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ESTA
5 MINUTE READ
August 5, 2019

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

On November 23, U.S. Customs and Border Protection introduced new features to the Electronic Travel System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) website, the portal through which prospective Visa Waiver Program travelers can apply to travel to the United States.  The new features offer users added convenience and security.

The enhanced ESTA website greets users with a new tutorial video and provides conveniences such as:
–              The ability to save incomplete applications and return to them later;
–              Real-time validation for all data fields, which enables users quickly to identify errors and incomplete information

A new e-mail verification process enables the ‘save and exit’ function and provide additional security for users.  In addition, the ESTA website will be available in Polish (added to the existing languages available), reflecting Poland’s designation in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program on November 6, 2019.

More information about ESTA is available here.

Electronic Travel System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

To apply – Official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Eligible VWP travelers are strongly encouraged to file their applications through the Official ESTA website, and avoid phishing scams and excess fees charged by third party websites.  An approved ESTA is $14 USDIf your ESTA is denied, you are only charged $4 USD for the processing of your application.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is not responsible for any third party fees for the transaction.

Apply early!  Please apply your ESTA as early as possible – at least 72 hours before your international flight is scheduled to depart. Don’t risk arriving at the airport without an approved ESTA.

Technical difficulties? Please ensure that your computer meets the minimum configuration requirements.  We recommend using Internet Explorer (Windows) for submitting an ESTA application online.

ESTA question? If you have any questions or inquiries about ESTA, you can visit the CBP Info Center website for information, or contact CBP’s Travel Communications Center – ESTA Helpdesk: +1 (202) 344 3710.  The ESTA helpdesk operations hours are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except closure on U.S. federal holidays.