If you’re travelling to the US with a UK passport, you will need an ESTA. But what is an ESTA, and how can you apply for one? What are the answers to the application questions that are confusing? Find out everything you need to know in our full guide.
What is an ESTA?
An Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a system that determines whether you’re eligible to travel to the US.
Receiving ESTA approval lets you travel to a US airport and stay in the country for up to 90 days without applying for a full visa. However, you’ll still need to complete any usual passport and document checks on entry to the US.
You will need to get an ESTA regardless of whether you’re travelling to, or through the US by air or by land. But who exactly needs an ESTA, and how can you apply for approval?
Who needs an ESTA?
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), people from 41 different countries can enter the US without obtaining a visa – and this includes UK citizens. This means that, if you’re travelling to the US for a holiday, you only need to get authorisation through ESTA before heading to the airport.
So whether you’re off to New York or booking a trip to Las Vegas, you’ll need to apply for an ESTA in preparation for your trip.
How much does an ESTA cost?
It costs $40 to for an ESTA application. This is much cheaper than a full visa.
How long does an ESTA last?
The ESTA lasts for 2 years from date of issue and must be valid for the whole time you are in the USA.
Your ESTA is linked to your passport, so if you have a valid ESTA but get a new passport, you MUST apply for a new ESTA. There is no refund for unused time.
How to get an ESTA
It’s easy to apply for an ESTA online, but you need to leave enough time to submit your application and receive approval.
There is only one official website to get your ESTA – There are plenty of scam sites, one’s that will take your money (and personal details!). Some will actually apply for the ESTA on your behalf and charge a hefty admin fee. Only use the official website below.
You can fill out your application via the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website – and you’ll need to pay your ESTA fees, too. An ESTA is electronically linked to your passport.
It may take up to 72 hours to receive full ESTA approval, so don’t leave your application to the last minute! Often the approval is instant but if it is ‘pending’ don’t worry, the time it takes depends on the volume of applications.
If you have a criminal record (even from a long time ago) or have travelled to Cuba since 1st Jan 2021 (or North Korea, Syria or Iran) then you may not be able to get an ESTA and will need to apply for a visa instead. So if this is you then apply for an ESTA at least 8 months before you plan to travel as getting a visa is a long process.
Can I apply on the ESTA app?
There is an official Homeland Security ESTA app, and in theory you can download and apply using that. However…
It is pretty crap (it has 2 stars!), you are likely to be pulling your hair out and end up using a laptop anyway. You may be lucky and it works fine for you but be warned, if it doesn’t then nothing is saved and you will have to start again from scratch.
Once your application has been approved, then download the app and your ESTA will be visible on there.
What documents do you need?
As part of your application, you’ll need to show a couple of different documents. In particular, you’ll need an e-passport to apply for an ESTA. Since 2010, any renewed UK passports have a biometric feature – so it’s likely your passport is already eligible. If not, you’ll need to apply for a new passport before your US trip.
You’ll also need a few other bits and pieces, including:
- An email address, home address and phone number
- An emergency contact
- An address in the USA where you are travelling to, and the phone number
- A valid payment method. Payment will be in dollars so use the right card to save yourself some money
If you’re heading abroad as a family or group, you can choose a ‘group’ application. This option means, you complete the application for the first person, then choose next person and magically the home and USA address details are prefilled. This saves a bit of time. Costs the same though and you have to enter payment details each time. This is a great option if you’re travelling with your family, friends or you’re planning a school trip.
Sticky points in the ESTA application process
Like most online processes, there are some unclear / cryptic questions, knowing what they actually mean, and how to answer them will save a bit of stress. Here are the main ones, if you get stuck on any others, let us know. We will answer and add them to our list, helping fellow travellers.
The website is a real pain so allow yourself plenty of time, accept that it will be frustrating, but you will get there!
- Mobile numbers – you have to select UK +44 and remove the 0 from your mobile number. Sometimes this does not work (for no particular reason). There is a box that pops up after a few times of trying, that you can tick saying ‘this is the correct number’
- Point of contact in the USA – This is where you are staying, you will need the full address and phone number. If you dont know where you are staying, it really doesn’t matter. You can put any address, or you can put unknown in the information and 000000 in the phone number
- Scanning your passport – You will need to do this if you are applying on your phone. (On website or app) It asks for the photo page and the front of your passport. This does not actually mean the front of the passport, it’s the other page with details on! The biggest issue in the application is getting this scan accepted. If you have an iPhone then try scanning the passpost in notes, then screenshot it. Sometimes a different browser works. Good luck
- Parents details – If you have the details, fine. If not then you can leave blank, it won’t affect the application.
Any other points you’ve got stuck on? Let us know.
Getting an ESTA: FAQs
If you are a UK citizen you WILL need an ESTA.
You can check whether you need an ESTA via the CBP website, as only citizens from certain countries are eligible under the Visa Waiver Program. If your country isn’t part of this programme, you’ll need to explore alternative visa options for your trip.
No, you can’t travel to the US without an ESTA as a UK citizen if you’re heading on a temporary trip for business or pleasure. You may be denied entry to the US if you don’t receive ESTA approval, so don’t forget to apply before you travel.
You may receive instant ESTA approval, but it can depend on the number of applications at any one time. Make sure to leave at least 72 hours for the US Department of Homeland Security to process your application.
Only use the official US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website
$40 per person. If you are charged any more then you are on a scammy website so leave and go to the correct one.
And you have to pay in dollars, make sure you use the right card Holiday Spending Money: Card or Cash?
Your ESTA is linked to your passport so no you don’t need to. I do though as I am a self confessed overplanner (not necessarily a bad thing!). What happens if there’s been a technical glitch and your ESTA doesn’t show when you get to border control? Better safe than sorry.
If you start a new application, it will tell you that you cannot apply as you have a valid ESTA, and will give you the expiry date.
If you are confident you will be approved (i.e. no criminal record or trips to Cuba) then you could leave it till 72 hours before travel. BUT there’s no reason to leave it that late. I’d say apply when you book, one less thing to think about.
If you are not sure you’ll be approved (so will need a visa) then apply before you book your travel.
No, there is no facility to change the address and you do not need to let them know or apply for a new ESTA.
Your ESTA is valid for 2 years so you can make multiple trips to the US in that time, on different planes
Are you planning a trip to the US? Tell us your travel tips in the comments – let’s all learn from each other!
Now you’re here…
At Mind Over Money Matters, learn how to Spend Smarter Travel Smarter and Visit Cyprus Smarter! We share tips and lots of information on ways to Spend Smarter and Travel Smarter, from making the most of freebies from loyalty cards to essential travel guidance and moneysaving information. And some fun and #SmallJoy to like The perfect weekend break, without going anywhere? Silly, fun, cheap and AWESOME.
We have had over 300,000 page views on the website since we started, these are our current most popular articles. Enjoy.
Spend Smarter, Travel Smarter and Visit Cyprus Smarter.
Follow us or contact us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Get in touch via the contact us page and join in on the comments.
Subscribe for regular updates straight to your inbox.
