Visitor visas
US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
Lets citizens of participating countries travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, using an approved ESTA obtained before travel.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry — admission is decided by a border officer on arrival in the US. Apply only through the official CBP website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov); other sites may charge extra.
- Route type
- Travel authorization (not a visa)
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days
- Purpose
- Tourism, business or transit
- Not for study, exchange or employment
- Apply
- Online — esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Who is this for?
- Citizens and nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries
- Travellers visiting for tourism, business or transit
- Those not already holding a valid US visitor visa
- Trips not exceeding 90 days
Requirements
- You are a citizen or national of a Visa Waiver Program country
- You hold a valid, machine-readable (e-passport) passport from a participating nation
- You have no relevant criminal convictions or previous immigration issues
- Your trip is 90 days or fewer, for business or pleasure
- You provide a valid email, home address and phone number
How to apply
- Apply online through the official CBP ESTA website before you travel
- Provide passport, biographical, travel and eligibility information
- Pay the ESTA fee (see the fees page for the current amount)
- Apply well ahead — CBP recommends at least 72 hours before travel
What you can do
- Travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days under the VWP
- Transit through the US en route to another country
Frequently asked questions
No. An ESTA is required to travel under the Visa Waiver Program, but it is not a visa, and approval does not guarantee entry to the United States.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-20. Information only — not legal advice.
Related US visas
- SHORT STAYBUSINESS OR TOURISMNO WORKVisitor visa (B-1/B-2)PopularA temporary visa for business (B-1), tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or the two combined. No employment is permitted.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITC-1 transit visaA short-stay nonimmigrant visa for travellers passing through the United States in immediate and continuous transit on the way to another country.View visa details
US guides & news
- Visitor visasWhat Countries Are Eligible For A Visitor Visa Waiver?The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of forty countries to come to the United States for short-stays without a visa. 21 Jul 20223 min read
- Visitor visasDo I Need An ESTA If I Am Only In Transit?Unless you're a citizen of Canada, Bermuda, or Mexico, you need a valid ESTA if you're transiting through the United States. 4 May 20233 min read
- Visa basicsWhat is the department of homeland security?The United States Department of Homeland Security is a federal executive department charged with ensuring public safety and defending the nation against various threats. 5 Sept 20234 min read