Audio Transcripts

24 July 2008
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization

Jackie Bednarz, Attaché, Department of Homeland Security, answers frequently-asked questions about ESTA. The videos for this transcript are on our About ESTA page.

Question 1: What is ESTA?

ESTA is an important new update to the Visa Waiver Program. It modernizes the program by taking it from a pen-and-ink to a 21st century electronics system. ESTA increases the security of air travel to the United States and will help to preserve the future of the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an Internet-based application that takes on average only a few minutes to complete. The application is available beginning August 1, 2008, at our ESTA website. And it will be a requirement for Visa Waiver Program travelers by January 12, 2009. An ESTA authorization is valid for two years, or until the expiration of the traveler's passport, whichever is sooner. There is no fee required and the application involves the same questions as the paper form I-94W that is currently completed by Visa Waiver travelers. Starting January 12, 2009, an individual ESTA authorization will be required for all Visa Waiver travelers including children of all ages who arrive in the United States by sea or air. With an ESTA approval, you can travel multiple times to the United States within its two-year validity.

Question 2: What about the privacy of my data?

The protection of your personal data is the priority of the ESTA program. The Department of Homeland Security has a number of systems and laws in place to protect the security of your application information. The data you provide will only be used within the Department of Homeland Security and when needed by approved domestic and foreign government agencies. The ESTA application collects the same information that Visa Waiver travelers already provide when traveling to the U.S. and often much less than that given to airlines and travel agencies

Question 3: What kind of data will ESTA collect?

The basic data collected in the ESTA application is similar to the kind you regularly give to airlines and travel agents. You will need to provide your birth date, passport information and planned travel information. The same as on the current paper form. ESTA is simply an updated 21st century version of the forms Visa Waiver travelers have already become accustomed to.

Question 4: What if I need to travel on short notice?

You don't need to be planning a trip to the United States to apply for ESTA. While the ESTA application adds another step to the current Visa Waiver travel process, it also helps to determine any problems in your travel eligibility before you board a plane. An ESTA authorization is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. There is currently no fee to apply and the authorization is valid for multiple entries into the United States. Go ahead and apply now! There's no reason not to. However, we realize that it is not always possible to plan travel ahead of time. ESTA has been designed to accommodate last minute and emergency travelers. We don't want you to lose convenience or flexibility. So if you don't already have an approved ESTA, airlines, travel agencies, and others like family or friends are allowed to complete the application on your behalf.

Question 5: What if I don't have access to a computer or internet?

The ESTA system has been designed for everyone. If you're not comfortable on the computer or don't have access to the Internet, someone else can complete the application for you. If someone helps you - like a family member, friend, or travel agent - they will just provide the same information you would, including your name, birth date, passport, and travel information. There's even a button on the website to indicate that someone helped you.

Question 6: What if my ESTA form isn't approved?

ESTA authorization is meant to encourage travel to the United States by assuring the ease and security of Visa Waiver travel. In line with this, the ESTA website has been designed to encourage complete and accurate answers. The system includes several layers of protection to ensure that making a simple data entry mistake doesn't lead to an application rejection. However, if your ESTA application is not approved, you will be directed to a website with information about applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some travelers who aren't eligible to come to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program may still be eligible to receive a visa to travel to the U.S. Just because someone is refused an ESTA does not mean that they can't get a visa.

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