Applying for an ESTA

Guidance for application of online Visa Waiver Programme (ESTA)


ESTA is an online system that tells you in advance whether you're eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

It replaced the old system of filling out a green I-94W piece of paper (commonly thought of as the Visa Waiver form) on a plane into the US.

To apply you will need to visit the official Department of Homeland Security website


https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/


You’ll be asked for your UK contact details, including passport number and expiry. You MAY also need

  • Departure airport – Gatwick (LGW)

  • Flight number – BA2037

  • Airline – British Airways

  • Address where we are staying in the States - Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

  • 9000 International Drive,

  • FL 32819, Orlando, USA

  • (Tel. +1 407-996-8585)

  • Emergency contact telephone number for Miss Tsappis:  07841 660767


The fee is $14 and only accepts payment with MasterCard, Visa, Discover (JCB, Diners Club) and American Express


You may be told within seconds if your application has been accepted or rejected. Otherwise, you'll be asked to check your application status later, as a decision can take up to 72 hours.

An ESTA lasts for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Once it runs out, you'll need to apply for a new one. Please check before you apply that the passport is in date for the duration of our stay in America.

If your child has already applied for an ESTA, and it is still valid you will need to update the address in the U.S only. This can also be done by following the link above.

Although you don’t need to present the reference number at Border Protection when you land on US soil, please print it out and bring it to the parents information evening. That's because some airlines require the printout upon check-in.

Watch out for websites demanding a fee for the ESTA. Search the internet for ‘ESTA’ and you’ll discover many that claim to submit an application on your behalf. Not only will you be paying money unnecessarily, you can't be certain it'll be a legitimate submission and acceptance, so you may still get turned away when you get to the US. Please use the link provided in this letter, or ensure the website has the official logo which is trademarked.