ESTA: apply for US travel authorization

Are you planning to travel to the USA for business or leisure? Then ESTA can save you a lot of time and money! Learn how to get a travel permit for the United States cheaply and quickly on the Internet and save yourself a trip to the US embassy.

ESTA stands for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization." It is a US government program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States without a visa.

An ESTA lets US visitors from 42 countries (including all EU countries) travel to the United States for business or leisure for up to 90 days at a time.

An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. Within those two years, you can use the ESTA to enter the United States as often as you like.

Here are the key facts about ESTA for travel to the USA:

• ESTA application: online
• ESTA validity: 2 years (or 1 year for travelers from Brunei and Hungary)
• Trip length: max. 90 days
• Purpose of travel: tourism, business trip, transit, medical treatment
• Cost: between € 20 and € 70 (depending on security level and service package)

An ESTA can only be applied online - either through the US government's official ESTA website or a trusted ESTA agency that offers additional services and security, such as a money-back guarantee.

To apply for an ESTA, you must fill out a multi-page digital form, provide personal information such as your passport details, and answer some questions about your travel and resume. The entire ESTA application process typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

The first thing you need for your ESTA account is a valid email address. As soon as you have created an account with a secure password, you will be asked for the following data:

• name
• gender
• date and place of birth
• nationality
• contact details
• passport number, country of issue, date of issue, and expiry date of the passport
• names of your parents
• information about your employer
• first overnight address in the USA
• information about your social media accounts
• emergency contact details

After leaving your data in the ESTA form, you will be redirected to the security questions section. With these questions, the US authorities want to identify potential risks for travelers in the automated ESTA process.

Prepare for questions on the following topics:

• contagious diseases
• drug use
• crimes and convictions
• terrorist activities, espionage
• citizenship and travel to certain "risky" countries
• past visa denials and deportations
• job search and intent to immigrate to the United States

It is crucial that you answer the security questions in the ESTA application truthfully. Providing false or misleading information may result in legal consequences, including denial of admission to the United States or even criminal prosecution.

Applying for an ESTA is a simple process that takes no more than 15 minutes online. The following steps await you in the application process:

1. Check your travel document

Ensure you have a biometric passport (E-passport) that is still valid for a sufficient period.

2. Visit the ESTA website

Go to the ESTA website of your choice (e.g., an ESTA agency or the official US government website).

3. Fill out the ESTA application form

Enter your personal data and other required information. Make sure all input is accurate and complete.

4. Answer the security questions

Answer the questions truthfully and accurately.

5. Review and submit your application

Review the application to ensure that all information is correct. It is recommended that you print or save a confirmation of your application.

6. Wait for ESTA approval

After you submit your ESTA application, it will be automatically processed by the authorities. In most cases, approval is granted immediately.

Your ESTA application will usually be processed within a short time (a few minutes or hours). However, sometimes it can take up to 72 hours.

When traveling with an ESTA, please note the following:

• Your passport is digitally linked to your ESTA authorization. Therefore, always carry your passport with you when traveling with ESTA. When your passport expires, you must apply for a new ESTA.
• Although you can enter the US as often as you like within the validity period of your ESTA, if you cross the border too often, border agents may suspect you are working illegally in the US or trying to immigrate. Therefore, take "reasonable" breaks between your trips.
• You are not allowed to work in the USA with an ESTA. Therefore, do not give any information suggesting you are looking for a job or working in the USA. Business travel for conferences, training, or contract negotiations is permitted.
• If you travel to the US with children, each child will need their own biometric passport and ESTA authorization. You can use the ESTA group application feature.
• You will also need an ESTA for transit in the USA.

If your ESTA application is denied, you must apply for a visa to travel to the United States. Reasons for denial may include prior immigration violations or security concerns. Errors on the application form can also result in an ESTA rejection. To avoid this, you can submit your application through a trusted ESTA agency.

Do you have questions about the ESTA application process? Then you will find the answers you are looking for in our FAQ section:

What is ESTA for?

You need to apply for an ESTA if you want to travel to the USA without a visa for up to 90 days. This applies to both tourist and business travel.

What are the ESTA requirements?

To apply for an ESTA, you must meet the following requirements

• You must have a valid biometric passport.
• The purpose of your travel is for tourism or business.
• Your intended stay in the US is less than 90 days.
• You are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country.

How long does it take to complete the ESTA application?

On average, it takes about 10 minutes to complete the ESTA application if you have all the necessary travel and personal information at hand.

Can an ESTA application be updated?

You can only update certain information on your ESTA application, such as your email address and your first overnight address in the United States. However, if your personal information or the answers to the security questions change, your ESTA will become invalid, and you will need to apply for a new ESTA.

Do children need an ESTA?

Yes, children and infants need a valid ESTA to enter the United States. The ESTA application for children must be completed by the parents or an appropriate third party.

Can a group apply for ESTA together?

It is possible to submit a group ESTA application, where the group contact person coordinates and processes the applications for the entire group.

Is ESTA required for transit through the US?

A valid ESTA is also required for transit and stopovers at US airports. This applies even if you are not departing the airport.

Can ESTA be used for business travel?

Yes, ESTA can be used for business travel as long as the trip is at most 90 days and you are not working for a US company during that time. Business activities permitted under the Visa Waiver Program include attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and trade shows.

Can ESTA be used for land entry?

Travelers entering the US by land also require ESTA authorization. Regardless of the mode of transportation used, all travelers to the US are now subject to the same requirements.

Can I apply for ESTA if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from applying for ESTA. However, certain criminal convictions or past immigration violations may affect your application eligibility.

How long is an ESTA valid?

An ESTA is generally valid for two years from the date of issuance. Exceptions apply to travelers from Brunei and Hungary, whose travel authorization is only valid for one year. If your passport expires before the ESTA expires, your ESTA will also expire, and you will need to apply for a new ESTA with your new passport.

Can I use ESTA to travel to other countries?

No, ESTA is for travel to the United States only. If you plan to visit other countries, check their entry requirements and apply for necessary visas or permits separately.

Can I use ESTA to extend my stay beyond 90 days?

ESTA is only valid for stays of up to 90 days. To stay longer, you must apply for a US visa, such as a B visa.

Can I apply for an ESTA with a non-biometric passport?

No, a non-biometric passport is not eligible for ESTA. You must obtain an E-passport before you can apply for ESTA.

Can I apply for ESTA with a one-way ticket to the US?

It is generally recommended to have a round-trip ticket when entering the country with ESTA, as immigration officials may require it.

Can I apply for ESTA if I already have a visa to the US?

If you already have a visa to the United States, you should not apply for ESTA.