ESTA Application Guide

Go to the Official ESTA Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official ESTA application website.

Read the Security Notification: Carefully read the security notification and click "I Understand" to proceed.

Start a New Application

• Click on "Apply" in the main menu.
• Choose "Individual Application" unless you are applying for a group. Read the disclaimers and click "Confirm & Continue."

Enter Applicant Information: This section requires your personal details as they appear on your passport.

• Passport Information
  • Passport Number
  • Country of Citizenship
  • Passport Issuance Date
  • Passport Expiration Date
• Personal Information
  • Surname (Last Name)
  • Given Name(s) (First and Middle Names)
  • Gender
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of Birth (City and Country)
• Other Names/Aliases: Answer truthfully if you have used other names.
• National Identification Number (if applicable): Provide if your country issues one. If not, leave blank.
• Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID Number (if applicable): Provide if you have one. If not, leave blank.

Enter Contact Information

• Email Address: Enter and re-enter your valid email address. You will need to verify it.
• Home Address: Provide your current residential address.
• Phone Number: Enter your home phone number.

Enter Travel Information

• Purpose of Trip to the US: Usually "Tourism or Business (less than 90 days)."
• Address While in the US (if known): Provide the full address of where you will be staying (hotel, etc.). If you don't have a specific address yet, you can often enter the name of your first hotel or "UNKNOWN" with a city and state.
• U.S. Point of Contact Information (if applicable): If you have a contact person or organization in the U.S., provide their details. If not, you can often enter the details of your hotel.
• Emergency Contact Information (Outside the US): Provide the name, relationship, email address, and phone number of someone who can be contacted in case of emergency.

Answer Eligibility Questions: This is a crucial section with nine security-related questions about your health, criminal history, immigration violations, and other background information. Answer truthfully and carefully. Answering "yes" to any of these questions does not automatically mean your ESTA will be denied, but it will likely require further review.

Review Your Application: Before submitting, carefully review all the information you have entered on each page. Ensure all details are accurate and match your passport. You can use the "Edit" buttons to make corrections. Mistakes can lead to delays or denial.

Submit Your Application: Once you are sure all the information is correct, click the "Next" or "Submit" button.

Pay the Fee: You will be directed to a secure payment page to pay the $21 non-refundable fee. Follow the instructions to enter your payment details.

Record Your Application Number: After successful submission, you will receive an application number. Keep this number in a safe place. You will need it to check your ESTA status or update your information.

Check Your ESTA Status: You will usually receive an email confirming receipt of your application. However, this is not your approval. You need to check the status on the ESTA website.

• Go to the official ESTA website
• Click on "Check ESTA Status."
• Click on "Check Individual Status."
• Enter your Application Number, Passport Number, and Date of Birth. Click "Retrieve Application."

Receive Your ESTA Authorisation: The status will show one of the following:

• Authorisation Approved: You are authorised to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. It's recommended to print a copy for your records, although it's electronically linked to your passport.
• Travel Not Authorised: Your ESTA has been denied. You will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Authorisation Pending: Your application is still being processed. Check the status again later. This can take up to 72 hours, but often it's much quicker.