In order to travel to the US visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to be approved under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system by answering specific ESTA questions.

The ESTA application is an online form on the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. The information you provide will be used to pre-screen your eligibility to travel to the USA as a visitor without the need for a visa.

The form is relatively straightforward to complete, and in most cases, applicants receive a decision immediately after submitting the form, or at the latest within 72 hours.

Full disclosure is essential when completing the ESTA application.

It is a criminal offense under US law if you fail to answer the questions truthfully and comprehensively, which will impact your future US immigration applications. If you have any concerns about your eligibility, for example if you have a past criminal offence on your record, take professional advice to understand your options to obtain permission to travel to the USA.

 

ESTA Questions

 

On the ESTA application form, you will be asked to answer several questions to ascertain whether they meet the admissibility requirements. Before you start the form, it is helpful to be prepared and to have to hand all the necessary information.

 

ESTA questions about the applicant & passport information

 

You will be asked to provide information about yourself, including your passport details:

 

• Family Name
• First (Given) Name
• Gender
• Aliases
• Date of Birth
• City of Birth
• Country of Birth
• Passport Number
• Country of Citizenship
• National Identification Number
• Passport Issuance Date
• Passport Expiry Date
• Passport Issuing Country
• Have you ever been issued a passport or national identity card for travel by any other country? If yes, provide Issuing Country, Document Type, Document Number, and Expiration Year.

 

Common errors to avoid in this section include typos in passport numbers and omitting middle names.

 

ESTA questions about other citizenship/nationality

 

You will next be asked about your nationality:

 

• Are you now, a citizen or national of any other country? If yes, provide the Country of Citizenship / Nationality.
• How did you acquire citizenship/nationality from this country?
• Have you ever been a citizen or national of any other country? If yes, provide the Country of Citizenship / Nationality.

 

If you hold or have previously held citizenship with more than one country, you have to declare this and disclose how you obtained the citizenship.

 

ESTA question on Global Entry Membership

 

You will also be asked if you are a member of the CBP Global Entry Program. If yes, you will need to provide the PASSID / Membership Number.

The Global Entry Program members benefit from expedited entry into the United States through automated kiosks at various US airports.

 

ESTA question relating to parents

 

The application requires you to provide both parents’ Family Name and Given (First) Name. If this information is unknown, you can use the names of your caregivers, or mark as ‘UNKNOWN’ if you did not have any parents or caregivers.

 

ESTA questions about your contact information

 

You will also be asked to provide your contact details:

 

• Address Line 1
• Address Line 2
• Apartment Number
• City
• State/Province/Region
• Country
• Telephone Type
• Telephone Number
• Email Address

 

Your email address will be used for communications regarding your ESTA application.

 

Social media ESTA questions (optional)

 

You may also provide details of your social media accounts:

 

• Provider
• Platform
• Social media identifier

 

 

Employment information ESTA question

 

You will be asked if you have a current or previous employer. If yes, provide the Job Title, Employer Name, Address Line 1, Address Line 2, City, State/Province/Region, Country, Telephone.

This information is likely to be referred to by immigration officials at the border to question your intention to leave the US before visa expiry.

 

ESTA question about travel information

 

You will be asked if your travel to the US will be transiting to another country. If yes, provide the information in the next section

 

US point of contact ESTA question

 

You will need to provide details of an individual contact person, or a hotel or organization, for your stay, including: Name, Address Line 1, Address Line 2, Apartment Number, City, State, Phone Number.

 

ESTA question about US address

 

You will also be asked to provide details of your address while in the US: Address Line 1, Address Line 2, Apartment Number, City, State, Phone Number. This may be the same as the previous question for contact person in the US. However, business visitors would usually put the name of their professional contact in the US point of contact section, and their accommodation in the address while in the US section.

 

ESTA question about emergency contact information (in or out of US)

 

This information is used in the event of a medical emergency where there is no next of kin. You should provide: Family Name, First (Given) Name, Email Address, Telephone.

 

 

ESTA Eligibility Questions

 

Arguably the most important ESTA questions relate to your eligibility to travel visa-free. You will have to answer the following questions, which will help determine if you qualify under the VWP:

 

1. Do you have a physical or mental disorder; or are you a drug abuser or addict; or do you currently have any of the following diseases (communicable diseases are specified pursuant to section 361(b) of the Public Health Service Act): Cholera, Diphtheria, Tuberculosis infectious, Plague, Smallpox, Yellow Fever, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, including Ebola, Lassa, Marburg, Crimean-Congo, Severe acute respiratory illnesses capable of transmission to other persons and likely to cause mortality.
2. Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority?
3. Have you ever violated any law related to possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs?
4. Do you seek to engage in or have you ever engaged in terrorist activities, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?
5. Have you ever committed fraud or misrepresented yourself or others to obtain, or assist others to obtain, a visa or entry into the United States?
6. Are you currently seeking employment in the United States or were you previously employed in the United States without prior permission from the U.S. government?
7. Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa you applied for with your current or previous passport, or have you ever been refused admission to the United States or withdrawn your application for admission at a U.S. port of entry?
8. Have you ever stayed in the United States longer than the admission period granted to you by the U.S. government?
9. Have you traveled to, or been present in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011? Also, have you traveled to or stayed in Cuba since January 12, 2021?

 

Answering ‘yes’ to any one of these ESTA eligibility questions will most likely result in the ESTA application being denied. While a denial does not necessarily mean you cannot travel to the US, but it will mean that you will need to apply for a visa, and/or a waiver, for permission to travel to the USA.

 

Final sections

 

Before you can submit the completed ESTA application form, you will be asked to complete the waiver of rights. This waives any rights to appeal or to review the decision on your ESTA application.

You also have to certify you have understood the questions on the form and answered them truthfully and correctly to the best of their knowledge and belief. Acceptance of this certification is required to submit an ESTA application.

 

How long does the ESTA decision take?

 

Decisions are usually fairly instant, although delays can occur during busy periods so you are advised to apply well in advance of travel, at least 72 hours before your date of departure.

 

What happens if my ESTA application is refused?

 

There are many reasons why your travel authorization application may be refused. For example, if you have a criminal conviction.

A refused ESTA does not in itself mean you will not be able to gain entry to the US. Depending on your circumstances and the reason for refusal, there may be alternative visa or entry options that you could pursue.

It may be that you also have to make an application for a waiver of inadmissibility, in addition to the visa application. This can be a complex area, requiring full disclosure to USCIS. Our US immigration attorneys can advise if you are unsure of your options following a refused ESTA application.

 

ESTA questions FAQs

 

What questions do they ask on a ESTA?

The ESTA application form covers questions relating to your personal details, your travel history and whether you are eligible under the VWP requirements, for example, if you have a criminal record or any convictions.

 

What are common ESTA mistakes?

Common ESTA mistakes include typos, providing incorrect information and answering the ESTA eligibility questions incorrectly, such as stating you do not have criminal convictions.

 

Why would an ESTA get rejected?

ESTA applications are rejected for many reasons, which could include not being eligible due to your nationality or due to a past conviction.

 

How long does ESTA actually take?

The majority of ESTA applications are processed and decided within minutes. However, it can take up to three days if further checks are required or if there is a high volume of applications. US authorities recommend allowing at least 72 hours for a decision.

 

What is an ESTA, and do I need one as a UK citizen?

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is required for UK citizens traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It allows you to enter the US for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa.

 

How long does it take to get ESTA approval?

Most ESTA applications are approved within minutes. However, it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your departure to account for any delays.

 

How long is my ESTA valid?

An ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the US, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.

 

Can I update my ESTA information after submission?

You can update certain information, such as your email address or your US point of contact. However, if you need to change more critical details like your passport number, you’ll need to submit a new ESTA application.

 

What happens if my ESTA application is denied?

If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The ESTA denial notice will not provide specific reasons, so reviewing your application for errors and consulting with an immigration expert might be necessary.

 

Is an ESTA the same as a visa?

No, an ESTA is not a visa. It is a travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. If you do not qualify for an ESTA or plan to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa.

 

Can I extend my stay in the U.S. with an ESTA?

You cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days with an ESTA. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the US and apply for a visa.

 

What if I have a new passport after getting my ESTA?

If you receive a new passport after your ESTA was approved, you will need to apply for a new ESTA using your new passport information.

 

Do children need an ESTA?

All travelers, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA when traveling to the US under the Visa Waiver Program.

 

Can I use an ESTA for multiple trips to the US?

As long as your ESTA and passport are valid, you can use the same ESTA for multiple trips to the US within the two-year validity period.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
ESTA	Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a mandatory authorization for travelers under the Visa Waiver Program.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A US government program that allows citizens of specific countries, including the UK, to travel to the US for up to 90 days without a visa.
Passport	An official document issued by a government certifying the holder’s identity and citizenship, necessary for international travel.
Application	The process of submitting required information and documents to obtain an ESTA approval.
Approval	Official confirmation that the ESTA application has been accepted, allowing travel to the US.
Validity Period	The duration for which an ESTA or passport remains effective; ESTA is typically valid for two years.
Denial	Refusal of an ESTA application, requiring the applicant to seek a US visa for travel.
Travel Authorization	Permission granted through the ESTA system for eligible travelers to enter the US under the VWP.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)	The U.S. government agency responsible for border security, including the ESTA program.
Point of Contact	A U.S.-based individual or organization listed on the ESTA application as a reference for your trip.
Multiple Entries	The ability to use an ESTA for several trips to the US within the validity period.
Extension	The act of prolonging the duration of stay in the US; not possible under the ESTA.
Embassy/Consulate	Diplomatic offices where visa applications are processed and where applicants can seek help if their ESTA is denied.
Travel Itinerary	A detailed plan of your travel, including flight details, destinations, and accommodation, often required for the ESTA application.
Biometrics	Biological data, such as fingerprints and photographs, sometimes required during US entry procedures.