Visa waiver program and esta
US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a visa-free travel authorisation that lets eligible travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries fly or sail to the United States for short stays.
Important information
An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry — admission is decided by a border officer on arrival in the US.
US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA requirements
- You are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country
- You hold a valid passport from a participating nation
- You have no relevant criminal convictions or previous immigration issues
- Your trip is 90 days or fewer, for business or pleasure
- You provide a valid email, home address and phone number
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What is a US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA?
The Visa Waiver Program, accessed via an ESTA, is an online authorisation that lets eligible travellers visit the US for tourism, business or transit without a full visa, for stays of up to 90 days.
Who is eligible?
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries
- Travellers visiting for tourism, business or transit
- Those not already holding a valid US visitor visa
- Trips not exceeding 90 days
What you can do with a US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) & ESTA
- VisitTravel for tourism, business or transit.
- Multiple tripsTravel multiple times within the 2-year validity, up to 90 days per stay within any 180-day period.
Processing time
How long a decision usually takes.
Approval is usually same-day, often within 24 hours, though it can take up to 72 hours. Apply well before travel.
Visa length
How long you can stay on this visa.
Documents required
- Valid Visa Waiver Program passport
- A valid email address
- Your home address and phone number
People also asked
Why might an ESTA be refused?
Common reasons include a criminal history or a previous US immigration breach such as overstaying.
How often can I travel on an ESTA?
It’s valid for multiple trips over 2 years; you don’t reapply while it remains valid.
Can I leave and return?
Yes — an ESTA allows multiple stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Can I work on an ESTA?
No. Working for a US company on an ESTA is not permitted.
Can the process be sped up?
No, an ESTA application cannot be expedited.
Official sources