How to apply for ESTA easily and accurately

If you are planning a trip to the United States, the very first procedure you must check is the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application. ESTA is an electronic pre-screening system required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries when entering the United States for tourism, business trips, or transit. Since approval is required to board a flight bound for the United States, accurate information entry and confirmation of validity are extremely important. Below is a step-by-step guide to the most precise and efficient ESTA application method so that even first-time applicants can easily follow the process.

What is ESTA?

ESTA is an online screening procedure that allows nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries to stay in the United States visa-free for up to 90 days. Once approved, the validity period is two years, and during this period, travelers may visit the United States multiple times.
However, even if ESTA is approved, entry is not always guaranteed, and entry may be denied depending on the judgment of U.S. national security authorities. Therefore, it is very important to enter information accurately from the application stage to minimize errors.

Information to prepare before applying for ESTA

Before you begin your ESTA application, checking the following information in advance will make the procedure much faster.

• Electronic passport (e-Passport) information
• Name spelled in English exactly as shown in the passport
• Contact information, address, and travel itinerary
• A card that can be used for payment
• U.S. accommodation information (optional but recommended)

You must also check whether your passport expiration date is sufficiently valid for your travel schedule and ensure that there are no spelling errors in the English information.

How to apply for ESTA

1. Start the application on ETAPORTAL

Because it is important to proceed without errors at every step, many travelers apply for ESTA through ETAPORTAL.

• Structured to help you easily understand complicated items
• Minimizes errors in passport and application information
• Guides you to enter only the necessary items accurately

In particular, once ESTA is denied, reapplication becomes very difficult, and negative records may remain and affect entry screening in the long term. Therefore, applying accurately from the beginning is more important than anything else.
ETAPORTAL helps reduce incorrect entries in advance and increases the likelihood of approval.

2. Enter personal information

Enter essential information such as passport number, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
Since a simple typo at this stage can lead to immediate denial, it is necessary to check each letter carefully.

3. Enter travel information

This includes flight number, city of stay, and accommodation information.
Although it is not necessary to fill in every item, entering more information helps the screening process proceed more smoothly.

4. Proceed with payment and complete submission

After completing the application form, you will proceed to the payment step, and the application is officially submitted only after the payment is completed.

5. Check ESTA application status

ESTA results usually come out within a few minutes or a few hours, but depending on the situation, it may take up to 72 hours.
The screening results can be checked as one of the following:

• Payment Completed : Application submitted
• Under Review : Application information review and ESTA submission completed (cannot be modified)
• Reviewed : ESTA application under review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cannot be modified)
• Approval
• Reject

Each stage indicates the processing status of the application, and especially during the Under Review or Reviewed stage, no information can be modified.
If the application is rejected, reapplication becomes very difficult, so it is important to complete the application carefully from the beginning without errors.
Once approved, the authorization is automatically linked to your passport, so printing is not necessary, but it is helpful to save it as a reference.

Key points to remember when applying for ESTA

• You must apply at least 72 hours before your trip.
• Typos in the passport number or name will result in denial.
• If you receive a new passport, you must apply for a new ESTA.
• Do not enter any information that is false, such as criminal history or prior overstays.

ESTA is not just a simple permit but a screening process conducted before entering the United States, so all information must be accurate.

Why apply through ETAPORTAL?

• The application flow is structured in an easy-to-understand format
• Checks for error entries or missing items in advance, reducing the risk of denial
• An application form that even beginners can complete
• Manages application results and progress notifications in one place

Considering that reapplication is practically difficult once denied, it is best to handle everything safely from the first application.

The first step to traveling to the United States is an accurate ESTA application.
By carefully checking passport information and personal details and applying without mistakes, you can increase your chances of approval.
ETAPORTAL makes this process even more convenient and safe, which is why many travelers choose it.
If you are preparing for a trip to the United States, apply for ESTA now and begin your journey comfortably.

ESTA is required for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the United States.

You can apply for ESTA at any time.
However, you must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States.

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Travelers must apply online and receive approval before traveling to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Eligible Purposes for ESTA Application

• Visiting family or friends
• Business meetings or conferences (non-employment)
• Short-term medical treatment
• Transit through the United States
• Tourism (individual or group)

ESTA Application Process

• STEP 1: Complete the application form online
• STEP 2: Enter your email address
• STEP 3: Provide passport information
• STEP 4: Answer eligibility and background questions
• STEP 5: Review and make payment
• STEP 6: Wait for application review
• STEP 7: Check your ESTA result (usually within 72 hours)

Required Documents for ESTA Application

• Valid electronic passport (e-passport) from a Visa Waiver Program country
• Active email address
• Credit or debit card for payment of the application fee
• Accurate personal and travel information

ESTA Announcements

• Travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain ESTA approval before entering the United States without a visa.
• Processing can take up to 72 hours or longer, depending on system volume or applicant background.
• It is strongly recommended to apply for ESTA well before your travel date.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiration, whichever comes first) and allows multiple short visits to the U.S.
• ESTA approval does not guarantee entry; the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry makes the final admission decision.

Important Notes

• The validity period of ESTA (two years) is separate from the allowed stay (up to 90 days per visit under the Visa Waiver Program).
• Even with ESTA approval, travelers cannot exceed the 90-day limit or engage in work or study activities.
• If false or incorrect information is provided, ESTA may be denied or revoked, and entry may be refused in accordance with U.S. immigration law.
• Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of the approval result.

You must apply for a new ESTA if any of the following information changes

1. Name
2. Gender
3. Date of birth
4. Nationality
5. Passport information (number or expiration date)
6. Responses to eligibility questions (criminal record, visa denial, communicable disease, etc.)

If you have already received ESTA approval but your travel details (address in the U.S. or contact information) change, you may update these details online before departure.
Failure to update information could result in travel delays or entry denial.

Additional Information

• Travelers with valid ESTA approval do not need to complete the paper I-94W form upon arrival.
• ESTA does not permit employment or long-term stays.
• If you hold both an ESTA authorization and a valid U.S. visa, the visa will take precedence.
• Travelers who previously overstayed under the VWP may be ineligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa instead.
• It is advisable to print or save a copy of your ESTA approval for your records.

Apply for ESTA Early

Apply for ESTA well in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free entry to the United States.
ESTA applications can be submitted through ETAPORTAL, where professionals provide guidance to ensure your information is correct and complete.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online travel authorization system for citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing them to visit the United States without obtaining a visa for short-term stays of up to 90 days.

Before traveling, eligible visitors must apply online by submitting their personal and travel-related information in advance.
This system was introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for visa-free travelers.

Once you apply for ESTA, processing usually takes up to 72 hours.

If there is any discrepancy between the information entered in your ESTA application and the information on your passport, you may not be allowed to board your flight or ship.
Please double-check all details before making the final payment.

Applicable to:

Citizens of countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Important Notes

• ESTA is required for all travelers, including children and infants, entering the United States by air or sea under the Visa Waiver Program.
• ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry; the final decision is made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival.
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
• If your personal information changes — such as name, gender, nationality, or passport details — you must reapply for ESTA before your next trip.

ESTA application step status values

Payment Completed

Application Submitted

Under Review

Cannot be modified

Reviewed

Approval Reviewed

Approval

Department of Justice approval

ESTA application results will be sent via email, and they may sometimes be classified as spam or junk mail, so please make sure to check your spam folder.

• You can apply for ESTA at any time.
• You must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a plane or ship bound for the United States.
• Please note that, depending on the situation, the review process may take longer than 72 hours.

ESTA application stage status values

Under Review (Cannot be modified)

Your submitted application has been successfully received and is currently under initial review by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system.

No changes can be made at this stage.

Reviewed (Approval Reviewed)

Your application is being reviewed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP.

In most cases, this process takes up to 72 hours, but may take longer due to high demand or additional verification requirements.

Approval (Department of Justice approval)

Your submitted ESTA application has been approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

You may now travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Reject status values

Selfie photo

The selfie photo attached to your submitted application does not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photo that meets the requirements.)

Passport photo

The passport photo attached to your submitted application does not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photo that meets the requirements.)

Passport photo/Selfie photo

The passport photo and the selfie photo attached to your application do not meet the requirements.

(Please re-upload the photos that meet the requirements.)

Rejected (Justice Department rejection)

Your submitted ESTA application has been denied by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

(The reason for denial is not disclosed by the U.S. government. Please check the email address used during your application for any updates or notices.)

Other status values

Temporary

You have not completed your application, or you have completed your application but have not made payment.

(You must fill out the application form and complete payment to complete the application.)

Cancel

Your application has been cancelled.

▶ ESTA (ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION) is an online system under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that allows citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit without obtaining a visa. Travelers must apply online and receive approval prior to boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States.

▶ All travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must obtain an approved ESTA authorization before departure.
Currently, nationals of 42 countries are eligible for visa-free entry through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Citizens of non-VWP countries must apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

▶ ESTA approval is generally valid for two years from the date of issuance, unless your passport expires earlier or your personal information changes (such as name, gender, nationality, or passport number).
If any key personal information changes, you must submit a new ESTA application.

▶ Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified.
If incorrect or false information is entered, the applicant must reapply for ESTA with accurate details.
If the information on your ESTA application does not exactly match your passport information, you may not be allowed to board your flight or ship.
Therefore, please carefully review all information before making your final payment.

▶ The following travelers are exempt from ESTA requirements:

- Holders of valid U.S. visas (e.g., B1/B2, F1, H1B, etc.)
- U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Individuals traveling to the United States with a visa issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Crew members traveling under C1/D visa status
- Travelers entering the U.S. via land from Canada or Mexico (ESTA is not mandatory for land crossings, though recommended for air or sea re-entry)
- Diplomatic or official passport holders traveling on government missions
- United Nations (UN) Laissez-Passer holders traveling on official duty

▶ Important Notes

- Transit passengers who intend to enter the U.S., even briefly, must have a valid ESTA authorization.
- ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. Final admission decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry.
- Travelers who overstay or violate VWP terms may be denied future ESTA approvals and must apply for a visa instead.
- Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of approval or denial.