APPLICATION CONTACT US HELP INFORMATION NEWS TRANSIT

ESTA Transit

A Travel Authorization can only be applied for by a visitor holding an electronic passport from one of the 34 Visa Waiver countries. Any other visitor must still apply for a B-1 Business Visa or B-2 Tourist Visa in advance. A Travel Authorization permits the US visitor to travel to the United States by air or sea. The authorization is only related to "permission to travel to the United States". An approved Travel Authorization does not guarantee admission to the United States.

You do not need to have an airline or hotel reservation booked to apply for a Travel Authorization. If you are planning a trip to the United States after January 12, 2009 you must apply for a ESTA Travel Authorization. It is currently voluntarily (but recommended) to apply. If you travel to the United States and are denied entry, you will never be able to enter the United States on the Visa Waiver Program again. The ESTA - Travel Authorization Application Guide available on this website explains how you, the Visa Waiver Traveler, can apply for your own Travel Authorization and update it to reflect future visits to the United States.

Why apply while it is voluntary?

• If denied, you will have time to apply for U.S. visitor visa which can take several weeks or months depending on how busy the U.S. embassy or consulate is
• An approved Travel Authorization means that your passport details has been cross checked against a number of U.S. official databases but without any findings
• The Travel Authorization is valid for two years (unless your e-passport expires earlier) and can easily be updated for future visits
• Travel to the U.S. on short notice

Who needs to apply for a Travel Authorization?

• Any traveler who wish to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program via air or sea
• Any Visa Waiver traveler who transits through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program
• Any traveler also includes children and infants visiting/transiting on the Visa Waiver Program

When should you apply for a Travel Authorization?

• It is currently voluntarily to apply for a Travel Authorization
• After January 12, 2009 all travelers must be approved to travel to the United States via air or vessel
• Travelers transiting through the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must also possess an approved Travel Authorization after January 12, 2009
• If your application for a Travel Authorization is denied, you must apply for a B-1 Visitor Visa or B-2 Tourist Visa which can take weeks or months to obtain