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• For International Visitors
• Electronic System For Travel Authorization

Electronic System for Travel Authorization

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

Apply for an ESTA  

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Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you must meet the eligibility requirements to travel to the U.S. under the program. You will also need authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before beginning your trip. Learn about the VWP and ESTA application process and other documentation you will need to enter the U.S.

How to request a travel authorization to the U.S. through ESTA

Check the list of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program  to see if your country is included.

Confirm that your passport meets the program requirements. You must have an  electronic passport or “e-Passport”  to participate in the VWP. This type of passport includes a chip.

Complete the  ESTA application  online.

Pay the fees: The total cost is $21. When you apply, you will pay a $4 processing fee. If you are approved to travel to the U.S., you must pay an additional $17 authorization fee.  Learn about the payment options available to pay ESTA fees.

When you complete and submit the form and processing fee, you will get an ESTA application number. Use that number to  check the status of your application . It may take up to 72 hours to find out if you are authorized to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

Each approved ESTA application is generally valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the U.S. within that period without having to apply for another travel approval. If your passport expires in less than two years, you will receive an ESTA approval valid until the passport's expiration date.

When you travel to the U.S. for tourism or business under the VWP, you may stay up to 90 days per visit.

If you have questions about the ESTA and VWP application process, visit the  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) FAQ page .

Other travel documents you will need to enter the U.S.

Even if you qualify for the VWP, you will need to bring a passport from your country of citizenship to enter the U.S. Generally, your passport must be valid for six months beyond the date you will exit the U.S. unless your country has signed an agreement with the U.S. Learn more about "Six Month Club Requirements."

When you enter the U.S., officials at your port of entry will issue you a Form I-94W, an electronic record of your entry date. Learn more about I-94W and how to apply .

LAST UPDATED: November 9, 2023

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Knowledge Article

ESTA - How long is my ESTA approved for?

Beginning Oct. 1, 2022, in accordance with an Interim Final Rule (IFR), travelers entering the United States, whether by land, sea, or air will now be required to obtain an approved ESTA authorization. Under this IFR, VWP travelers intending to travel to the United States by land must instead receive a travel authorization prior to application for admission to the United States and continue to pay the $6 I-94W fee provided for in 8 CFR 103.7, unless entering within the 90-day admission period.

The I-94 can be filed for $6 through the  CBP One  mobile application, which provides a more convenient way for travelers to apply for an I-94 up to seven days prior to arrival, review their past travel history, check their I-94 expiration date and obtain proof of their electronic I-94 from their mobile device. The application can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play. CBP encourages travelers to obtain an approved   ESTA  by using CBP One or the CBP I-94   I-94 website   and avoid filling out the Form I-94W at a port of entry.

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• Transportation Security
• Visa Waiver Program
• Program Requirements

Visa Waiver Program Requirements

The Visa Waiver Program  (VWP) permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

Visa Waiver Program Countries

There are currently 41 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program:

• Andorra (1991)
• Australia (1996)
• Austria (1991)
• Belgium (1991)
• Brunei (1993)
• Chile (2014)
• Croatia (2021)
• Czech Republic (2008)
• Denmark (1991)
• Estonia (2008)
• Finland (1991)
• France (1989)
• Germany (1989)
• Greece (2010)
• Hungary (2008)
• Iceland (1991)
• Ireland (1995)
• Israel (2023)
• Italy (1989)
• Japan (1988)
• Korea, Republic of (2008)
• Latvia (2008)
• Liechtenstein (1991)
• Lithuania (2008)
• Luxembourg (1991)
• Malta (2008)
• Monaco (1991)
• Netherlands (1989)
• New Zealand (1991)
• Norway (1991)
• Poland (2019)
• Portugal (1999)
• San Marino (1991)
• Singapore (1999)
• Slovakia (2008)
• Slovenia (1997)
• Spain (1991)
• Sweden (1989)
• Switzerland (1989)
• Taiwan (2012)
• United Kingdom** (1988)

NOTE:  The citizens of the new countries of Curacao, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba and St Maarten (the former Netherlands Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.

Passport Requirements

• The passport must have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page
• The passport must be an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

As of April 1, 2016, all travelers must have an e-passport to use the VWP.  An e-Passport, denoted by the symbol  , is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. E-Passports are issued by the proper passport issuing authority and must meet international standards for securing and storing information corresponding to the passport and bearer.   

More information  can be found on CBP.gov .

Digital Photographs

If your passport does not have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if:

• You are a citizen of a country that joined the Visa Waiver Program prior to 2008 and possess a valid passport containing a machine-readable zone issued before October 26, 2005, or
• You have an “e-Passport,” which includes an integrated computer chip capable of storing biographic information from the data page, a digital photograph, and other biometric information.

If you were issued a passport  on or after October 26, 2005  and it does not meet the aforementioned requirements, you will need to obtain a visa.

Machine-Readable Passports

All Visa Waiver Program countries must issue passports with a machine-readable zone. A machine-readable passport has two lines of text as letters, numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page, along with the bearer’s picture. It looks like the image below.

If your passport does not have this feature, you have two options:

• Obtain a qualifying, new passport if your country of nationality is producing one, or
• Obtain a visa.

Please contact your passport-issuing agency or your country's embassy if you have questions about your country’s production of a qualifying e-Passport.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization

The  Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)  is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Eligible citizens or nationals from all Visa Waiver Program countries must obtain approval through ESTA prior to traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Visa Waiver Program travelers are encouraged to apply for authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States.

Please refer to the  ESTA webpage  for more detailed information or to apply for ESTA.

Additional Information

For additional Frequently Asked Questions on the Visa Waiver Program, please visit CBP's  FAQ page for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

For more information about the Visa Waiver Program please visit the State Department's  Travel Website .

* With respect to all references to “country” or “countries” in this document, it should be noted that the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, Pub. L. No. 96-8, Section 4(b)(1), provides that “[w]henever the laws of the United States refer or relate to foreign countries, nations, states, governments, or similar entities, such terms shall include and such laws shall apply with respect to Taiwan.” 22 U.S.C. § 3303(b)(1). Accordingly, all references to “country” or “countries” in the Visa Waiver Program authorizing legislation, Section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1187, are read to include Taiwan. This is consistent with the United States’ one-China policy, under which the United States has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan since 1979.

** British citizens only with the unrestricted right of permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

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• Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

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Tramite Mi Pasaporte

Después de Aplicar

Requisitos para Tramitar el Pasaporte

Ayuda de Pasaporte

Cómo Contactarnos en caso de viaje urgente

Reconocemos que algunas personas han tenido una espera larga cuando llaman al Centro Nacional de Información de Pasaportes y estamos tomando medidas para mejorar la experiencia. Es posible verificar el estatus de su trámite en línea y se registrar para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico. La forma en que nuestro centro de contacto puede ayudarlo depende de la fecha de su viaje y si ha solicitado o aún no ha solicitado:

Ya he solicitado y todavía no he recibido mi pasaporte

Viajo en menos de 5 días

Llame al 1-877-487-2778 . Es necesario tener cita previa para tramitar un pasaporte en una una agencia pasaportes . Las citas son limitadas y no podemos garantizar que haya disponibilidad.

Viajo en 6 a 14 días

Llame al 1-877-487-2778 . Notificaremos a la agencia que tramita su solicitud de su fecha de viaje para que sea procesado a tiempo.

Viajo en más de 14 días

No debes llamarnos a menos que haya presentado la solicitud, quiere cambiar su dirección postal, quiere pedir servicio acelerado  (expedited service ), o quiere solicitar la entrega de 1-2 días de su pasaporte. Estamos trabajando las 24 horas para emitir su pasaporte. Sigue revisando el estatus de su trámite en línea.

No he tramitado mi pasaporte

Viajo en menos de 14 días

Llame al 1-877-487-2778 . Es necesario tener cita previa para tramitar un pasaporte en una agencia de pasaportes . Las citas son limitadas y no podemos garantizar que haya disponiblidad.

No llame a menos que necesite una visa extranjera dentro de los próximos 28 días.

• Los representantes están disponibles de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a.m. a 10:00 p.m., y de sábado a domingo de 10:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. hora del este (cerrado los días festivos federales). Se habla español.
• Nuestro número principal es 1-877-487-2778 .
• Si es sordo o tiene problemas de audición, llame al 1-888-874-7793 para servicios de teletipo TDD/TTY.
• Comuníquese con su embajada o consulado local de los EE. UU. si presenta la solicitud fuera de los Estados Unidos.
• Envíe un correo electrónico solo si necesita cancelar una cita en una agencia o centro de pasaportes. No nos envíe un correo electrónico si está solicitando una actualización de estado o si tiene una emergencia de viaje. Nuestro correo electrónico es  [email protected] .

Renovación de Pasaporte para Adulto

Comience a  Renovar el Pasaporte para Adulto . ¡Es la manera más simple y conveniente de obtener su nuevo pasaporte!

Primer Pasaporte para Adulto

Si nunca ha tenido un pasaporte o no puede renovar su pasaporte, debe solicitarlo como  Primer Pasaporte para Adulto .

Menores de 16 Años

Todos los niños menores de 16 años deben presentar la solicitud en persona, incluso si ya han tenido un pasaporte. Ver  Menores de 16 Años .

Jóvenes de 16 y 17 Años de Edad

Los trámites para las personas de 16 y 17 años son distintos. Ver  Jóvenes de 16 y 17 Años de Edad .

Formularios de Pasaporte

Encuentre los  Formularios  para tramitar el pasaporte.  

Dónde Solicitar

El lugar donde se hace el trámite de pasaporte depende de cuándo lo necesite. Vea  Dónde Solicitar  para más información.

Después de Aplicar

Después de someter una solicitud de pasaporte, vea cómo responder a una carta o correo electrónico de nosotros, obtener copias de los archivos de pasaportes, y reportar un pasaporte perdido o robado. Ver información sobre  Después de Aplicar .

Videos Sobre Pasaportes

Hemos preparado unos videos para ayudarle tramitar su pasaporte.

Pasos para solicitar un pasaporte de los Estados Unidos

Aproveche este video para realizar el trámite de pasaporte, paso por paso.   

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TSA is prepared for more travelers at airport security checkpoints, expects this holiday travel season to be the busiest ever

WASHINGTON — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has screened a record number of passengers this year and anticipates airport security checkpoints nationwide will be busier than ever this holiday travel season.

The season kicks off with Thanksgiving travel, which begins Friday, Nov. 17 and concludes Tuesday, Nov. 28. During the 12-day period, TSA expects to screen 30 million passengers. Historically, the three busiest travel days are the Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving and the Sunday afterward. TSA is projecting to screen 2.6 million passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 21; 2.7 million passengers on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and 2.9 million passengers on Sunday, Nov. 26, which will likely be the busiest travel day.

“We expect this holiday season to be our busiest ever. In 2023, we have already seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in TSA’s history,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are ready for the anticipated volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are prepared for this busy holiday travel season. We will also do our best to maintain wait time standards of under 10 minutes for TSA PreCheck® lanes and under 30 minutes for standard screening lanes. I am grateful for our dedicated employees who continue to remain vigilant and focused on the mission during this holiday travel season and beyond.”

TSA has recorded multiple days with more than 2.8 million passengers screened so far in 2023. The current record for the heaviest passenger screening volume in TSA history was on Friday, June 30. On that day, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) screened nearly 2.9 million passengers at checkpoints nationwide. TSA will likely exceed this record this Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

Additionally, there are now more than 17.6 million passengers enrolled in TSA PreCheck®, which is the highest amount ever recorded and represents 3.9 million more TSA PreCheck members than there were this time last year.

Travelers should keep these top tips in mind before arriving at the airport:

1. Pack smart; start with empty bags. Passengers who start with an empty bag while packing are less likely to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint. Certain foods, such as gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam and preserves must be packed in a checked bag because they are considered to be liquids or gels. If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it is a liquid and must be packed in your checked bag. As always, passengers may bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the TSA checkpoint. Check for prohibited items by using the “ What Can I Bring?” page on TSA.gov. or just ask @AskTSA.

2. Bring an acceptable ID and have it out in the screening lane. Before heading to the airport, travelers must make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process. At many checkpoints, the TSO may ask you to insert your physical ID into one of our Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units, where a boarding pass is not needed.

The second generation of CAT, called CAT-2, is currently deployed to 25 airports and adds a camera and smartphone reader to the other CAT features. The camera captures a real-time photo of the traveler at the podium and compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, the TSO verifies and directs the traveler for appropriate security screening without ever exchanging a boarding pass. Photos are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Passenger participation is voluntary and if a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, they may have their identity verified manually instead without losing their place in line. For more information on how TSA is using facial recognition technology to enhance security effectiveness, improve operational efficiency and yield a more streamlined passenger experience, go to https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/factsheets/facial-recognition-technology .

3. Arrive early. The airport will be busy this week, so arrive two hours prior to your scheduled flight to allow for adequate time to park your car or arrive via public transit or rideshare, check bags and go through security screening before arriving at the gate.

4. If you plan to travel with a firearm, you must properly pack the firearm in a hard-sided, locked case in your checked bag and declare it with the airline at the ticket counter when checking in. Passengers are prohibited from packing firearms in carry-on luggage and bringing them to the airport security checkpoint and onboard aircraft. Bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint is expensive and time-consuming and can cause delays. The maximum civil penalty for bringing a firearm to a TSA checkpoint is nearly $15,000. Additionally, it will result in the loss of TSA PreCheck eligibility for up to five years. For more information on transporting firearms, visit: www.tsa.gov/travel/transporting-firearms-and-ammunition .

5. Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. TSA uses a variety of security methods and technologies to secure our transportation systems. Screening protocols vary from airport to airport, depending on available technology and the current threat environment. Some airports have installed new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) scanners which significantly improve threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags and reduce physical searches of bag contents for prohibited items. CT units give TSOs the ability to review 3-D images of passengers’ bags, so passengers screened in security lanes with CT units do not need to remove their 3-1-1 liquids or laptops. With CT units, all travelers must place every carry-on item, including bags, into a bin for screening.

6. Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck and ensure you have the TSA PreCheck mark on your boarding pass. TSA’s trusted traveler program now has more than 90 participating airlines, is available at more than 200 airports and has two authorized enrollment providers. Those enrolled enjoy the benefits of faster checkpoint screening. The five-year membership costs just $78. After submitting an online application, which takes just five minutes, applicants must schedule an appointment at any of the 500-plus enrollment centers. After a successful enrollment center visit, most new enrollees will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. Members may renew their membership online up to six months prior to expiration for another five-year term for $70.

Most TSA PreCheck members wait less than five minutes at the checkpoint. Children 12 and younger may join TSA PreCheck family members in the TSA PreCheck screening lanes. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass. TSA PreCheck passengers must ensure that their KTN, along with correct date of birth, is in their airline reservation. For more information about becoming a member of the TSA PreCheck program, visit: www.TSA.gov/precheck .

7. Call ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers who need assistance may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.

8. Text or direct message us @ AskTSA. Get your questions answered before you head to the airport. Travelers can get assistance in real time by texting their question to #275-872 (“AskTSA”) or through @AskTSA on X (formerly known as Twitter) or Facebook Messenger . An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7, while staff is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET daily, including holidays and weekends. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

9. Remain aware. Travelers should report suspicious activities, and remember: If You See Something, Say Something™.

10. Show gratitude to frontline workers. Thank a TSO, a gate agent, a flight attendant or someone who serves on the transportation frontlines. TSOs complete about 200 hours of training to become certified and are committed to transportation security while ensuring all travelers are treated with respect and courtesy. Pack an extra dose of patience, especially during higher passenger volume travel days, and show gratitude to those who are working diligently over the holidays and every day to get everyone to their destinations safely.

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Travel Smart from the Start

Office of the Spokesperson

March 31, 2023

The U.S. Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens traveling and living overseas.  As more U.S. citizens travel abroad – for family visits, vacation, or any occasion – we remind you to travel smart from the start by doing the following:

• Check your passport’s expiration date before booking travel and apply early. Many countries require at least six months of validity in order to enter.
• Research your destination  to better understand the security environment and current travel guidance, exit and entry requirements such as visas or proof of immunizations, and what items you can and can’t bring with you into the country according to local laws.
• Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important safety and security messages directly from the local U.S. embassy or consulate and to help us contact you in the event of an emergency.
• Save the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate’s address and contact information before you go and keep it handy. Even well-prepared travelers may face an emergency, like a lost or stolen passport or an injury.  Our embassies and consulates are available to help 24/7.

A prepared traveler is a happy traveler.  Follow TravelGov on  Facebook   ,  Twitter   , and  Instagram    for more smart travel tips from the Department of State as part of our Travel Smart from the Start campaign.

U.S. Department of State

The lessons of 1989: freedom and our future.