All about ESTA UK

With just over 75 million visitors each year, the United States is one of the most popular destinations in the world. To facilitate tourist and business travel, the U.S. government has implemented an electronic travel authorization ESTA. Many travelers choose to take advantage of this system.

What is the purpose of the ESTA UK?

The ESTA UK is a special authorization that allows its holder to avoid obtaining a visa at the U.S. embassy for a trip to the United States. This authorization is the result of collaboration between the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program and the U.S. government. The ESTA allows for stays of 90 consecutive days for tourism or business purposes. Thanks to its two-year validity, you can make as many trips as you want. Having an ESTA UK allows you to avoid long waits at the American embassy or consulate as well as the often expensive application fees for a classic visa.

To be eligible, you must follow a few rules imposed by the Department of Homeland Security:

Do not plan a stay of more than 90 days;
Plan a tourist or business trip;
Be able to present a return ticket to your country of origin;
Possess an electronic or biometric passport;
Travel with a company recognized by the US government.

Please note: An ESTA authorization does not guarantee 100% entry into the United States. The decision remains in the hands of the customs officers during security checks at the airport or port.

How to obtain an ESTA UK?

Applying for an ESTA UK is an online process only. The applicant is required to fill out a 3-part ESTA form using a valid biometric or electronic passport:

In the first part, you will be asked to fill in information about your identity: last name, first name, date and place of birth, job, parents;
The second part asks you to specify your passport information: date of issue, expiration date, document number, etc. ;
The third and final part of the form is a series of closed-ended questions (yes or no) about, among other things, your health status and your criminal record.

There is no such thing as a free ESTA, you will have to pay a minimum of $21 to validate your order. In order to make your request, two solutions are available to you:

Use the service available on the official website of the US Customs ;
Go through a private platform specialized in travel to the United States.

It is recommended that you allow 72 hours for your ESTA application to be processed by U.S. Customs officials. Make your request at the latest 3 days before your departure.