ESTA INFORMATION
The ESTA Mobile app
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers an official mobile app, "ESTA Mobile", so you can apply directly from your smartphone.
About the ESTA app
ESTA Mobile is the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) tool for applying to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is the recommended way to apply, because it scans your passport and fills in your details automatically.
Availability
- iOS (App Store)— for Apple devices (iPhone). Requires iOS 15.6 or later.
- Android (Google Play)— for Android devices. Requires Android 9.0 or later.
Search for "ESTA Mobile" and check that the publisher is U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
What the app can do
- Submit a new ESTA application
- Scan your biometric passport
- Take a photo of your face (selfie) for verification
- Check the status of an existing application
- Pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Send push notifications when your status changes
How to apply using the app
- Download the "ESTA Mobile" app from the App Store or Google Play
- Start a new application and enter your email address
- Scan the data page of your passport
- Take a photo of your face (selfie)
- Answer the questions on the form
- Pay the US$40.62 fee
- Submit the application and wait for the decision
Scanning your passport
The app uses your phone's camera to read the details on the data page of your passport. To scan it:
- Open your passport at the photo page
- Line the page up inside the frame on your phone screen
- Hold the phone steady until the details have been read
- Wait for the app to confirm that the scan is complete
Why use the mobile app
- Passport scanning — your details are filled in automatically
- Quicker to complete than the website
- Push notifications about your application status
- Biometric security (Face ID / Touch ID)
Note:Make sure you download the official app. In the app store, check that the publisher is "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)". Fake apps can steal your personal data.