Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. To use the VWP, travelers must have a valid ESTA approval prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions and is typically valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.