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To use the system, log onto the ESTA Web site at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov and complete an online application in English. Travelers are encouraged to apply early. The Web-based system will prompt you to answer basic biographical and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form. Basic information on ESTA is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

Applications may be submitted at any time before traveling. The Department of Homeland Security recommends, however, that applications be submitted at least 72 hours before traveling. In most cases, the DHS promises, you will receive one of the following responses “within seconds”:

1. Authorization Approved: Travel is authorized.
2. Travel Not Authorized: The traveler must obtain a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the U.S.
3. Authorization Pending: The traveler will need to check the ESTA Web site for updates within 72 hours to receive a final response.

An approved travel authorization via ESTA is:

• Required for all VWP travelers before boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the U.S. under the VWP beginning January 12, 2009;
• Valid, unless revoked, for up to two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first;
• Valid for multiple entries into the U.S. As future trips are planned, or if an applicant’s destination addresses or itineraries change after authorization has been obtained, the applicant may update that information through the ESTA Web site; and
• Not a guarantee of admissibility to the U.S. at a port of entry. ESTA approval only authorizes a traveler to board a carrier for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. Additional information is available in “For International Visitors” at http://www.CBP.gov/travel.

Additional information is available in “For International Visitors”.

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ESTA is a web-based program in which all nationals or citizens of VWP countries, including children, regardless of age, will be required to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S. bound carrier. ESTA approval only authorizes a VWP traveler to board the carrier; U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will still make admissibility determinations at the time of entry to the U.S. Additionally, the ESTA is not a visa and individuals traveling on valid visas will not be required to apply for an ESTA.

DHS suggests ESTA applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. Applications will be submitted online at www.esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Specific travel plans are not required to complete the ESTA but the VWP traveler must be prepared to provide biographical data including name, birth date, and passport information as well as answer eligibility questions regarding arrests, convictions, communicable diseases, past history of visa revocation, deportation, etc.

In most cases, ESTA will provide an almost immediate response of “Authorization Approved”, “Authorization Pending”, or “Authorization Denied”. Applications that are approved will be valid for a period of 2 years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Pending applications will receive a final response within 72 hours. Those whose applications are denied will be referred to the U.S. Department of State to apply for a visa at a U.S. Consulate in order to travel to the U.S. Once ESTA becomes mandatory, travelers that have not received ESTA approval may be denied boarding, experience processing delays or be denied admission to the U.S.

Additional information about the new ESTA program is available through an FAQ or for more information on the official ESTA Fact Sheet.

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