Requirements
ESTA Eligibility
Check all requirements before starting your application.
You Qualify If
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Valid e-passport from a VWP country
Must have a machine-readable zone and electronic chip.
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Stay under 90 days
Tourism, business meetings, conferences, or transit.
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Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from the US is required.
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Valid email address
For application confirmation and status updates.
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Payment method
Visa, Mastercard, or AMEX for fee payment.
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No prior visa denial
Previous US visa denial may disqualify you from VWP.
Not Eligible If
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Non-VWP country passport
You need a US visa instead. Contact your nearest US Embassy.
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Stay exceeds 90 days
Apply for appropriate visa category (B-1/B-2, student, work).
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Purpose is work or study
Requires a work visa (H, L, O) or student visa (F, J, M).
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Previously deported or removed
Automatically disqualified from VWP.
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Certain criminal convictions
Including arrests, drug offenses, or moral turpitude.
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Previous overstay in the US
Staying beyond permitted period disqualifies VWP eligibility.
Passport Specs
Required
- Machine-readable (MRP)
- Electronic chip (e-passport)
- Valid for duration of stay
- Issued by VWP member country
You'll Enter
- Passport number
- Issue date
- Expiry date
- Issuing country
If any eligibility answer changes after approval (new criminal record, travel to restricted countries, etc.), your current ESTA becomes invalid. A new application is required.
