ESTA Approval is MANDATORY for passengers intending to enter the USA using the Visa Waiver Program.

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel & should be made online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.

The application process may take up to 15-20 minutes & authorisation is normally granted immediately, but may take up to 72 hours.  We recommend that passengers apply for authorisation at least 72 hours before their flight to ensure they are able to travel.  Until further notice, passengers will still need to complete the green I-94W non-immigrant visa waiver form on board the aircraft.

Once granted, authorisation is valid for 2 years or until the expiry of the passport (whichever is first).  It is valid for multiple entries into the USA although if the destination address or itinerary is different from that submitted in the ESTA approval, this information may be easily updated via the ESTA website.

ESTA approval is not a guarantee of admissibility into the USA - it only authorises a passenger to board a flight to the USA.  Failure to obtain travel authorisation via ESTA prior to departure may result in denied boarding of aircraft or denied entry into the USA.  Passengers entering the USA via the Visa Waiver Program must have machine readable passports & hold an onward or return ticket for a stay in the USA of no more than 90 days.

SUBMIT AN ESTA APPROVAL APPLICATION

Further information is available via the US Embassy's ESTA FAQ's page

ESTA approval is required in addition to APIS data required for all passengers - click here for APIS information.

Passengers with a resident permit (green card) or travelling on a visa issued by the US Embassy will not need to apply for ESTA authorisation as they are not travelling under the Visa Waiver Program.