Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
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The United States Government does not charge a fee to obtain information about, apply for, or obtain a travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Web site. VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorized third-parties have established Web sites that charge a fee to provide information about ESTA and to submit ESTA applications on behalf of the VWP traveler. These businesses and Web sites are not endorsed by, associated with, or 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 approval.
Travelers must visit the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov to apply.
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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:
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As of December 16, 2008 a Korean-language translation version of the ESTA website is available. Though the ESTA website is translated into different languages, information for the ESTA application must be completed in English.
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