What is an ESTA authorization?

Many travelers must first complete What is an ESTA authorization before boarding their flight. This electronic system allows certain foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism or business without applying for a traditional visa.

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While the process may seem straightforward, it is important to enter your information correctly from the start. A mistake in your details can cause delays or even a denial. That is why understanding each step can help you avoid problems when traveling to the United States.

How can I complete What Is an ESTA Authorization in 2026?

The ESTA application is submitted online through the official CBP portal and, in many cases, it can be completed quickly. Below, we explain how the process works.

Step 1: Access the official ESTA website

Only use the official portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. It is important to use this government website only, because third-party sites exist that charge higher fees to submit the application.

Step 2: Create an individual or group application

The system lets you submit an individual application or a group application. Even if you are traveling with family, each person (including children and infants) must have their own ESTA authorization. 

If ESTA does not apply to your situation, it helps to understand how the consular process works before applying for a visa.

Step 3: Complete the application form

The system will ask for traveler information, including: 

• Passport details; 
• Email address; 
• Home address; and 
• Answers to eligibility questions related to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 

Keep in mind you must answer accurately and honestly, because mistakes or false information can lead to a denial or immigration issues later.

Step 4: Pay the official fee

The official ESTA fee is $40 per applicant, according to the current information found on the CBP website. If the authorization is denied, CBP states that only the processing fee is charged.

Step 5: Wait for the decision

Many applications receive a quick response, but CBP recommends submitting the application at least 72 hours before travel. 

You can receive one of three results:

• Authorized: You may travel to the U.S.
• Pending: You must wait up to 72 hours.
• Denied: You must apply for a visitor visa or the appropriate visa based on the purpose of your trip.

Who can apply for ESTA in 2026? Eligible countries

As of March 2026, official sources from the U.S. Department of State show that citizens of 42 countries or territories may travel to the United States under the VWP, as long as they meet the program’s other requirements and have a valid electronic passport (e-passport).

These countries include: 

• Germany.
• Andorra.
• Australia.
• Austria.
• Belgium.
• Brunei.
• Qatar.
• Chile.
• South Korea.
• Croatia.
• Denmark.
• Slovakia.
• Slovenia.
• Spain.
• Estonia.
• Finland.
• France.
• Greece.
• Hungary.
• Iceland.
• Ireland.
• Israel.
• Italy.
• Japan.
• Latvia.
• Liechtenstein.
• Lithuania.
• Luxembourg.
• Malta.
• Monaco.
• New Zealand.
• Norway.
• Netherlands.
• Poland.
• Portugal.
• United Kingdom.
• Czech Republic.
• San Marino.
• Singapore.
• Sweden.
• Switzerland.
• Taiwan.

If you are not a citizen or national of one of these countries or territories, you cannot use ESTA. In that case, you must apply for the appropriate visa based on the purpose of your trip. If you are traveling for temporary tourism or business, it will typically be a B-1 visa or a B-2 tourist visa.

Requirements to apply for ESTA in 2026

To complete the ESTA application, you will typically need the following:

• A valid electronic passport (e-passport) from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program;
• A valid email address;
• The traveler’s home address;
• Emergency contact information, including phone number and email address;
• A valid payment method, such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, certain Discover/JCB/Diners Club options, and PayPal;
• Basic personal information for the traveler, such as full name, date of birth, passport number, and country of citizenship;
• Answers to the program’s eligibility questions; and 
• A selfie photo of the traveler, when requested by the system.

If you plan to stay longer than allowed, it helps to review the consequences of unlawful presence in the United States.

ESTA validity and conditions

ESTA is usually valid for two years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. During that period, it allows multiple trips to the United States, but each stay cannot exceed 90 days.

If you get a new passport, change your name, gender, country of citizenship, or your eligibility answers change, you must apply for a new ESTA. 

Also, if anything happens that could affect your eligibility to travel under the VWP, it is worth reviewing whether you can still use it.

What can I do if my ESTA is denied?

Receiving an ESTA denial does not necessarily mean you can no longer travel to the United States. 

If you still want to travel, you must apply for a nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If your trip is for temporary tourism or business, you will typically need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, depending on the purpose of travel.

The consular process generally includes:

• Completing the DS-160 form;
• Paying the required application fee;
• Scheduling an appointment; and
• When required, attending a consular interview and waiting for case processing.

At Lluis Law, we have guided hundreds of clients through this process. If your ESTA application was denied, contact us to evaluate your options and prepare a consular visa application with the strongest chance of success.

If your trip includes a layover and you cannot use ESTA, you can review when a U.S. transit visa is required.

When can ESTA not be used?

There are specific situations where a citizen of a VWP country loses ESTA eligibility and must apply for a consular visa, including when:

• You have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
• You have traveled to or been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, except for certain limited exceptions provided by law.
• You have dual nationality with Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria.
• You have relevant criminal history, arrests, or convictions that may affect eligibility.
• You plan to remain in the United States for more than 90 days.
• You intend to study, work, or live in the United States.

In these cases, the traveler will typically need to apply for a visitor visa or another immigration category at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Proposed changes to ESTA in 2026

On December 10, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a notice in the Federal Register regarding a review of the information requested during the ESTA process. 

If implemented, these changes would significantly expand the information required from certain Visa Waiver Program travelers. Among the changes and additional fields mentioned by CBP are:

• Mandatory disclosure of social media used in the last 5 years;
• Email addresses used in the last 10 years;
• Phone numbers used in the last 5 years;
• Immediate family information, including names, phone numbers, dates of birth, places of birth, and residences; and
• Biometrics such as facial data, fingerprints, DNA, and iris information.

As of today, these changes do not appear in the notice as fully in effect within the traditional ESTA form. Instead, they are presented as part of an official review and public comment process. 

For that reason, before traveling, it is a good idea to confirm the current status of the requirements with our attorneys or by reviewing official CBP information directly.

What is the difference between a visa and ESTA?

A visa and ESTA are not the same. A visa is permission requested through a U.S. embassy or consulate and applies to people who do not qualify for the VWP or who travel for reasons such as study, work, or longer stays.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of countries participating in the VWP. It is submitted online, is often faster, and allows travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days per visit.

In simple terms, ESTA is faster and more limited, while a visa requires a more formal process but offers broader options depending on the reason for travel.

Do I need to print my ESTA authorization?

You are not required to print your ESTA authorization, because the approval is recorded electronically and can be verified by the airline and by U.S. immigration authorities. 

However, as a precaution, it is still recommended to carry a printed or digital copy of the confirmation during your trip.

Frequently asked questions about What Is an ESTA Authorization

What is ESTA authorization for travel to the United States?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Its purpose is to determine whether a citizen of a VWP country is eligible to enter the United States without needing to obtain a U.S. visa.

If you do not qualify for ESTA, you can review whether you may qualify for another type of U.S. visa.

How can I pay for What is an ESTA authorization?

Payment for the ESTA application is completed entirely online, directly through the official DHS portal. The system accepts the following payment methods:

• Credit or debit card: MasterCard, VISA, and American Express.
• Discover: Only through the JCB or Diners Club networks.
• PayPal.

We recommend having your payment method ready before you start the form, because the system has a session time limit.

How long does ESTA approval take?

Most applications are decided within minutes. However, DHS recommends applying at least 72 hours before your trip, because some applications may require additional review. 

Many people also ask, “How far in advance should I apply for ESTA?” If the application is submitted less than 72 hours before the flight and it is still pending, you may not receive a decision in time. That is why applying early is critical. 

Do I have to list my social media in the ESTA application in 2026?

Currently, providing social media information remains voluntary or optional on the ESTA form.

However, while there has been a proposal to make this information mandatory, that measure has not yet gone into effect.

Can I transit through the U.S. using ESTA?

Yes. If your flight connects at a U.S. airport on the way to another country, you also need an ESTA authorization. This applies even if you do not leave the international transit area.

Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?

No. ESTA is a pre-travel authorization, but the final admission decision is made by CBP officers at the port of entry. 

In fact, a traveler with an approved ESTA may be questioned, detained, or even refused entry if the border officer determines the traveler does not meet admissibility requirements.

In some inadmissibility scenarios, it helps to understand the different immigration waivers that may be available before planning your entry to the U.S.

How Lluis Law can help you with What Is an ESTA Authorization

The Lluis Law team can guide you through each stage of the process so you can apply for your ESTA authorization with greater clarity and confidence. 

Our team can help you confirm whether you truly qualify to travel under the VWP, review whether any factors may affect your eligibility, and explain when it makes sense to apply for ESTA.

We can also help you identify errors before submitting the application, answer questions about prior travel, dual nationality, immigration history, or sensitive responses within the form. 

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If your ESTA was denied, we can evaluate your options and guide you on the most appropriate next step for your situation. If you want legal support before traveling to the United States, contact us so we can review your case with personalized attention. Call us today.