ESTA Requirements
Complete guide to ESTA eligibility requirements and documentation needed
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all of the following criteria to apply for ESTA
Visa Waiver Program Country
Must be a citizen of a VWP participating country
Valid Passport
E-passport with digital chip, valid for at least 6 months
Purpose of Travel
Tourism, business, or transit only (max 90 days)
No Criminal Record
No serious criminal convictions or immigration violations
Health Requirements
No communicable diseases of public health significance
Return Ticket
Evidence of intent to depart the United States
Required Documents
Passport Information
- • Passport number
- • Issue and expiry dates
- • Issuing country
- • Digital chip required
Personal Details
- • Full legal name
- • Date of birth
- • Country of birth
- • Contact information
Travel Information
- • U.S. contact details
- • Travel purpose
- • Employment information
- • Emergency contact
Visa Waiver Program Countries
Citizens of these countries are eligible to apply for ESTA
You Are NOT Eligible If
Previous Visa Denials
Previously denied a U.S. visa or ESTA application
Criminal History
Certain criminal convictions or arrests
Overstayed Previously
Previously overstayed in the U.S. under VWP
Dual Nationality
Dual citizens of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen
Work or Study
Planning to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days
Health Issues
Communicable diseases or mental health disorders with harmful behavior
Important Notes
- • ESTA approval does not guarantee entry to the United States
- • Final admission decision is made by CBP officers at the port of entry
- • ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- • You can make multiple trips to the U.S. with a single ESTA authorization
- • If any information changes, you must apply for a new ESTA
Ready to Apply?
If you meet all the requirements above, you can start your ESTA application process