What you will need to prepare
A short, plain-language overview so you can gather everything calmly before you begin your guided application. Nothing complicated — just a few documents and a quiet moment to focus.
The essential checklist
A valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country
Your passport must be issued by a country that participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and remain valid for the duration of your intended stay.
Why this matters: ESTA is only available to citizens of participating countries.
Travel for tourism, business, or transit (up to 90 days)
ESTA is intended for short visits. If your trip is longer or for a different purpose (such as study or work), a different visa category may apply.
Why this matters: Authorisation is tied to the purpose declared on your file.
A valid email address you check regularly
We send all updates to this address — confirmations, clarification requests and authorisation status. Please use an inbox you actively monitor.
Why this matters: A missed clarification email is the most common cause of avoidable delays.
An active payment method for the service fee
Our service fee covers the human review of your details. The exact amount is shown on your application page before any payment is requested.
Why this matters: Fees are always disclosed in context, never hidden.
Honest, considered answers to eligibility questions
Eligibility questions cover health, criminal history, and previous travel. Please answer thoughtfully — we will pause with you on each one.
Why this matters: An incorrect answer is one of the few oversights we cannot quietly correct for you.
Passport requirements explained
Your passport is the single most important document for your ESTA. Please verify each of the following details before you begin your guided application — and keep your passport in front of you while you enter information.
An e-passport with biometric chip
Most modern passports include a small chip symbol on the front cover. This is required for ESTA eligibility.
Validity for the duration of your stay
Your passport should remain valid for the entire period you plan to be in the United States.
Machine-readable zone (MRZ) intact
The two lines of characters at the bottom of your photo page must be clear and undamaged.
Photo page free of damage
Worn, torn or altered photo pages can cause issues at the border, even if your authorisation is approved.
Visa Waiver Program countries
ESTA is available only to citizens of countries that participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The list below is provided for general guidance — if your country is not shown, a different visa category may apply for your trip.
[EXPERT NOTE]
Eligibility may change over time as the U.S. Government adds or removes countries from the program. Our reviewers verify your country's current status as part of every audit.
When ESTA may not be the right route
ESTA is a fantastic option for short visits — but it isn't suitable for every trip. The situations below typically require a traditional U.S. visa instead.
- Stays longer than 90 days in the United States
- Studying, working, or being employed by a U.S. organisation
- Performing for paid audiences or media engagements
- A previous visa refusal, immigration violation, or significant criminal record
- Citizens of countries not currently in the Visa Waiver Program
Pre-application safety checklist
Run through this short list before you begin. It is the same sequence we use internally to set every applicant up for success.
- Physical passport in front of you
- Email inbox open and accessible
- Approximate travel dates noted down
- U.S. address or hotel for first night (if known)
- Quiet moment to focus, free of interruptions
- Valid payment method ready
[SECURITY ADVISORY]
Reading directly from your physical passport — character by character — is the single most reliable way to prevent the most common oversights we see. Please take a few extra moments at this step. It is the simplest safety habit there is.
Unsure if you qualify? Write to our team and we will gladly walk you through it.