The United States government has published a checklist for travellers from 43 Visa Waiver Programme countries seeking Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) authorisation. The checklist, available on the official US Customs and Border Protection portal, outlines personal documentation and payment readiness required for a successful online submission. Applicants must gather necessary documents before starting the application process to avoid delays. The ESTA scheme allows eligible visitors to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a conventional visa.
To apply for ESTA, citizens of Visa Waiver Programme countries must have a valid passport issued by a participating nation. They also need to provide a selfie photograph, an active email address, a current home address and contact telephone number, and emergency contact details, including a phone number and an email address. These requirements aim to facilitate a smooth application process and ensure that travellers have all necessary information readily available.
In addition to documentation, applicants must pay a processing fee of $40.27 USD when submitting their ESTA application. The system accepts payments through major cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal. This fee is a mandatory requirement for processing the application, and payment must be made at the time of submission.
The ESTA scheme is available to passport holders from 43 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Programme. Eligible visitors can enter the US for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a conventional visa. However, eligibility is not guaranteed based on nationality alone. Travellers from Visa Waiver Programme countries who visited certain designated nations on or after March 1, 2011, may find that they no longer qualify for ESTA.
Travellers who are no longer eligible for ESTA due to previous visits to designated nations may need to apply for a standard visitor visa through a US embassy or consulate. Limited exceptions exist for individuals who made such trips for official military or diplomatic purposes. In such cases, applicants may still be eligible for ESTA.
Immigration officials recommend that applicants prepare all documents and payment details before starting the online form to reduce the risk of an incomplete or interrupted submission. This preparation can help ensure a smooth application process and minimize potential delays. By having all necessary information readily available, applicants can complete the application process efficiently.
The US Department of State has published guidance identifying African countries whose visits could affect travellers' eligibility for the Visa Waiver Programme. Nationals of Visa Waiver Programme countries who had visited any of the listed African nations after March 1, 2011, could be affected by the rule. Travellers who lost their Visa Waiver Programme eligibility could still enter the US but were required to apply for a standard visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate.
Key points
- Applicants must have a valid passport issued by a Visa Waiver Programme nation and pay a processing fee of $40.27 USD.
- Eligibility for ESTA is not guaranteed based on nationality alone, as previous visits to designated nations may affect eligibility.
- Travellers can prepare for the application process by gathering necessary documents and payment details beforehand.
