Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) |
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As of September 8, 2010, a fee of $14 will be charged to submit an ESTA application. Click here for more information about the fee. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors an additional or higher fee to provide information about ESTA and to submit ESTA applications on behalf of the VWP traveler. These businesses and websites are not endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with DHS or the United States Government. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite the granting of an approval. Travelers must visit the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to apply. |
On August 1, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online travel authorization system which screens passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Effective January 12, 2009, ESTA is mandatory for citizens and nationals of all 35 VWP participant countries (including the Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Malta and other existing VWP member countries) who plan to travel to the United States by air or sea.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to boarding a United States bound airplane or cruise ship. VWP travelers are encouraged to apply for an authorization as soon as they begin to plan a trip to the United States.
Please note: