esta usa application - what is the official website for esta applications
What Is the Official Website for ESTA Applications? Your Complete Guide to Safe and Secure Travel Authorization
If you're planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you’ve likely heard of the ESTA application. One of the most common and important questions travelers ask is: What is the official website for ESTA applications? With so many unofficial services and websites out there, it’s crucial to know where to go to apply for your ESTA safely and without overpaying.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll not only answer your question about the official ESTA website, but also walk you through what ESTA is, how the application process works, what to watch out for, and how to apply quickly and securely online.
What Is the Official Website for ESTA Applications?
The official website for ESTA applications is:
This is the U.S. government’s official portal managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). When you visit this website, you can:
Submit a new ESTA application.
Check your application status.
Update personal information.
Pay the government-mandated fee using a secure system.
Be cautious: Many unofficial sites mimic the official site’s look but charge high service fees. Always double-check the URL and make sure it ends in “.gov”—a key indicator of a genuine U.S. government site.
What Is an ESTA and Why Do You Need It?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It’s not a visa, but an automated system that determines eligibility for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
If you’re eligible, you must apply online through the official ESTA website before boarding a plane or ship bound for the U.S.
You’ll need an ESTA if:
You’re from a Visa Waiver Program country.
You’re visiting the U.S. for 90 days or less.
Your purpose is tourism, business, or transit.
How to Use the Official ESTA Website
Using the official ESTA website is simple and secure. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process:
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Select “Apply” to start a new application.
Fill out the form with accurate passport details, personal info, and travel plans.
Answer all security and eligibility questions truthfully.
Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Submit the form and wait for a response—most get approval within minutes or hours.
Your approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple entries into the U.S.
What If I Accidentally Use a Non-Official Website?
Many websites charge extra fees for processing your ESTA application, and while some are legitimate third-party services, they are not required. Using the official ESTA website ensures you:
Pay only the required fee (currently $21 USD).
Avoid sharing your data with unverified platforms.
Get real-time updates directly from the U.S. government.
If you've already submitted your application through another site, your ESTA may still be valid—but always verify its status on the official site.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for ESTA
Now that you know what is the official website for ESTA applications, here are a few things to avoid:
Misspelling your passport number or personal information.
Waiting until the last minute to apply—submit at least 72 hours before travel.
Forgetting to check the expiration date of your passport.
Paying extra through unofficial third-party services without knowing.
Double-check every entry before submitting your application for the best chance of a smooth travel experience.
Related Travel Topics: ESTA vs. U.S. Visa
While ESTA is perfect for short trips under the Visa Waiver Program, it’s not suitable for:
Long stays over 90 days.
Study, employment, or immigration purposes.
Travelers who are not from VWP countries.
In such cases, you’ll need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa through your nearest embassy or consulate.
Still, for millions of tourists and business travelers every year, the ESTA application is the easiest and fastest way to get approval to enter the United States.
Apply for ESTA or U.S. Visa Online Today
Knowing what is the official website for ESTA applications is key to safe and stress-free travel planning. Whether you're heading to New York, Miami, Los Angeles, or beyond—make sure your travel documents are in order.
If you want a fast, guided ESTA or visa application experience, you can also use a trusted travel support service to help you get everything right the first time.
CLICK HERE to apply securely online for your U.S. travel authorization:
👉 https://www.touristrequirements.info 👈
Start your U.S. travel journey now—hassle-free and fully prepared!