USA ESTA Requirements

Everyone who is planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program should fully understand the ESTA eligibility requirements before applying.

This article aims to resolve all doubts about the eligibility, requirements and restrictions for qualified citizens from visa-exempt countries.

Who is Eligible for ESTA?

Foreign nationals who wish to apply for ESTA, are required to complete a simple and quick ESTA registration process online.

However, before filling out the registration form, travelers should make sure they clearly understand and meet all ESTA eligibility requirements.

First and foremost, only citizens from the following 42 Visa Waiver Countries may apply for an ESTA US visa waiver:

Among the ESTA requirements, you will need to have the following at hand:

The next step for all eligible candidates will be to verify they don’t currently have a valid visitor’s visa (Tourist Visa).

This step might seem unnecessary, however, many times applicants are not aware that being in the possession of a tourist visa renders your ESTA application void.

If you have a valid tourist visa, please refrain from applying for an ESTA.

Following is the complete list of ESTA eligibility requirements, which all foreign nationals must comply with, in order to make a successful application:

The ESTA has a validity period of 2 years (valid for entry at any U.S. land, air, or sea border). However, this does not enable ESTA holders to remain in the States during this entire time.

Each visit to the US may have a maximum duration of 90 days.

Furthermore, once your stay is over, you should allow for some time to pass before returning to the US.

Travelers who make use of their ESTA too often (fly back and forth within short periods of time) might be considered suspicious. (Click here for more information about the ESTA validity)

Tourism, leisure, and business are travel purposes covered by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

What this means is that studying is not permitted, as this activity requires a different type of permission.

An approved ESTA does not grant the holder the right to work in the US. ESTA holders may participate in short recreational courses of study or social events.

Participation in an amateur musical, sports or similar event is allowed if the foreign visitor will not be receiving any gifts or awards that can be perceived as a form of payment.

This is an important clarification since ESTA validity is as follows:

If your passport is about to expire, it is strongly advisable to replace it first, before making your ESTA application.

Passport Requirements

Please note that in order to obtain an ESTA to travel to the United States for tourism, transit or business purposes you must have a passport from one of the countries listed above.

ESTA applicants must have a passport that contains a machine-readable section on the biographic page. The chip contains a person’s biometric data.

If you do not have a passport with a chip, you do not meet the ESTA entry requirements established by the United States government.

The passport must be valid when completing the ESTA application form and it should also be valid at the time of departure to the United States.

If the ESTA expires while in the US. it is not necessary to obtain a new ESTA. An ESTA must be valid at the time of arrival in the country.

Holders of a valid ESTA authorization can visit all 50 U.S. states and its 4 territories.

U.S. states:

U.S. territories:

U.S. territories exception:

US Homeland Security sets strict rules on entrance to the country based on previous criminal activity.

Those who have a proven record of the following misdemeanors are liable to have US tourist visa, other visa, and visa waiver applications rejected.

They may even be barred from entry to the USA:

Additionally, US immigration policy restricts the entrance of citizens that are deemed likely to become dependent on public welfare and assistance.

Furthermore, those carrying infectious diseases such as tuberculosis could also be deemed inadmissible.

Finally, those who have not respected the terms and conditions of their previous visas for the US may be prevented from applying for a new one.

Nationalities Restricted from Entering the USA

At times, the foreign policy of the United States has outright banned travelers from certain countries from obtaining a visa and entering the country.

Currently, the only country banned from getting a US visa is Eritrea, due to a “lack of cooperation in issuing travel documents and accepting the return of its nationals ordered removed from the United States.”

Restricted Entry After Visiting Certain Countries

Travelers may face US entry restrictions if they have visited any of the following 7 nations:

Citizens of visa waiver countries who have visited any of these regions since 2011 no longer qualify for ESTA.

They can still travel to the United States, but will instead need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate.

Food and Alcohol Restrictions

There are strict policies on taking food into the US. Food can be carried into the United States for personal use, although restrictions apply to certain types of produce. All food products must be declared.

Generally packaged and processed food, tea, coffee, and solid cheeses can all be imported without issues.

Fruit, vegetables, and meat

Some kinds of fruits and vegetables cannot be taken into the United States.

This is to protect community health and prevent the introduction of diseases.

Meat, milk, egg, and poultry products may be either prohibited or restricted, depending on the country of origin. Canned meat is allowed with some exceptions.

To avoid confiscation, passengers planning to travel with any animal products should check the rules for the specific product before traveling and always declare such products at security.

Other US Travel Restrictions and Entry Requirements

In addition to the US entry requirements detailed above, travelers should check whether any of the following restrictions may apply, depending on their individual circumstances.

Social media questions when applying for a US visa or ESTA

US visa and ESTA application forms now include questions about the traveler’s social media presence.

Applicants are asked to provide social media IDs for any Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts they have used over the past 5 years.

US visa social media checks allow Customs and Border Protection to detect engagement with certain kinds of online content and therefore identify potential threats.

The social media information provided is unlikely to affect an individual’s chance of being approved for the ESTA or visa.

Restrictions will only be applied should an individual’s accounts and activity raise security concerns.

Children traveling with one parent or with another adult

Minors traveling to the United States with one parent, or someone who is not a parent or legal guardian, may be stopped and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The accompanying adult is advised to carry a note signed by the non-traveling parent(s) in which they give their permission for the child (under 18 years of age) to go out of the country.

Should a parent have single child custody, it is recommended that they carry a copy of relevant paperwork which shows this to be the case.

Although such documentation may not be requested at CBP, it is a good idea to be prepared in order to avoid delays and inconvenience on arrival.

Global Entry Program for Frequent Flyers

Those who travel through US airports regularly can enroll in the Global Entry program.

Pre-approved, low-risk individuals receive trusted traveler status, meaning they are not required to queue and speak to Customs and Border Protection Officers.

Applicants are required to attend an interview and have a background check.

Pre-approved travelers enjoy reduced waiting times as they can use special automated kiosks on arrival. A US ESTA or visa is still required by trusted travelers.