ESTA for the United States: what to check before you travel

Updated on 24 September 2026. Rules can change: always check the official US website and your personal circumstances before applying.

What is ESTA?

ESTA is the electronic travel authorisation required for eligible visitors travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The program permits tourism or business visits of up to 90 days without a visa. ESTA approval allows you to travel, but does not guarantee admission: the final decision belongs to border authorities.

Before you apply

Check that you have an electronic passport, that your citizenship qualifies and that your reason for travel is eligible. Each traveller, including children, needs their own authorisation when required. Previous travel or personal circumstances may mean that you need a visa instead of ESTA; for example, a visit to Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 may affect eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.

Where and when to apply

Use the official ESTA website. Check the current fee, payment options and required details there. At the time of this review, the portal showed a fee of $40.27, rather than the $40 quoted in my 2025 article. Apply well ahead of departure: the authorities suggest at least 72 hours beforehand, and leaving it until the last few days is unwise. il sito ufficiale ESTA

Validity and changes

An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until your passport expires if that comes first. A new passport requires a new application. Check the status of your authorisation on the official portal rather than assuming an older ESTA is still valid.

How I can help

When we plan a trip to the US, I flag the checks you need to make in good time and point you towards official information. If your situation calls for a visa or an individual assessment, the competent authorities are the right source of advice; approval cannot be promised.