This guide explains how to apply for ESTA step-by-step in 2026, and how ETAPORTAL supports travelers in preparing a smooth and accurate ESTA application experience.

1. Prepare Before Applying

Before starting your ESTA application, prepare:

• A valid electronic (biometric) passport

• A credit or debit card for payment

• Basic travel details and contact information

• Emergency contact information

2. Start Your Application

Begin your ESTA application with the support of ETAPORTAL, which assists travelers in preparing and submitting their ESTA application smoothly and correctly.
ETAPORTAL helps guide travelers through the process to reduce mistakes and improve submission accuracy.

3. Enter Passport & Personal Information

Provide:

• Full name (exactly as in your passport)

• Date of birth

• Passport number, issuing country, and expiration date

All information must match your passport exactly.

4. Enter Travel Information

Provide:

• First U.S. accommodation or host address

• Travel purpose

• Emergency contact details

A full itinerary is not required, but initial stay information is generally needed.

5. Answer Eligibility Questions

You will be asked about:

• Health conditions

• Previous U.S. immigration or entry issues

• Security and background information

Answer honestly and accurately.

6. Review Your Application

Before submitting:

• Carefully review all information

• Ensure names, numbers, and dates are correct

Incorrect details may cause delays or denial.

7. Pay the ESTA Fee

Submit the required fee using an accepted payment method.
Once payment is completed, the application will be processed.

8. Processing Time

• Many applications are processed quickly

• Processing may take up to 72 hours

• Results will be provided once a decision is made

9. Result & Status

Possible outcomes:

• Approved – Travel authorization granted

• Pending – Still under review

• Not Approved – A U.S. visa is required instead

10. After Approval

If approved:

• ESTA is generally valid for up to 2 years

• Multiple entries are allowed

• Each stay may not exceed 90 days

Important Notes

• ESTA approval does not guarantee entry; final entry decisions are made by U.S. border officers.

• A new ESTA is required if your passport changes.

• Apply early to avoid last-minute travel issues.

• ETAPORTAL actively supports travelers by helping them prepare applications correctly and travel more smoothly to the United States. However, ETAPORTAL does not influence the U.S. government’s decision and cannot guarantee approval.

ESTA is required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the United States.

You can apply for ESTA at any time.
However, you must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States.

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Travelers must apply online and receive approval before traveling to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Eligible Purposes for ESTA Application

• Visiting family or friends
• Business meetings or conferences (non-employment)
• Short-term medical treatment
• Transit through the United States
• Tourism (individual or group)

ESTA Application Process

• STEP 1: Complete the application form online
• STEP 2: Enter your email address
• STEP 3: Provide passport information
• STEP 4: Answer eligibility and background questions
• STEP 5: Review and make payment
• STEP 6: Wait for application review
• STEP 7: Check your ESTA result (usually within 72 hours)

Required Documents for ESTA Application

• Valid electronic passport (e-passport) from a Visa Waiver Program country
• Active email address
• Credit or debit card for payment of the application fee
• Accurate personal and travel information

ESTA Announcements

• Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain ESTA approval before entering the United States without a visa.
• Processing can take up to 72 hours or longer, depending on system volume or applicant background.
• It is strongly recommended to apply for ESTA well before your travel date.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first) and allows multiple short visits to the U.S.
• ESTA approval does not guarantee entry; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final admission decision.

Important Notes

• The validity period of ESTA (two years) is separate from the allowed stay (up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program).
• Even with ESTA approval, travelers cannot exceed the 90-day limit or engage in work or study activities.
• If false or incorrect information is provided, ESTA may be denied or revoked, and entry may be refused in accordance with U.S. immigration law.
• Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the approval result.

You must apply for a new ESTA if any of the following information changes

1. Name
2. Gender
3. Date of birth
4. Nationality
5. Passport information (number or expiration date)
6. Responses to eligibility questions (criminal record, visa denial, communicable disease, etc.)

If you have already received ESTA approval but your travel details (address in the U.S. or contact information) change, you may update these details online before departure.
Failure to update information could result in travel delays or entry denial.

Additional Information

• Travelers with valid ESTA approval do not need to complete the paper I-94W form upon arrival.
• ESTA does not permit employment or long-term stays.
• If you hold both an ESTA authorization and a valid U.S. visa, the visa will take precedence.
• Travelers who previously overstayed under the VWP may be ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa instead.
• It is advisable to print or save a copy of your ESTA approval for your records.

Apply for ESTA Early

Apply for ESTA well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry to the United States.
ESTA applications can be submitted through ETAPORTAL, where professionals provide guidance to ensure your information is correct and complete.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online travel authorization system for citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing them to visit the United States without obtaining a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days.

Before traveling, eligible visitors must apply online by submitting their personal and travel-related information in advance.
This system was introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for visa-free travelers.

Once you apply for ESTA, processing usually takes up to 72 hours.

If there is any discrepancy between the information entered in your ESTA application and the information on your passport, you may not be allowed to board your flight or ship.
Please double-check all details before making the final payment.

Applicable to:

Citizens of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Important Notes

• ESTA is required for all travelers, including children and infants, entering the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program.
• ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry; the final decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
• If your personal information changes — such as name, gender, nationality, or passport details — you must reapply for ESTA before your next trip.

ESTA application step status values

Payment Completed

Application Submitted

Under Review

Cannot be modified

Reviewed

Approval Reviewed

Approval

Department of Justice approval

ESTA application results will be sent via email, and they may sometimes be classified as spam or junk mail, so please make sure to check your spam folder.

• You can apply for ESTA at any time.
• You must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a plane or ship bound for the United States.
• Please note that, depending on the situation, the review process may take longer than 72 hours.

ESTA application stage status values

Under Review (Cannot be modified)

Your submitted application has been successfully received and is currently under initial review by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system.

No changes can be made at this stage.

Reviewed (Approval Reviewed)

Your application is being reviewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP.

In most cases, this process takes up to 72 hours, but may take longer due to high demand or additional verification requirements.

Approval (Department of Justice approval)

Your submitted ESTA application has been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

You may now travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Reject status values

Selfie photo

The selfie photo attached to your submitted application does not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photo that meets the requirements.)

Passport photo

The passport photo attached to your submitted application does not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photo that meets the requirements.)

Passport photo/Selfie photo

The passport photo and the selfie photo attached to your application do not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photos that meet the requirements.)

Rejected (Justice Department rejection)

Your submitted ESTA application has been denied by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

(The reason for denial is not disclosed by the U.S. government. Please check the email address used during your application for any updates or notices.)

Other status values

Temporary

You have not completed your application, or you have completed your application but have not made payment.

(You must fill out the application form and complete payment to complete the application.)

Cancel

Your application has been cancelled.

▶ ESTA (ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION) is an online system under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit without obtaining a visa. Travelers must apply online and receive approval prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States.

▶ All travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an approved ESTA authorization before departure.
Currently, nationals of 42 countries are eligible for visa-free entry through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Citizens of non-VWP countries must apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

▶ ESTA approval is generally valid for two years from the date of issuance, unless your passport expires earlier or your personal information changes (such as name, gender, nationality, or passport number).
If any key personal information changes, you must submit a new ESTA application.

▶ Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
If incorrect or false information is entered, the applicant must reapply for ESTA with accurate details.
If the information on your ESTA application does not exactly match your passport information, you may not be allowed to board your flight or ship.
Therefore, please carefully review all information before making your final payment.

▶ The following travelers are exempt from ESTA requirements:

- Holders of valid U.S. visas (e.g., B1/B2, F1, H1B, etc.)
- U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Individuals traveling to the United States with a visa issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Crew members traveling under C1/D visa status
- Travelers entering the U.S. via land from Canada or Mexico (ESTA is not mandatory for land crossings, though recommended for air or sea re-entry)
- Diplomatic or official passport holders traveling on government missions
- United Nations (UN) Laissez-Passer holders traveling on official duty

▶ Important Notes

- Transit passengers who intend to enter the U.S., even briefly, must have a valid ESTA authorization.
- ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. Final admission decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry.
- Travelers who overstay or violate VWP terms may be denied future ESTA approvals and must apply for a visa instead.
- Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of approval or denial.