Tourism and Business Visits to the United States

If you are a UK citizen traveling to the US for business or leisure, you can use the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

Benefits of Using CIBTvisas to Get Your ESTA

• Apply online using our website any time - day or night - even if the US government site is down

• Visa specialists are available to answer your questions by phone from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday

• We verify your data prior to submitting your application

• Our specialists monitor every ESTA application that is in a pending status -  so you do not need to waste time sitting by your computer refreshing the page

• We send you a confirmation email with the ESTA application number for future reference once your ESTA has been confirmed

CIBTvisas is not part of the US government. The US Department of Homeland Security issues decisions for all ESTA applications. You can apply for an ESTA directly through the DHS website for £14, but you will not benefit from the extended services listed above.

What   is an ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) gives travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries permission to enter the United States. The ESTA is a secure, electronic system, so there is no need for stamps, stickers, or receipts in your passport in order to enter the country. ESTA is NOT a visa and is only available to countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program. The purpose of your visit must be restricted to either tourism or business if you enter the country using an ESTA.

How long does it take to get an ESTA?

It takes just a few minutes to fill out the one-page ESTA application. In most cases, the Authorisation Approval is almost immediate. However, you may get an 'Authorisation Pending' status, in which case it can take up to 72 hours to determine if you are approved or not.

How much does an ESTA cost?

Both tourist ESTAs and business ESTAs cost £34, payable by credit card. This includes the DHS application fee of £14 and CIBTvisas's service fee of £20. It does NOT include VAT.

What do I need to apply for an ESTA?