US ESTA
A US ESTA is an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation to travel to the United States. It is the equivalent to a visa, but no stamp or label is placed in your passport. To be eligible you must hold a passport from one of these countries. See all countries.
The Fastest and Easiest Way to Get a US ESTA
- With CIBT, you can apply anytime and you will receive an email or post confirmation from CIBT notifying you once your ESTA has been issued.
-
ESTA's can take up to 72 hours to be authorised by the US Homeland Security.
You must apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before travel.
- Once an ESTA is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the US.
When Travelling on an ESTA You Must:
- Hold a Return/Onward tickets on a scheduled flight with a major airlines/Cruise company that is registered for ESTA’s
- Not be staying for more than/ up to a maximum of 90 days including Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean Islands
- Have no previous violations of the USA Immigration Law (i.e. overstaying the 90 day period)
Important Passport Requirements For ESTA Applicants
- To qualify for the ESTA you must have a machine readable passport.
- If your passport was issued on or after 26th October 2005 it must: have a digitally applied photograph.
- If your passport was issued on or after 26th October 2006 it must: be a biometric passport. Your passport will need to have an integrated chip capable of storing the biographic information from the data page. UK passports issued in the UK meet this criterion; for UK passports issued in other countries please check with that location. Other nationalities should check with their passport office.
- A passport indicating that the bearer is a British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Overseas Citizen, British National (Overseas) Citizen, or British Protected Person does not qualify for travel without a visa. A passport which states holder has Right of Abode or indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom does not qualify for visa free travel.
- Citizens of the following countries: Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Republic of Korea & Slovakia may travel free under the ESTA Program if they meet ALL of the following requirements: Obtained travel authorisation under ESTA prior to boarding the air or sea carrier and have a valid e-passport with an electronic chip.