ESTA INFORMATION
Documents you need for an ESTA application
Before you apply for ESTA, you will need a few documents and some information to hand. Here is the full list.
Essential documents
1. Biometric passport (e-passport)
- Must be valid for your entire planned stay in the United States
- Must contain a biometric chip (look for the symbol on the cover)
- A temporary passport is not accepted
- ESTA is linked to one specific passport
2. Employment details
- You must give details of your current or previous employer
- This includes the company name, address and phone number
- These details help in assessing your application
- This information is mandatory
3. Email address
- An active email address where you can be contacted
- Your confirmation and the decision are sent to this address
- Make sure you can access the inbox
4. Payment method
- Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- PayPal
- Fee: US$40.62
Information you will be asked for on the form
- Personal details (first name, surname, date of birth, place of birth)
- Citizenship, and any other citizenship you hold
- Home address
- Employment details
- Purpose of your trip to the United States
- Information on criminal convictions, immigration history and health
- Answers to the eligibility questions (including on terrorism and visas)
What you do NOT need
- An invitation from someone in the United States
- A hotel booking (not required, although it can be useful)
- A flight ticket (you can apply before you buy your ticket)
- Travel insurance (recommended, but not a requirement for ESTA)
- A visit to an embassy or visa centre
Documents for children
Every child travelling to the United States needs their own ESTA authorisation, whatever their age, and must have their own biometric passport. A parent or legal guardian can apply on the child's behalf.
Tip: Before you start, check that your passport is valid and that you have your card details ready for the online payment.