ESTA Travel Guidelines

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is available to citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program. To be eligible you must:

• Hold a valid passport from a VWP member country
• Have a machine-readable, biometric (e-Passport) with a chip
• Be travelling to the US for tourism, business, transit, or medical treatment
• Intend to stay for no more than 90 days per visit
• Have no disqualifying criminal history or prior visa denials
• Meet all other US admissibility requirements

VWP countries include the United Kingdom, most EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others. If your country is not in the VWP, you will need to apply for a US visa through your nearest US Embassy or Consulate.

An approved ESTA allows you to enter the United States for the following purposes:

• Paid employment — You may not work for a US employer or receive payment from a US source
• Long-term study — Enrolling in a degree or formal academic programme is not permitted (short recreational courses may be acceptable)
• Journalism or reporting — Representatives of foreign media must obtain the appropriate media visa
• Permanent residence — ESTA does not grant, nor is a step toward, US permanent residency
• Overstaying — Remaining beyond 90 days or beyond your permitted stay will result in serious immigration consequences

Your passport must meet the following requirements to travel under the VWP:

• e-Passport (biometric) — Your passport must contain an electronic chip with your biometric data. Look for the gold chip symbol on the cover.
• Valid for your trip — Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US. Some airlines require it to be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Machine-readable — The passport must have two lines of machine-readable text at the bottom of the photo page.
• Undamaged — Passports that are torn, waterlogged, or have a damaged chip may be rejected. Apply for a replacement before travelling.
• Issued by a VWP country — The passport must be issued by your country of nationality, which must be a VWP participant.

Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period you may make multiple trips to the US, each for up to 90 days. There is no set limit on how many times you can enter, but immigration officers may question travellers who spend a disproportionate amount of time in the US.

The 90-day clock resets with each new entry into the US. However, brief trips to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and returning to the US do not necessarily reset the clock — CBP officers may count the entire period since your original US entry.

When you arrive at a US port of entry (airport or seaport), you will go through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection. Here is what to expect:

• Complete customs form — You will typically complete a customs declaration form on the plane or at an automated kiosk. Answer all questions truthfully.
• Biometric screening — Most travellers will have fingerprints scanned and a photo taken as part of the entry process.
• CBP interview — A CBP officer will ask about your purpose of visit, accommodation, and length of stay. Be honest and concise.
• Entry stamp — If admitted, your passport will be stamped with the date of entry and the permitted duration of stay. Keep track of this date.
• I-94 record — Your arrival and departure record (I-94) is created electronically. You can check it at the CBP I-94 website.

Having an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. CBP officers have the authority to deny entry to any traveller at their discretion.

The following circumstances may make you ineligible for an ESTA and require you to apply for a US visa instead:

• You have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offence (even minor or spent convictions)
• You have previously been denied a US visa or refused entry to the US
• You have previously overstayed an ESTA or US visa
• You have travelled to or been present in Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (exceptions apply for diplomatic or military travel)
• You hold dual nationality with any of the above-listed countries
• You have a communicable disease of public health significance

If any of the above applies to you, you should apply for the appropriate US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate rather than applying for ESTA.

• Apply early — Apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before departure. While most decisions are made within minutes, some applications require further review.
• Check your ESTA status — Always verify your ESTA is still valid and approved before each trip, especially if your passport has been renewed or you have travelled to any restricted countries.
• Carry your passport — Your ESTA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print anything, but your passport is required for boarding and entry.
• Travel insurance — The US does not have a national health service. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical cover, is strongly recommended.
• Onward travel — Some airlines and immigration officers may ask to see evidence of a return or onward flight. Having your booking confirmation available can be helpful.
• Accommodation details — Have the address of where you will be staying for at least your first night readily available.