Esta

: Once approved, an ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The is an automated system used by the U.S. government to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . It is a mandatory requirement for citizens of VWP-participating countries who are traveling for business or pleasure. Key Facts About ESTA : Once approved, an ESTA is generally valid

: You need an ESTA even if you are only transiting through the U.S. to reach another destination. Application Process It is a mandatory requirement for citizens of

: If your ESTA is denied, you must apply for a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Application Process : If your ESTA is denied,

: It is highly recommended to apply at least 72 hours before departure. Real-time approvals are no longer guaranteed, and arriving at the airport without an approved ESTA will likely result in being denied boarding.

: The application includes questions about criminal history and previous travel to certain countries; answering "yes" to these may require a standard visa application instead.

: While you don't need to print the authorization (it is electronically linked to your passport), keeping a copy of your application number is useful for checking status or updating travel details.