ESTA Application Form for Beginners: A Quick & Easy Guide

Updated on Jul 14, 2024 | Online US Visa

ESTA is not a new word. Many of us are confused after seeing it. It is just one electronic medium for some specific country's people to get into the USA hassle-free. But if you are new and want to explore it, or if you have already heard of this name and are curious to know more about it, then this is the right place. Let's explore in depth to make your journey the best.

What is US ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manage citizens of VWP countries to enter the USA without a visa. The ESTA approval is mandatory if you wish to avoid a huge queue to get a visa.

ESTA application form filling is crucial. If any piece of information is caught wrong during processing time, it will be disapproved. Its information is checked for one's entry ticket to the US without a visa.

Find out the requirements for ESTA

The ESTA application form has many columns to specify your details, which CBP cross-checks at the time of app approval. It makes every single piece of information double-checked. Here are the requirements mentioned below:

Individual Information
  • Last Name, First Name as per one’s passport
  • Any nickname (if you have one)
  • Gender (Male/Female/Others)
  • DOB(Date of Birth), Place of birth(City/town name), Country name of birth
Contact Info
  • Valid email address
  • Phone no. or Mobile no.
  • Home address
Passport and ID specifics
  • Passport Issuing country
  • Passport no.
  • Issue date and expiry date of one’s passport
  • ID (Identity Card) no. (if available)
  • Other information like dual citizenship or dual passport)
Name of your parents Mention the parents' name (Father & mother’s first name with last name)
Employment Relationship details

Enter your employment status (student, child, self-employed, etc ) or current company name
Contact Person Name in USA
  • Name
  • Mobile number
  • Home address
Membership of Global Entry / NEXUS / SENTRI

Yes/No
Security Inquiries

Yes/ No, if you have any of it :

  • Criminal record
  • Drugs
  • Terrorist activities or intentions
  • citizenship of or travel to certain countries(Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen)
Purpose of Travel

Business, tourism, Transit
Payment Mode

Must have debit card/credit card/ PAY PAL

What is the main purpose of your travel?

The purpose of travel is significant when applying for ESTA in Visa Waiver Program countries. It is divided into three categories.

  • Transit purpose: If you don't want to enter the USA, use the airport to reach another country. Suppose you are traveling through SEA mode (cruise or boat), which stops you in USA boundaries before you move towards the final destination.
  • Business Purpose: It involves attending meetings, conferences, events, and contract negotiations in the short term.
  • Tourism purpose: If you are going for friend gang adventures, cultural attractions, or historical places, visit for a concise period.

Note: short duration or short term or short period is up to 90 days.

Application for ESTA Eligibility Security Questions

  • Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime that resulted in significant damage or harm?
  • Have you violated laws related to illegal drugs?
  • Do you seek to engage in, or have you engaged in, terrorism, espionage, sabotage, or genocide?
  • Have you committed fraud or misrepresented yourself to obtain a U.S. visa or entry?
  • Are you seeking, or have you previously sought, employment in the U.S. without permission?
  • Have you been denied a U.S. visa, refused entry, or withdrawn an application at a U.S. port?
  • Have you overstayed your U.S. admission period?
  • Have you traveled to specific countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen) since March 1, 2011?
  • Do you have a physical or mental disorder, a drug addiction, or certain contagious diseases?

How to apply ESTA Application form online?

  • Click Online US Visa Application Form to fill out an online form.
  • Enter your personal details in each block of details. Every piece of information should be correct and match with your passport.
  • Now it's time to put your passport details in the given columns, as per the below-mentioned picture.
  • There is space to enter contact person details in the US including contact no., address, city, and state with mobile no.
  • Mention your purpose of visit with the expected date of Arrival in the US. Also, answer for current or previous employer.
  • Enter the parent's details, which should be matched with your passport.
  • Answer with yes or no for some eligibility questions.
  • Upload your scanned passport copy. It should be in PDF, png, or .jpeg format. And, it should be clear not blurry.
  • After selecting the declaration check, click on the Proceed to Payment button.
  • Pay by using a debit card, PayPal, or credit card. One thing left i.e. digital signature. You must have it because a form is needed at the time of form filling.

Check esta status for free

The ESTA application reference number is required to check your status online. Suppose you forgot or deleted it; don't panic. There is a solution. You can mention your passport number and date of birth (day, month, year) to proceed with checking your ESTA US visa status.

There are three possibilities for your status:

  • Your ESTA application is approved.
  • Your ESTA application will be processed by US authorities soon.
  • You are not allowed to use ESTA under VWP. Go for US visa application process.

 Remember: Passport details must be kept the same after completing the form.

How long does current ESTA processing take?

The ESTA application process is faster than other visa types. Generally, it will be approved within 30 minutes of submission (conditions apply). The ESTA app with a new passport is quicker. Want to avoid confusion state; Apply for ESTA before 3–4 days of your travel. The advantage is that you will get confirmation of your app within 72 hours. That will make your travel hassle-free. If there is any issue, you have the option to reapply.

How long is ESTA valid?

The ESTA US visa is valid for two years. But you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in one visit. Of course, there are multiple entries allowed. But, after 90 days, authorities will cross-check your stay. The important thing is that your passport should be valid for using ESTA benefits.

For example, you enter the USA on September 1, 2024, and your ESTA visa is valid until September 1, 2026. But your passport expiration date is October 4, 2025. Automatically, your ESTA validity expires on October 4, 2025.

Keep it in mind and make sure your passport is valid within six months of your ESTA application.

When to reapply for ESTA?

One has to reapply in certain circumstances:

  • If you make any typing mistakes with your details.
  • Any change in passport or someone having a new passport after submitting the ESTA application.

In both cases, applicants have to go for a new ESTA application and pay a form fee every time.

Wrapping Up

You may have a question in mind: Why trust a third-party application form? The answer is that it is reliable, simplified, and swift to process your ESTA US visa. Their specialists will cross-check your details twice and let you know if anything is left. Also, an Online US Visa Helpdesk you in case of an emergency.

Note: Once your ESTA application is rejected, you cannot submit a new application. It will be rejected like the previous one.

Check your eligibility for US Visa Online and apply for US Visa Online 72 hours in advance of your flight. British citizens, Spanish citizens, French citizens, Japanese citizens and Italian citizens can apply online for ESTA US Visa. Should you need any help or require any clarifications you should contact our helpdesk for support and guidance.

 
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