Do you need an entry authorization for the United States?
Travelers entering the United States must check whether they need a visa, an ESTA authorization, or another type of permission before travel.
Citizens or nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may be able to travel to the United States for tourism, business or transit without a visa, but they must normally have a valid ESTA approval before boarding an air or sea carrier.
For a full explanation of the electronic travel authorization, read the dedicated ESTA guide.
ESTA overview
ESTA means Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is the online authorization used by eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers before traveling to the United States.
ESTA is not a visa. It does not guarantee entry into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers make the final decision at the port of entry.
Travelers should use the official U.S. government ESTA website and avoid unofficial websites that charge extra service fees.
Visa, Visa Waiver Program and length of stay
The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible travelers from participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
If you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, if your ESTA is denied, or if your travel purpose is not permitted under the program, you may need to apply for a visitor visa or another visa category.
ESTA does not extend your stay and does not allow you to work, study for credit or live permanently in the United States.
Passport and e-passport requirements
Visa Waiver Program travelers must have the correct type of passport. In general, travelers need an e-passport with an electronic chip to use the Visa Waiver Program.
Your passport should also be valid for your trip. Some travelers may need a passport valid for at least six months after their planned departure from the United States, unless an exemption applies through country-specific agreements.
Each traveler, including children and infants, needs their own valid passport.
Arrival by air, sea or land
Entry rules can vary depending on how you arrive in the United States. ESTA is especially important for Visa Waiver Program travelers arriving by air or sea.
If you enter by land from Canada or Mexico, check the current official requirements before travel, as procedures can differ from airport arrivals.
Airline boarding checks can be strict, so verify your ESTA or visa status before booking or before going to the airport.
Official links for entering the United States
Use official U.S. government websites when checking entry requirements or submitting travel information. This is especially important when a form asks for passport details, travel dates, contact details or payment information.
The official ESTA application website is linked from this site for convenience, but travelers should always verify the domain before entering personal data.
Common mistakes before traveling to the United States
Common mistakes include confusing ESTA with a visa, applying on unofficial paid websites, assuming that ESTA guarantees entry, waiting until the last minute, or ignoring the 90-day Visa Waiver Program limit.
Prepare your passport, travel dates, accommodation details, contact information, payment method and visa or ESTA status before departure.
United States Entry Requirements