ESTA Requirements at a Glance
| Eligible Passport | From any of the 42 VWP countries |
| Passport Type | E-passport (biometric) with machine-readable zone |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for the duration of your stay |
| Purpose of Travel | Tourism, business, or transit only |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days per visit |
| Application Fee | $40.27 USD |
| Apply Online | esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
Before applying for ESTA, you need to make sure you meet all the ESTA requirements. Not everyone is eligible — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization is only available to citizens of specific countries who meet certain passport and travel criteria.
This page covers every requirement you need to meet to qualify for ESTA in 2026, including passport requirements, eligibility criteria, and what can disqualify you from the program.
Who Is Eligible for ESTA?
To be eligible for ESTA, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- You hold a passport from one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries
- Your passport is a biometric e-passport (one with an embedded electronic chip)
- Your trip to the US is for tourism, business, or transit only
- You plan to stay 90 days or less
- You are traveling to the US by air or sea (not by land from Canada or Mexico)
- You have not been denied a US visa or ESTA previously (without resolving the issue)
Miss any of these requirements? Then you will need a US visa instead of ESTA.
Passport Requirements for ESTA
Your passport is the most critical requirement for an ESTA application. CBP has strict requirements about the type and condition of your passport.
E-Passport (Biometric Passport) Required
Since April 1, 2016, every ESTA applicant must carry a biometric e-passport. This type of document holds an electronic chip that stores your biometric information and passport data. Spot one by the small gold camera-chip symbol on the front cover.
No electronic chip means no ESTA. In that case you have two options:
- Get a new e-passport from your country’s passport authority, or
- Book a US visa appointment at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate
Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ)
Your passport must have a machine-readable zone — the two lines of text and numbers at the bottom of your passport’s data page. This is standard on all modern passports issued in VWP countries.
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the United States. While the US does not have a strict “6 months beyond” requirement for VWP travelers, it is recommended to have at least 6 months of validity remaining when you travel to avoid any issues at the border.
Important: If your passport expires before your ESTA does, your ESTA will also become invalid. You must reapply with your new passport number.
Visa Waiver Program Countries (42 Countries)
ESTA is only available to citizens of the 42 countries that participate in the US Visa Waiver Program. Here is the complete list:
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Andorra | Hungary | Poland |
| Australia | Iceland | Portugal |
| Austria | Ireland | San Marino |
| Belgium | Israel | Singapore |
| Brunei | Italy | Slovakia |
| Chile | Japan | Slovenia |
| Croatia | Latvia | South Korea |
| Czech Republic | Liechtenstein | Spain |
| Denmark | Lithuania | Sweden |
| Estonia | Luxembourg | Switzerland |
| Finland | Malta | Taiwan |
| France | Monaco | United Kingdom |
| Germany | Netherlands | |
| Greece | New Zealand | Norway |
Is your country missing from this list? Then ESTA is closed to you, and a US visa is the route to take instead.
Travel Purpose Requirements
ESTA is only valid for the following travel purposes:
Tourism (B2 equivalent)
- Sightseeing and vacation
- Visiting friends or family
- Medical treatment
- Attending social events (weddings, reunions)
- Participating in recreational activities or courses (non-credit)
- Amateur sports or musical events (no payment received)
Business (B1 equivalent)
- Attending business meetings or conferences
- Negotiating contracts
- Consulting with business associates
- Attending trade shows or conventions
- Short-term professional training
Transit
- Connecting flights through US airports
- Transferring between international flights
- Cruise ship stops at US ports
ESTA does NOT allow you to: Work for a US employer, study at a US institution (degree programs), immigrate to the US, stay longer than 90 days, or engage in journalism or media activities for a US organization. For these activities, you need the appropriate US visa.
Information Required for the ESTA Application
When you fill out the form, have the following details ready:
Personal Information
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Country of birth
- Country of citizenship
- National identification number (if applicable)
Passport Details
- Passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiration date
- Country that issued the passport
Travel Information
- US contact information (hotel name, address, or host’s details)
- Emergency contact in your home country
- Employment information (employer name and address)
Social Media Disclosure (New for 2026)
Starting in 2026, ESTA applicants are required to disclose their social media accounts. Be ready to list usernames for every platform you have used in the past five years. This is part of enhanced security screening measures. While the field is currently listed as optional, CBP recommends providing this information to avoid processing delays.
Eligibility Questions
The form also runs through a series of yes/no questions about your background, including:
- Do you have a physical or mental disorder that poses a threat?
- Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
- Have you ever violated US immigration law?
- Have you ever been denied a US visa or entry?
- Have you traveled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, or Cuba since 2011?
- Do you have any communicable diseases?
Answering “yes” to any of these questions does not automatically disqualify you, but it may result in additional screening or denial.
What Can Disqualify You from ESTA?
The following factors can make you ineligible for ESTA:
| Disqualifying Factor | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Passport from a non-VWP country | Request a US visa (B1/B2) |
| Non-biometric passport | Get a new biometric passport, or request a visa |
| Criminal record (certain offenses) | Request a visa with a waiver |
| Previous overstay on a US visa | File a visa application at a US Embassy |
| Travel to restricted countries since 2011 | Request a visa (you may qualify for an exception) |
| Dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, Somalia, or Yemen | A standard visa is your route |
| Previously denied ESTA | Seek a visa or contact CBP |
| Planning to stay more than 90 days | Apply for the appropriate visa category |
ESTA Requirements for Children and Minors
Children and infants of any age need their own ESTA authorization to travel to the United States. The requirements are the same:
- The child must have their own passport (not listed on a parent’s passport)
- The passport must be an e-passport
- A parent or guardian must complete the child’s application on their behalf
- The full $40.27 fee applies per child
Children cannot travel on a parent’s ESTA — each person requires their own individual authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Requirements
Do I need a return ticket to apply for ESTA?
A return ticket is not required when you submit an ESTA, but you may be asked to show proof of onward travel when boarding your flight or at the US border. Airlines and CBP officers want to see that you intend to leave the US within 90 days.
Do I need travel insurance for ESTA?
Travel insurance is not a requirement for ESTA or entry to the United States. However, it is strongly recommended because American healthcare is punishing on the wallet. One medical emergency without cover can leave you with a bill running to tens of thousands of dollars.
Can I apply for ESTA with an emergency passport?
Emergency or temporary passports generally do not qualify for ESTA because they usually lack the biometric chip required for VWP travel. A standard biometric e-passport is required, or you can go the visa route instead.
Do I need to provide an address in the US?
The form asks for a US contact address (such as your hotel or host’s address). If you do not have this information yet, you can enter “Unknown” — it will not affect your application. You can update this later before you travel.
What if I have dual citizenship?
If you hold passports from two VWP countries, you can apply with either passport. However, if you hold dual nationality with one of the restricted countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, North Korea, Somalia, or Yemen), you are generally not eligible for ESTA regardless of your other nationality.
How far in advance should I apply?
CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before travel. While many applications are approved within minutes, some require additional processing time. Applying early gives you time to explore alternatives if your ESTA is denied.
Key Takeaways
- You must be a citizen of one of the 42 VWP countries
- A biometric e-passport (one carrying an electronic chip) is mandatory
- ESTA is only for tourism, business, or transit — not work or study
- Maximum stay is 90 days per visit
- Criminal history, visa overstays, or travel to restricted countries may disqualify you
- Children of any age need their own ESTA and passport
- Apply at least 72 hours before travel at esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- For a complete step-by-step guide, see our ESTA Application Guide 2026