Frequently Asked Questions about VWP and ESTA

1.1 What is ESTA?

It is an online application system developed by the US government to pre-screen travelers before travel. All passengers traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are obliged to have an approved travel authorization before traveling to the United States by sea or air. The ESTA became mandatory from January 12, 2009.

1.2 What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

It is a program administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, that permits visa free travel to the United States for citizens of 38 program partner countries around the world. The VWP utilizes multiple layers of security to detect and prevent potentially dangerous individuals (serious criminals, terrorists, for example) from traveling. All eligible travelers who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business for up to 90 days or less without obtaining a visa must have approved travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to boarding a U.S. bound air or sea carrier.

1.3 Is a travel authorization a visa?

No, an approved ESTA is not a visa. To apply for an ESTA it is not necessary to arrange an appointment to appear at a US Embassy or Consulate in person. If you already have a valid visa for the United States, you do not need to apply for a travel authorization.

1.4 Which countries eligible for ESTA?

There are currently 38 countries, citizens or nationals of which may visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:

[1] 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.

1.5 Where can I get more information about the Visa Waiver Program?

For more information about the Visa Waiver Program you can go to the CBP website (http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program) and the Department of State website (http://www.travel.state.gov/).

2.1 What do I need to apply for ESTA?

You are eligible to apply for authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if:

You have a valid passport of a country which eligible for ESTA;

You have an electronic passport with a digital chip containing biometric information;

You are currently not have a valid visitor’s visa;

Your trip to the United States is for 90 days or less for pleasure, business or transit;

You have onward or return ticket;

You travel to the United States by air or sea;

You are not national of Iraq, Syria, Iran, or Sudan;

You have not traveled to or been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.

2.2 How do I apply for an ESTA?

To apply for a travel authorization, you must use the following process:

- Complete Application. In your application, enter all required information labeled with a red asterisk. You will be asked to provide: applicant information; parents information; passport details; contact information; emergency contact information; travel information; employment information. You will also be asked to answer nine security questions.
- Review Application. You can review your answers for accuracy before submitting your application. To make any corrections, you can select "Edit Content" and update/correct the information.
- Make Payment. After reviewing your application, click “Confirm and Continue” and you will be taken to the final step where you will be asked to enter the information of your credit/debit card to make payment of fees associated with the Travel Authorization.
- Receive Your Travel Authorization. The answer will be sent in PDF format to the contact email registered within the next 3-6 hours at most. In cases where more time is needed to process the electronic travel authorization, will be sending an information email within 24 hours and a final answer within 48 hours.

2.3 When should I apply for authorization?

You can apply for your ESTA as soon as you decide to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It can be applied up to 72 hours (3 days) before the travel date, but it is recommended to apply as early as possible. If your Travel Authorization is denied, you will have to apply for a visitor visa, this process may take weeks.

2.4 How long does the application process take?

We provide a quick and easy applying for ESTA application. The estimated average time to complete this application is 20 minutes.

2.5 Do children also require an ESTA Application?

Yes, children who are traveling to the United States are in need of a valid Travel Authorization, they also need an own digital passport (e-passport) in order to apply for the ESTA.

2.6 What are the additional questions with the new ESTA application?

As of November 3, 2014, the additional questions are:

Other Names/Aliases;

City of Birth;

Other Citizenships;

National Identification Number (if applicable);

Parents name(s);

U.S. Contact information (email, phone, points of contact);

Employment information (if applicable).

2.7 Will an ESTA accept my Post-dated passport?

No, for citizens of the United Kingdom: If you have applied for a Post-dated passport that will not be valid until after your marriage, you will not be able to apply for ESTA using that passport number until the day of your marriage, when the passport becomes valid. And for passengers from other countries participating in the VWP: If you received approval of your Travel Authorization, but then changed your name by marriage, divorce or other legal process, you must apply for a new ESTA authorization before traveling.

2.8 I have dual citizenship, which passport do I use to apply for ESTA?

If you are a citizen of the country that elegible for the Visa Waiver Program and also a citizen of the country that does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you need apply for ESTA using your VWP-eligible passport. If you are a citizen of two countries which participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you may using the passport that you want.

2.9 What if I have dual citizenship, but my non-VWP passport is expired or I do not have a passport for that country?

If you are a citizen with several nationalities (passports), select the country from the drop down list and please enter the most recent passport information that you decide to use, even if that passport is expired. If you have dual nationality, but do not have a passport from another country, select the country from the drop-down list and do NOT enter anything in the Passport Number field.

2.10 Can I apply for an ESTA without having confirmed travel plans?

Yes. Specific travel plans are not mandatory at the time of application. Anytime you can update information about the address where you will be staying in the United States. If you are in transit, please select “Yes” to the “Is your travel to the U.S. occurring in transit to another country?” question in your application.

2.11 Can I apply for another person or have a third party apply for me?

Yes, you can ask someone else, or a third party to submit an application on your behalf, but ultimately, the traveler is responsible for the truthfulness and completeness of any information provided in ESTA Application.

2.12 Do I need to apply for ESTA if…

I am a citizen of Canada?	No, if you are traveling with a Canadian passport, you do not need an ESTA.
I am a Landed Immigrant of Canada?	No, if you are a citizen of a VWP country, and you are traveling by land to the U.S. Yes, if you are coming to the U.S. by air or sea. No, if you are not a citizen of a VWP country, but you are required to have a visa. For more information about how to apply for a US visa follow this link. (http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html)
I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States and a citizen of a VWP country?	No.
I am a citizen of a VWP country and I am going to Guam or Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)?	Yes, if you travel under the VWP. No, if you are eligible for Guam/CNMI VWP, but the maximum stay is only 45 days and stay is restricted to those islands only - travel cannot be to the United States.
I am a citizen of a VWP country and I am traveling under the VWP to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?	Yes, ESTA is required for travel to these locations.
I am traveling to the U.S. by air to transit for another country?	Yes, if you are only planning to transit through the United States to another country, you must apply for ESTA.
I am visiting the U.S. from Canada or Mexico?	No, if you are a citizen of a VWP country and you are coming by land. You are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing. Yes, if you are a citizen of a VWP country and you are arriving by air or sea. Please note that VWP citizens do not need an ESTA to travel on the ferries between Vancouver and Victoria, BC and Washington state, because they are treated as a land border port.
I have a valid visa (B1/B2)?	No, if you already have a B1/B2 or any other valid visa and you are traveling for the purpose in which it was issued.

3.1 How do I complete the application, if in my passport showing an "X" sex marker?

The ESTA Application does not currently have a gender "X" to choose from on the application. It is suggested that you choose from whichever you feel most comfortable.

3.2 How should I spell my name in the application, if my name contains letters that are not in the English alphabet?

You may refer to the machine readable portion of your passport (with the chevrons <<< >>>) for the universal spelling of your name. Below are some common substitutions in the English alphabet for unique European letters.

ß,β = ss	æ = a e
ö = oe	ü = ue
ë = e	ä = ae
Å = aa	ø = oe
ñ = n	ĳ = i j

3.3 How do I complete the ESTA if my passport has my old name?

If you have a passport under one name, but your name has changed since it was issued, you can apply for authorization using your old passport number and new name. You may also travel with a ticket issued in your new name and the passport in your old name, but we strongly recommend you bring a copy of legal document showing the connection between your new name and the one on your passport.

3.4 Can you provide guidance and clarification for some of the Eligibility questions?

Diseases
Under United States law communicable diseases of public health significance include:

Chancroid

Gonorrhea

Granuloma inguinale

Leprosy, infectious

Lymphogranuloma venereum

Syphilis, infectious stage

Active Tuberculosis

Physical or Mental Disorders
With regard to physical or mental disorders, answer "Yes" to this question if:

You currently have a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or

You had a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others and the behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior. Answer "No" if:

     - You currently have no physical or mental disorders; or
     - You have or had a physical or mental disorder without associated behavior that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare of that of others; or
     - You currently have a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior, but that behavior has not posed, does not currently pose nor will pose a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or
     - You had a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior that posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others, but that behavior is unlikely to recur.

Drug Abusers and Drug Addicts
Under United States law persons may not be admissible if they have been determined to be a drug abuser or drug addict.
For further information refer to § 212(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(1)(A), and corresponding regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations.

3.5 Why do you need my employer information?

Employment information can help demonstrate that you are not intending immigrants into the United States and qualify for a visitor or non-immigrant status.

3.6 Will my application be denied if I leave a mandatory field blank?

All mandatory fields must be completed, but if erroneous information is entered this will not result in a mandatory denial.

3.7 When will I hear back about the status of my travel authorization (ESTA)?

In most cases we will return an Application Status within 3-6 hours. In cases where more time is needed to process an electronic travel authorization application, we will send an informative email during the next 24 hours and we will send the definitive answer within 48 hours (maximum).
There are three possible responses to your application:

Authorization Approved. Your Travel Authorization has been approved and you are authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Please note that an approved authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States; a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.
Travel Not Authorized. You are not authorized to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. If an ESTA application is denied and you wish to continue with the trip, you will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The denial of a Travel Authorization only prohibits travel under the VWP and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa. For more information about visa application procedures, please visit the State Department (http://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html).
Authorization Pending. Your Travel Authorization is under review because an immediate determination could not be made for your application. This response does not indicate negative findings. A determination will usually be available within 72 hours. If you are our client, your pending application will be re-checked on your behalf until a decision is made.

4.1 How do I apply for a group of applicants?

Please note that this website only work with individual application, if you want to apply for a group of applications, you can make this on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security. To apply for a group of applications, you must use the following process.

Create Group Contact Person. For applying for ESTA authorizations for a group of travelers, you need to provide the following information of the Group Contact Person: family name, first (given) name, date of birth and email address. The name of the organization making the payment may also be added, but is optional.
Manage Group of Applications. The Group Contact Person will have the availability to add a new application (to begin the process for a new applicant) or add unpaid applicant (to add an existing unpaid applicant to your group).
Make Payment. The group may be paid only when two or more applications are submitted as a group. You may pay for any time within 7 days of creating the group. After this period, it will be unable to access the applications and Group ID, and the Group Contact Person will have to resubmit them.
Check Status. The Group Contact Person will also have the option to check the status on all applications within a group. Please note that if there is a "Pending" response for any application in a group, it will not delay the processing of the remaining applications.

4.2 How can I access my application, if my group is locked and I cannot use the Group ID?

You can access any single application in a group by selecting “Check Individual Status” under “Check ESTA Status” on the website of the [US Department of Homeland Security] (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

4.3 When I submit the payment for a group of applications, will I receive the ESTA status for all of the applications at the same time?

Yes, the payment amount will appear once if all applications will have a status of "Authorization Approved" or "Travel Not Authorized". If any application in the group returns a status of "Authorization Pending", the payment amount will be withheld until all the applications in the group have been approved or denied.

4.4 Can I pay for two or more applications with one payment?

Yes. You can make one payment for a group of two or more applications submitted at the same time. Please note that the persons in the group are not required to travel together.

4.5 Can I pay for a group of applications later?

Yes, you may pay for any time within 7 days of creating the group. After this period, it will be unable to access the applications and Group ID, and the Group Contact Person will have to resubmit the applications.

5.1 How much does ESTA application cost?

The cost of application on this website is comprised of two parts:

US government fee. All applications requesting an electronic travel authorization are charged 4 USD for the processing and 17 USD if your application is approved.
Service fee. If you choose our service, 43 USD will be charged to your credit/debit card. Our customers can pay for our service in their home currency (total cost will be equivalent to 64 USD in the time of payment).

5.2 How do I pay for my application?

The payment method we use is PayPal. We offer our customers the opportunity to pay in the method that will be more convenient for them. Your application will not be processed until we have received all the information about the payment.

5.3 Can I pay for my application in my local currency?

We accept payment only in the USD. If your banking entity has a currency different from USD, you will be charged according to what your banking entity offers as an exchange rate to the USD.

5.4 Can I pay for my application later?

Yes. In the case that you can not pay for your application at the same time of the filing of the application, we will send a mail to the email provided in the application with a direct link to our payment page.

5.5 I have been charged more than 21 USD for an ESTA, why?

The website provides assistance 24 hours to visitors to the United States who want to obtain quick and convenient approval of their application. Our company has a highly team of visa specialist with many years of experience with ESTA processing who will provide constant support and advice for making application, they will review your application before presenting it to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Our service costs 64 USD (or the equivalent in your home currency) and includes the 21 USD that is mandatory US Government Application fee.

6.1 When do I need to reapply for an ESTA?

A new travel authorization may be required in any of the following circumstances:

You are issued a new passport;

You change your name;

You change your gender;

Your country of citizenship change; or

The circumstances underlying the traveler's previous responses to any of the ESTA application questions requiring a "yes" or "no" response have changed.

6.2 How do I renew my ESTA?

If your ESTA has expired, you must reapply by submitting a new application on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security or our website www.usa-esta-org.com. Existing authorizations cannot be extended.

6.3 What information can I update?

Before you pay for submitting an electronic application on website, you can update all application data fields. If you submit an application on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov), you can NOT update passport issuing country and the passport number.
If you have approved application, you can still update only email address and the address where you will stay in the United States.

6.4 Can I update application if passport has changed?

If a passport information has changed or you obtain a new passport, you need to apply for a new travel authorization.

6.5 Can I update my ESTA approved, if my name is changed?

If you have received approval to come to the U.S., but then change your name, you must reapply for a new authorization prior to travel.

6.6 If I find a mistake in my approved application, can I make corrections?

You can change only email address and the address where you will stay in the United States. In other cases, you need to apply for a new Travel Authorization. If you have already submitted an application with us and want to update incorrect information, we can help you.

6.7 I already have an approved application, but it will expire before I depart the United States. Do I need to apply for a new ESTA?

If an ESTA expires before you leave the United States, you are not required to apply for another. However, for future travel you will need to apply for a new authorization.

7.1 How long is my Travel Authorization valid?

Unless revoked, Travel Authorization is generally valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The date of expiration you can see in your ESTA, it is shown next to the application number.

7.2 How long can I stay in the United States with en ESTA?

You can enter the USA for 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit.

7.3 How many times can I enter the United States on my ESTA authorization?

You have unlimited entries into the USA before authorization is still valid.

7.4 What ESTA documents should I bring for travel?

We recommend that you print out your authorization and take it with your trip. Border officials of the United States will have the electronic record of your ESTA, but when you check in for your flight, your airline or carrier may require the printout.

7.5 Do I need to fill out an I-94W, if I have an approved travel authorization?

No, travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who have an approved authorization will no longer be given a green I-94W departure coupon in their passport.

7.6 If I am approved, does my travel authorization guarantee me admission to the United States?

No, if your electronic travel authorization is approved, this approval establishes that you are eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, but does NOT guarantee that you are admissible. Upon arrival you will be inspected by a Customs and Border Protection officer at a port of entry who may determine that you are inadmissible under the Visa Waiver Program or for any reason under United States law.

7.7 What if a VWP applicant is found to be inadmissible?

Travelers applying for admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who are determined to be inadmissible will be denied admission and returned to their country of origin, or a third country from which the traveler holds a round-trip ticket, aboard the carrier on which the traveler arrived.

8.1 How can I check if my ESTA is still valid?

If you have already approved Travel Authorization and you are our customer, you just need to send us an email to info@usa-esta-org.com and ask us about the status of your application. In addition, we will send sporadically emails with information about the status of your ESTA.

9.1 What to do if my ESTA is denied?

If an ESTA application is denied and you wish to continue with the trip, you will be required to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The denial of a travel authorization only prohibits travel under the Visa Waiver Program and is not a determination of eligibility for a visa to travel to the United States. For more information about visa application procedures, please visit the State Department (http://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html).

9.2 Can I find out the reason my application was denied?

Due to security/privacy laws, U.S. Customs and Border Protection cannot tell you the reason for your denial of authorization. However, some of the most common reasons are:

On a previous visit, you stayed in the U.S. longer than you were authorized.

On a previous visit, you came as a visitor, but engaged in unauthorized work.

You are using a passport number that you previously reported lost or stolen (but later found).

You were previously denied entry or a visa to the U.S.

You answered incorrectly to another VWP eligibility question.

For more information about what should you do if you not approved for travel through ESTA, please click here.

9.3 Can I reapply if my application was denied?

If your ESTA was denied and your circumstances have not changed, a new application will also be denied. You should apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

9.4 Can I get a refund if my application is not approved?

In the case of an application has been rejected by the US CBP Department of Homeland security, only we will charge for the processing of the ESTA (the fee is 4 USD) and we will proceed with the full refund of the difference of the amount paid.

10.1 Is this website secure and private?

Yes. Information submitted by customer through this website is protected with the highest protection available through physical security, firewalls, encryption and passwords.

10.2 What information does this website collect, and who has access to it?

We only collect information which you voluntarily provide to us, and which is required for processing an ESTA application. Information obtained through this website is never sold, shared or disclosed.

11.1 What is the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015?

DHS remains concerned about the risks posed by the situation in Iraq and Syria, where instability has attracted thousands of foreign fighters, including many from VWP countries. They could travel to the United States for operational purposes on their own or at the behest of violent extremist groups. This Act of 2015 was signed into law on December 18, 2015, it established new eligibility requirements for travel under the Visa Waiver Program, to include travel restrictions. A traveler covered by this restrictions in the law will need to obtain a U.S. visa, which generally includes an in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer. The Act also requires all VWP travelers to have an electronic passport for travel to the United States by April 1, 2016.

11.2 What are the new eligibility requirements for VWP travel?

Under the Act, travelers in the following categories are NO longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program:

Nationals of VWP countries who have been present in Iraq, Syria, or countries listed under specified designation lists (currently including Sudan and Iran, but new country may be added to this list) at any time on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited government/military exceptions).

Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iraq, Syria, Iran, or Sudan.

It should be noted that the vast majority of VWP-eligible travelers will not be affected by the new Act.

11.3 Are there other countries that I have traveled to that might impact VWP travel?

Yes, on February 18, 2016, DHS announced that it is continuing its implementation of the Act with the addition of Somalia, Libya, and Yemen as three countries of concern, limiting VWP travel for certain individuals who have traveled to these countries. This is possible that DHS determine whether other countries would be added to this list. CBP will notify travelers who have traveled to or been present in Libya, Somalia or Yemen directly. An updated ESTA application with questions on travel to Somalia, Libya, and Yemen will be released this spring 2016.

11.4 Are there any exceptions to the new eligibility requirements?

Yes, the Act provides for limited exceptions. These restrictions do not apply to VWP travelers whose presence in the four countries listed above was in order to carry out official duties as a full-time employee of the government of a program country, or to perform military service in the armed forces of a program country. However these military and official government services exceptions do not apply to the dual national restriction. If you have traveled to Syria, Iraq, Iran, or Sudan for military/official purposes, we recommended bring with you appropriate documentation when traveling through a U.S. port of entry.

11.5 Will guidance be provided as to what documents are necessary to prove an individual falls under an exception (military/official) from the new Act?

During the admissions process, CBP will review any documents presented at a port of entry that demonstrate a VWP traveler meets the official government or military exceptions under the new Act. Travelers are recommended to bring with you appropriate documentation when traveling through a U.S. port of entry, including but not limited to, travel orders, official or diplomatic visas, or an official letter from a VWP country government entity, if available. Travelers may also be asked questions about their travel during the admissions process.

11.6 Are there any waivers to the new eligibility requirements?

Under the new Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these new VWP restrictions if he determines that such a waiver is in the law enforcement or national security interests of the United States (only on a case-by-case basis). As a general matter, categories of travelers who may be eligible for a waiver include:

Individuals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on behalf of international organizations, regional organizations, or sub-national governments on official duty;

Individuals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria on behalf of a humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGO);

Individuals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria as a journalist for reporting purposes;

Individuals who traveled to Iran for legitimate business-related purposes following the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (July 14, 2015); and

Individuals who have traveled to Iraq for legitimate business-related purposes.

11.7 What qualifies as a subnational government/entity?

Subnational governments are state, regional or provincial countries, territories, and other intermediate levels of government.

11.8 What qualifies as “international (multilateral or intergovernmental)” organization or “regional (multilateral or intergovernmental)” organization?

An international (multilateral or intergovernmental) organization is an organization formed pursuant to a multilateral act, such as a treaty, the membership of which is composed primarily of sovereign or member states or other intergovernmental organizations. An international organization can be global or regional in nature. Examples of such organizations in this context include the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Union.

11.9 What qualifies as a government official?

A government official is an individual performing official duties or services for the government of a VWP country.

11.10 What are the additional questions being added to the ESTA application in February 2016?

The additional/modified questions are:

Have you ever been issued a passport or national identity card for travel by any other country?

Are you now a citizen or national of any other country?

Have you ever been a citizen or national of any other country?

Have you traveled to, or been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, or Sudan on or after March 1, 2011?

Based on your responses to the above questions, you may be directed to answer additional questions concerning potential dual nationality and travel to Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Sudan.

11.11 Will the ESTA fee increase with these changes to the application?

No, there is no plan to increase the ESTA fee when the changes take effect. The cost of application is comprised of two parts: US government fee (4 USD for the processing and 17 USD if your application is approved) and Service fee for our assistance (43 USD). Total cost will be equivalent to 64 USD in the time of payment.

11.12 What do I do if I fall under one of the VWP travel restrictions under the new Act?

If a traveler fall under the restrictions in the law, he can obtain a visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please visit travel.state.gov for general visa information or usembassy.gov to find the website of the Embassy that has jurisdiction over your residence. If you are applying for a nonimmigrant visa after ESTA denial or revocation as a result of the new Act, and have emergency travel to the United States you may request an expedited visa appointment. Most U.S. Embassies and Consulates in VWP partner countries and worldwide have short wait times for visa interviews.

11.13 Are there new passport requirements for travel to the United States under the VWP?

Yes, effective April 1, 2016, all VWP country citizens must possess an electronic passport to travel under the VWP. If not in possession of an electronic passport, a valid nonimmigrant visa is required to travel to the United States.

11.14 How will the public be notified of ESTA changes?

All changes to the ESTA process will be announced on CBP’s website www.cbp.gov. Travelers whose status of a travel authorization has changed as a result of these new eligibility requirements will be notified via the email addresses provided in the application. CBP also recommends all travelers to verify their ESTA status and update appropriate contact information prior to traveling to the United States.

11.15 Will everyone have to reapply and update their ESTA applications?

No. If you are not covered by the new eligibility requirements of the Act and you have not had your ESTA revoked, you do not have to reapply for a new ESTA authorization until your current one expires. CBP recommends that you check the status of your ESTA authorization prior to traveling to the United States. However, if you have traveled to to Syria, Iraq, Iran, or Sudan on or after March 1, 2011, CBP recommends that you apply for a new ESTA to help facilitate your travel to the United States, or apply for a visa.

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Questions Esta Visa

I. About ESTA and Visa Waiver Program

II. Before Applying

III. Complete ESTA Application

IV. Group of Application

V. About Payment

VI. Update Information

VII. Travel with ESTA

VIII. Check ESTA status

IX. Travel Not Authorized

X. Privacy and Security

XI. About the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Questions Esta Visa

1.- What is ESTA?

2.- What is the Visa Waiver Program?

3.- Which countries eligible for ESTA?

4.- What do I need to apply for ESTA?

5.- How do I apply for an ESTA?

6.- When will I hear back about the status of my travel authorization (ESTA)?

7.- How much does ESTA application cost?

8.- How do I renew my ESTA?

9.- If I find a mistake in my approved authorization, can I make corrections?

10.- How long is my travel authorization valid?

11.- How long can I stay in the United States with en ESTA?

12.- How many times can I enter the United States on my ESTA authorization?

13.- How can I check if my ESTA is still valid?