A Guide To ESTA – The USA’s Electronic System For Travel Authorisation

Travellers heading from the UK to the United States for up to 90 days will need an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) before setting off. 

A valid ESTA allows travellers from 41 participating countries, including the UK, to visit the US for trips without a visa. 

You’ll need to apply for one even if you’re only catching a connecting flight from an American airport or, if you’re transiting via sea, for example on a cruise, through a US port. 

Here, we explain how an ESTA works, how you can apply, and how much it costs.

What is an ESTA?

An Electronic System for Travel Authorisation – or ESTA – is a visa waiver that non-US citizens need to visit the country for trips of up to 90 days. 

It was introduced in 2009 and aims to improve border security by stopping those considered a threat from entering the country. 

If you plan to visit the US for longer than 90 days or you wish to study, live or work there, you’ll need to apply for a full visa.

ESTA is an automated system that works similarly to the ETA visa waiver system used for travel to Australia and Canada and the upcoming ETIAS visa waiver due to launch for travel to European Union countries from mid-2025. 

How does an ESTA work?

An ESTA allows UK travellers to visit the US for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days.

It is linked electronically to your passport, meaning you won’t need to carry a separate document around with you. That said, keeping a printed confirmation of your ESTA as a backup is advised.

Bear in mind, an ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry into the US. You’ll still need to answer a series of questions at border security to confirm your eligibility to enter the country.

Who needs an ESTA?

You’ll need to apply for an ESTA if: 

• you are a UK citizen (or a citizen from a participating visa waiver country) visiting the US
• your trip is 90 days or less 
• you plan to travel to the US for pleasure or business
• you don’t already have a visa for visiting the US
• you are arriving by plane or cruise ship.

It’s important to note that you’ll need a valid ESTA even if you’re only transiting through the US to catch a connecting flight or a ship to travel elsewhere. If you don’t meet the requirements for an ESTA you’ll need to apply for a visa.

If you don’t have a valid ESTA or visa, you won’t be allowed to board your outbound flight or ship from the UK. 

How do you apply for an ESTA?

You can apply for an ESTA online through the US Customs and Border Protection website or via the ESTA mobile app for Android or iOS. 

During the application you’ll need to provide the following details:

• valid passport
• valid email address
• home address and contact number
• current (or most recent) employer
• emergency contact phone and email.

You’ll also need to provide a point of contact – which is the address you’ll be staying at in the US. If you plan on staying at multiple places during your trip, the point of contact will be the first one you go to. 

When you complete and submit your form, you’ll receive an ESTA application reference number which you can use to check the status of your application online. Alternatively, you can use your passport details and date of birth to check these details. 

Once submitted an ESTA application generates one of the following responses: 

• authorisation approved – you are permitted to travel to the US
• authorisation pending – your application requires more time before a decision can be made
• travel not authorised – your application has been denied and you’ll need to apply for a visa to visit the US.

How long does it take to get an ESTA?

It can take up to 72 hours for an ESTA to be approved, though some applications may be processed instantly. You can check the status of your application on the official ESTA website. 

Avoid unofficial websites

There are several unofficial ESTA websites that claim to make an application on your behalf, many of which charge extra to do so. 

These websites are not affiliated with the US Department for Homeland Security (DHS) or the US Government. 

There is only one official website that processes ESTA applications, which is available at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. 

If you have used a third party site, it’s important to keep a copy of your reference number to confirm the status of your application on the official website. And, check whether the details are accurate. 

Refunds are not available for applications made through a third party ESTA service. Be sure to check the URL of a website carefully to avoid being caught out. 

What happens if an ESTA application is rejected?

You’ll need to apply for a non-immigrant visa from the US Consulate if your ESTA application is rejected. Visa processing can take around 21 workdays. 

If you think you were incorrectly denied an ESTA, you can file an appeal request through the Department for Homeland Security Traveller Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). However, it can take months to get a final decision. 

It’s essential to arrange your ESTA prior to booking your holiday to ensure you get the right travel authorisation in time for your trip. 

Why might an ESTA application be rejected? 

An ESTA application might be refused for a number of reasons including: 

• you already have a visa 
• you have a criminal record
• you have previously been denied entry into the US
• you provided false or inaccurate information on your application
• you have a second nationality from or have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia or Yemen since 1 March 2011.

How much does an ESTA cost?

An ESTA application costs $21 (around £17*). If your application is rejected, you’ll only pay $4 (around £3*). 

You can pay for an ESTA application via debit card, credit card or PayPal. 

Bear in mind that paying via debit or credit card may incur an additional currency exchange fee depending on your payment provider. 

Using a specialist travel credit card or debit card can help you beat fees for paying in a foreign currency. 

How long is an ESTA valid?

An ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). 

During this period you can make multiple trips to the US of up to 90 days without having to apply again. 

However, you’ll need to reapply for an ESTA if your passport is replaced or renewed before the two-year period ends. 

*price converted using our currency conversion calculator and does not include any additional currency exchange fees charged by your payment provider.