Check the right route.
Start with the official requirements. Your passport, travel purpose, and circumstances determine whether ESTA is the right path.
Explore common questionsA CLEARER START TO U.S. TRAVEL
A little clarity.
A world
ahead.
Your next adventure starts before takeoff. Get to know ESTA, prepare the essentials, and take your next step with confidence.
Independent travel information. Not a government website.
NEW YORK,
UNITED STATES
NEXT STOPA new perspective.Let’s get you ready for the journey.
Clear, practical information A checklist you can use
Travel planning, in one place
01 / THE ESSENTIALS
Before the bags.
Start with the basics.
ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It’s used for eligible travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Gather the essentials.
Have your passport and travel details ready. Review the official application instructions before you begin.
Use your travel checklistPlan your next step.
Review your checklist before moving forward. Check that your details are accurate and your travel requirements are clear.
Review your next steps02 / A MOMENT TO PREPARE
Less last-minute.
More looking forward.
A simple place to organize your next steps. Check each item as you go.
0 of 4 steps checked
This is a preparation checklist, not an eligibility assessment. Your selections stay on this page and reset when you reload.
03 / GOOD QUESTIONS
A few things
worth knowing.
For requirements and decisions specific to your trip, always refer to the official U.S. government guidance.
What is ESTA?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is used to determine eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Check the official guidance to see whether it applies to your trip.
Is ESTA the same as a visa?
No. ESTA is a travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. If your journey requires a visa, an ESTA does not replace it. Use official guidance to determine the correct route for your circumstances.
Does an approved ESTA guarantee entry?
No. Travel authorization does not guarantee admission. U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes admission decisions when you arrive.
Can I prepare my application here?
Yes. Work through the application questions, review your answers, and download or print a draft. Your answers stay in the current tab and are cleared when you refresh or close it. Account saving and submission to U.S. authorities are not available yet.
Is ESTA Mobile a government website?
No. ESTA Mobile is an independent travel preparation service and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. This site does not submit ESTA applications or make authorization decisions.
THE NEXT STEP IS YOURS
Your journey.
A clearer beginning.
A little preparation goes a long way. Gather your details and prepare your application, one step at a time.
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