| Denmark |
Japan |
Portugal |
United Kingdom |
Slovakia |
| Finland |
Liechtenstein |
San Marino |
Republic of Malta |
South Korea |
| |
|
|
|
Greece |
Return to Top of Page
Who is eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program?
You are eligible to apply for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if you:
-
Intend to enter the United States for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit;
-
Have a valid passport lawfully issued to you by a VWP country;
-
Have authorization to travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization;
-
Arrive via a VWP signatory carrier;
-
Have a return or onward ticket;
-
Travel may not terminate in contiguous territory or adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of one of those areas; and
-
Are a citizen or national of one of the VWP countries listed below:
| Andorra |
France |
Luxembourg |
Singapore |
Czech Republic |
| Austria |
Germany |
Monaco |
Slovenia |
Estonia |
| Australia |
Iceland |
Netherlands |
Spain |
Hungary |
| Belgium |
Ireland |
New Zealand |
Sweden |
Latvia |
| Brunei |
Italy |
Norway |
Switzerland |
Lithuania |
| Denmark |
Japan |
Portugal |
United Kingdom |
Slovakia |
| Finland |
Liechtenstein |
San Marino |
Republic of Malta |
South Korea |
| |
|
|
|
Greece |
-
Establish to the satisfaction of the inspecting United States Customs and Border Protection officer that you are entitled to be admitted under the Visa Waiver Program and that you are not inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
-
Waive any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
-
Reaffirm, through the submission of biometric identifiers (including fingerprints and photographs) during processing upon arrival in the United States, your waiver of any rights to review or appeal of the admissibility determination of the United States Customs and Border Protection officer, or contest, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
-
Obtain an Authorization Approved determination following a travel authorization application.
-
Not pose a threat to the welfare, health, safety, or security of the United States.
-
Have complied with all conditions of any previous admission under the Visa Waiver Program.
Return to Top of Page
What are the passport requirements for travel under the Visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) requirements are:
-
The passport must have a machine-readable zone.
-
October 26, 2005 – Each VWP passport issued on or after this date must have a digital photo.
-
October 26, 2006 – Each VWP passport issued on or after this date must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.
EXCEPTION: To be eligible for the VWP, persons presenting United Kingdom passports must possess the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man
EXCEPTION: Citizens and nationals of Slovenia may use only the red cover Slovenian passport for admission under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
EXCEPTION: Effective July 1, 2009, VWP countries’ emergency or temporary passports must be electronic passports.
-
Citizens of the following VWP countries are required to present electronic passports: Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Malta, South Korea, and Greece.
-
Citizens from VWP eligible countries other than Czech Republic, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Malta, South Korea, and Greece must present a machine-readable passport. A machine readable passport contains two lines of text with numbers and chevrons (‹‹‹) at the bottom of the personal information page with the passport bearer's picture. Document requirements vary according to the date a passport was issued or renewed as follows:
-
Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 have no additional requirements.
-
If a passport was issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/05 and does not meet the following requirements, the traveler must obtain a visa:
-
Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/05 through 10/25/06 must meet the following requirements. A digital photograph printed on the passport data page is required OR an integrated chip containing information from the data page (e-passport). A digital photo is one that is printed on the page, not a photo that is glued or laminated into the passport.
-
Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 are required to be e-passports.
-
For more information, please see the Customs and Border Protection Web site, CBP.gov, under Travel, For International Visitors, Visiting for Business or Pleasure, Visa Waiver Program.
Return to Top of Page
When
must I obtain a visa instead of using the Visa Waiver Program?
-
If you intend to arrive
in the United States aboard a non-signatory air carrier.
-
If you intend to visit
the United States for more than 90 days.
-
If you believe any grounds
of inadmissibility of the Immigration and Nationality Act § 212(a) apply
to you, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the
United States. Although you may be inadmissible to the United States,
you may qualify for a non-immigrant visa and waiver, which will allow
you to travel to the United States.
Return to Top of Page
Are
there disadvantages to using the Visa Waiver Program?
Before using the Visa Waiver Program, be aware of
the following conditions that apply and carefully consider your options:
-
If you are admitted to
the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you may not change or
extend your non-immigrant status.
-
If your admission is denied,
you have no right to appeal a determination as to admissibility.
-
If you are found to have
violated the terms of your admission, you also have no right to review
or appeal, other than on the basis of an application for asylum, any removal
action arising from an application for admission under the Visa Waiver
Program.
Return to Top of Page
What
if a Visa Waiver Program applicant is found to be inadmissible?
Travelers applying for admission to the United States under the Visa
Waiver Program who are determined to be inadmissible to the United States
will be denied admission and returned to their country of origin, or a
third country from which the traveler holds a round-trip ticket, aboard
the carrier on which the traveler arrived in the United States.
Return to Top of Page
How
do I get more information on the Visa Waiver Program?
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/business_pleasure/vwp/vwp.xml
www.travel.state.gov
Return to Top of Page
Is this Web site
secure and private?
Yes. This Web site is operated by the United States Government and employs
technology to prevent unauthorized access to the information you enter
and view. Additionally, this Web site operates under the rules and regulations
as specified by the United States Privacy Act and this Privacy
Statement to insure the privacy of your information.
Return to Top of Page
What
does my computer need to use the ESTA to submit an application for authorization
to travel to the United States?
The minimum computer configuration includes:
-
An internet browser that
supports 128-bit encryption.
-
If you are using Internet
Explorer (Windows), the minimum version that works with this Web site
is version 5.0, with service pack 2.
-
If you are using Netscape,
the minimum version that works is version 6.2.
Return to Top of Page
How can an applicant correct a mistake on their application?
The Web site will allow applicants to review their data prior to submitting the application, including reconfirming the passport number. If an applicant made a mistake on their passport or biographical information or in answering the eligibility questions, he or she will need to submit a new application. Any other mistakes may be corrected or updated by using the update function.
Return to Top of Page
|
|
