Apply for your United States ESTA
Electronic Travel Authorization for tourism or business visits — ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen)
Travel & Application Details
Select the total number of travelers included in this application, including yourself.
It only takes a few minutes to begin your travel authorization request.
Check your ESTA application details
Why Apply With Us
Experience a smoother and guided ESTA application process
Chapter
ESTA · ESTA US · ESTA USA · ESTA Application · Apply ESTA · ESTA beantragen · ESTA aanvragen
The Fastest Way to Apply ESTA for Travel to the United States
ESTA is the official electronic travel authorization required by the United States for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries. An approved ESTA US record allows short visits for tourism, business, or transit without an embassy interview. Most travelers complete the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) in around ten minutes and receive a decision within 72 hours.
42
Eligible Countries
2y
Validity Window
SSL
Encrypted Submission
Chapter 02 · Procedure
How the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) Works
Fill the Form
Enter passport, contact, and trip details — only fields required to Apply ESTA online.
Verify & Pay
Review your ESTA US information, complete secure payment, and submit the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen).
We Process
Our team validates the data before transmission to ESTA US authorities.
Travel Ready
Receive the approved ESTA USA authorization by email and travel with confidence.
Chapter 03 · Comparison
ESTA vs. Traditional US Visa
ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen)
Visa Waiver Program
- 100% online — Apply ESTA from any device
- ESTA US decision usually within 72 hours
- ESTA USA 2-year validity, multiple entries
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Tourism, business, transit
- No embassy interview required to Apply ESTA
US Visitor Visa
B1 / B2 — Embassy route
- Embassy interview required
- Processing in weeks or months
- Validity varies by visa type
- Up to 6 months per visit
- Required for non-VWP nationals
- Necessary for work, study, immigration
Chapter 04 · Why Us
Built for Travelers Who Value Their Time
Skip the queues. Complete the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) from any device with guided validation at every stage.
Apply ESTA NowMobile-first
Apply ESTA via phone, tablet, or desktop.
Error checks
Reduce ESTA data mismatches.
Encrypted pay
Industry-standard ESTA US checkout.
Live updates
ESTA USA email at every stage.
Group submit
Family or colleagues ESTA application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen).
Guided help
Clear ESTA US answers.
Eligibility · Visa Waiver Program
Who Can Apply ESTA
ESTA US authorization is reserved for nationals of the 42 countries in the United States Visa Waiver Program. Travelers must hold a valid electronic passport (e-Passport), intend to stay 90 days or fewer per visit, and travel for tourism, business meetings, conferences, short medical treatment, or transit.
Eligibility to Apply ESTA also depends on individual history. Past arrests or convictions, overstays of prior US visas or ESTA records, refusals of entry, or travel to designated countries (including Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) since March 2011 may disqualify an applicant from the Visa Waiver Program.
Western Europe
Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Ireland
Northern Europe
United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
Asia-Pacific
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei
Outside VWP
India, China, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Turkey, most of Africa & Middle East
Chapter 07 · Scope
What an Approved ESTA USA Authorization Allows
An approved ESTA US record authorizes short-term entry to the United States for a defined range of activities under the Visa Waiver Program.
Permitted
With an Approved ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen)
- Tourism, sightseeing, family or friend visits
- Business meetings, negotiations, conferences
- Short professional training (unpaid by US source)
- Transit through US airports
- Short medical consultations or treatment
- Stays up to 90 days, multiple times in 2 years
Not Permitted
Requires a Traditional US Visa
- Employment with a US employer or paid services
- Academic study for a degree or certificate
- Visits longer than 90 consecutive days
- Journalism or regulated professional activities
- Investor, intra-company, specialty occupations
- Marriage, immigration, permanent residence intent
An approved ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) does not guarantee admission. CBP officers make the final decision at the port of entry. Carry evidence of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds.
Chapter 08 · Preparation
Documents and Information Needed to Apply ESTA
The ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) is fully digital but relies on accurate data from the applicant's travel documents.
Passport
- · Valid e-Passport (VWP country)
- · Passport number & issuer
- · Full name, DOB, gender
- · Nationality / citizenships
Contact
- · Personal email checked daily
- · Home address & phone
- · Emergency contact
- · Employer name & address
Travel
- · US address / hotel night one
- · Arrival flight info
- · Purpose (tourism/business)
- · Approximate entry dates
Disclosures
- · Security & health answers
- · Prior US refusals / overstays
- · Travel to restricted countries
- · Valid debit/credit card
Every value must match the passport's machine-readable zone exactly. Renewing or replacing a passport invalidates the existing ESTA USA authorization — a new ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) is required for the new passport.
Chapter 09 · Timing
ESTA Processing, Validity & Travel Planning
72h
Typical Decision
Most ESTA US requests are processed within 72 hours by CBP.
2y
Validity Window
ESTA USA validity runs from approval or passport expiry — whichever comes first.
90d
Stay Per Visit
Maximum stay per ESTA-authorized entry.
Travelers planning back-to-back visits should avoid spending more time in the United States than outside it. Repeated long stays may suggest residence rather than tourism and trigger additional questions at the port of entry.
Chapter 10 · Pitfalls
Common ESTA Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Most ESTA US denials stem from avoidable errors. Review your ESTA application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) before submitting to save time, money, and rebooking.
Typing errors in passport data
Names, dates, and numbers must match the passport exactly when you Apply ESTA.
Passport about to expire
ESTA USA is only valid while the passport is valid; renewal voids it.
Submitting too close to departure
US authorities ask for at least 72 hours before travel to process your ESTA application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen).
Inconsistent eligibility answers
Security and immigration history answers must be honest on your ESTA US application.
Confusing ESTA with a long-stay visa
ESTA is not for work, study, or stays over 90 days.
Assuming approval guarantees entry
CBP officers make the final decision at the port of entry, even with an approved ESTA USA record.
Chapter 11 · Arrival
Arriving in the United States With an Approved ESTA
An approved ESTA USA authorization gives a traveler the right to board a flight or cruise bound for the United States, but final admission is always determined by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. The ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) record is linked electronically to the passport, so officers can see eligibility, validity, and the traveler's history before a single question is asked.
At the inspection booth, the officer scans the passport, reviews the ESTA US authorization, takes biometric fingerprints, and captures a digital photograph. Travelers should be ready to explain the purpose of the visit, where they will stay, how long they intend to remain, and how the trip is being funded. Carrying a printed or digital copy of the approved ESTA email is not mandatory, but it can speed up secondary questioning if the system is slow.
Honest, concise answers consistent with the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) are the single most important factor in a smooth entry. Contradictions between what was declared online and what is said in person can result in withdrawal of the application, refusal of entry, and cancellation of the ESTA USA record. Travelers who are unsure how to describe a complex itinerary should prepare a short, factual summary before reaching the inspection area and have supporting documents — hotel bookings, conference invitations, return tickets — easily accessible.
Once admitted, travelers receive an electronic I-94 record indicating the maximum date by which they must depart. This date should be checked carefully, since it controls authorized stay rather than the ESTA validity itself. Overstaying — even by one day — can void future ESTA eligibility and require the traveler to Apply ESTA again or apply for a traditional US visa for any subsequent trips.
Chapter 12 · Lifecycle
Renewing, Updating & Replacing the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen)
An approved ESTA US authorization is not permanent. It is tied to a specific passport and to a defined set of personal information declared at the time of the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen). Several common events require a brand-new submission rather than an update.
New ESTA
Required Cases
- ›Passport renewed or replaced
- ›Change of name (marriage, legal change)
- ›Change of gender on passport
- ›Change of country of citizenship
- ›Previous ESTA expired or denied
Update Allowed
Limited Edits
- ›Email address
- ›Telephone number
- ›US point-of-contact address
- ›Address in the United States
- ›Carrier and flight details
No Action
ESTA Still Valid
- ›Job change with same employer country
- ›Booking new flights within ESTA validity
- ›Adding additional US stops
- ›Changing hotel within trip
- ›Travel to another VWP country first
Renewals are not automatic. Travelers who have used an ESTA USA authorization in the past must complete a fresh ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) once the previous record expires or becomes invalid. It is recommended to check ESTA status at least 72 hours before each new trip — even within the two-year window — to confirm that the authorization is still active and linked to the correct passport.
Security · Data Handling
How ESTA Data Is Protected During the Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen)
The ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) contains some of the most sensitive information a traveler will submit online: full passport details, biographic data, employment, US contact addresses, and answers to security and health questions. Handling that data responsibly is therefore central to the entire ESTA US process — both on the government side and on the side of any intermediary service that helps travelers Apply ESTA.
Submissions through this portal travel over encrypted HTTPS connections using modern TLS standards. Payment data is processed by external, industry-certified payment providers and is never stored in plain form by the portal itself. ESTA data is retained only for as long as required to validate the application, transmit it to US Customs and Border Protection, and respond to applicant questions about the outcome.
Travelers should treat their ESTA USA approval email as a confidential document. It contains the ESTA application number and the passport reference, both of which are valuable to fraudsters. Phishing attempts that claim to be from "official ESTA support" are common during peak travel seasons; legitimate communication will never request a separate payment outside the original ESTA application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) flow nor ask for full passport scans by email after approval.
Applicants concerned about data accuracy may withdraw an ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) before it is transmitted to US authorities. Once approved, corrections are limited to the editable fields described in Chapter 12; any other change requires a brand-new ESTA US authorization. Keeping personal records — passport scans, prior ESTA emails, travel history — in a secure location simplifies every future ESTA application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen).
Chapter 14 · Special Cases
ESTA for Families, Minors, Dual Citizens & Frequent Flyers
The ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) applies equally to all travelers under the Visa Waiver Program, but several categories of applicant have additional considerations worth understanding before submission.
Families & Minors
Each traveler — including infants and children — needs an individual ESTA US authorization linked to their own passport. Family group submissions are a convenience for parents and guardians but do not merge into a single record. Names on each ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) must match the child's passport, including hyphens, accents, and middle names.
Dual & Multiple Citizens
A traveler holding more than one nationality must declare every citizenship on the ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen). Travel to the United States must be made on the passport used for the ESTA submission. Holding citizenship of a non-VWP country does not automatically disqualify an applicant, but it must be disclosed honestly to avoid future ESTA ineligibility.
Frequent Business Travelers
Professionals who visit the United States several times a year benefit from the two-year validity of an approved ESTA USA authorization. To preserve ESTA eligibility, total time spent in the US should remain clearly shorter than time spent outside. Repeated 90-day stays may suggest residence rather than business travel and prompt secondary inspection.
Cruise & Transit Passengers
Travelers transiting the United States en route to another destination still require an approved ESTA US record. Cruise passengers boarding in a US port and visiting the country only at the start or end of a sailing must also Apply ESTA. The same 90-day rule applies, even when the actual time on US soil is short.
When in doubt about which category applies, travelers should review the official Visa Waiver Program criteria before submitting an ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen). Disclosing one extra detail is always safer than omitting information that US Customs and Border Protection later treats as a misrepresentation.
USA Visa, ESTA Visa & Visa Waiver — Common Questions
What is ESTA and who needs to Apply ESTA before traveling to the United States?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the mandatory pre-travel screening used by the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of the 42 participating countries must Apply ESTA before boarding a flight or cruise bound for the US. An approved ESTA US authorization is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and replaces a traditional visitor visa for short visits.
How long does an ESTA Application take to be processed?
Most ESTA Application decisions are returned by US Customs and Border Protection within 72 hours. Many applicants receive a response within a few hours, but timing is determined solely by the US government. It is advised to Apply ESTA at least 72 hours before the scheduled date of travel to allow for any additional review.
How long is an approved ESTA US authorization valid?
An approved ESTA USA authorization is generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the underlying passport expires — whichever comes first. During that period, multiple visits to the United States are permitted, each for a maximum stay of 90 days for tourism, business, or transit.
Can the ESTA Application be used to live, work, or study in the US?
No. ESTA is intended only for short visits under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers planning to work for a US employer, enroll in academic study, or stay longer than 90 days must apply for the appropriate non-immigrant US visa at a US embassy or consulate. The ESTA Application is not a substitute for a long-stay visa.
What information is required to Apply ESTA online?
Applicants need a valid electronic passport from a Visa Waiver country, an active email address, basic personal and employment details, US contact information when known, and a debit or credit card to pay the processing fee. All data must match the passport exactly, since the approved ESTA US record is linked to the passport number.
What happens if an ESTA Application is denied?
If an ESTA USA application is denied, the traveler cannot enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The standard next step is to apply for a non-immigrant visa, such as a B1/B2 visitor visa, at a US embassy or consulate. A denial does not automatically mean the traveler is permanently inadmissible to the US.
10-minute application
One Form. One Passport. One ESTA Decision in 72 Hours.
The ESTA Application (ESTA beantragen / ESTA aanvragen) is a single guided form: passport details, employment, contact, and the standard CBP eligibility questions. Submit once, receive your electronic ESTA USA authorization, and present nothing further at boarding — your ESTA is linked directly to your passport number.
