In great news for international travelers, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is now fully operational and accepting applications for 2025! That means if you’re from one of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, you can legally travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa — all by applying for a quick and easy ESTA!
Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, or simply a U.S. adventure, ESTA is your fast-track entry.
What Is ESTA and Who Can Apply?
The ESTA is an automated system used to determine eligibility for travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Here’s what makes you eligible in 2025:
- You are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country.
- Your trip is for 90 days or less.
- Your purpose is business or tourism.
- You don’t currently hold a U.S. visitor visa.
- You want to apply for yourself or as part of a group application (2+ people).
💡 Note: If you have traveled to Cuba recently, extra screening or restrictions may apply. Be sure to answer all eligibility questions honestly during the application.
What Do You Need to Apply for ESTA in 2025?
Before you start, make sure you have the following:
- A valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/?forceNav=true)
- A valid email address
- Your home address and phone number
- Emergency contact information (phone and email)
- Payment method (Application fee is $21.00 USD).
Accepted payment methods include:
- MasterCard
- VISA
- American Express
- Discover (JCB/Diners Club only)
- PayPal
Optional but useful info to have:
- National ID (if any)
- Global Entry/NEXUS/SENTRI ID
- Employer’s details (if employed)
- U.S. point of contact details (if applicable).
How to Apply for an ESTA in 2025?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Visit the official ESTA portal (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/)
- Click “Apply for New Authorization”
- Enter personal, travel, and eligibility information
- Review your application carefully
- Pay the $21 USD fee
- Submit and wait for approval (usually within minutes, but can take up to 72 hours).
Important Reminders
- Apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
- An approved ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
- You can make multiple trips to the U.S. within this period, as long as each stay is 90 days or fewer.
