ESTA registration: Key points
- Registration for ESTA authorisation is carried out online using a simple form.
- It is possible to register for ESTA subject to certain conditions regarding nationality, duration and purpose of stay.
- ESTA registration requires validation by the US immigration authorities.
- A processing fee must be paid when registering for ESTA.
ESTA registration!
When to submit your ESTA registration from the UK?
The first thing you need to know is when to apply for ESTA. Ideally, it is best to register about 2 to 3 weeks before your intended travel date to the USA. As the response from the US authorities to your registration never exceeds 72 hours, one may wonder why such a delay is recommended.
The answer to this question is quite simple. Let's say that for some reason your ESTA application is refused by the US immigration authorities. In this case, you have the possibility of making a new application by re-registering online. However, this second application can only be made 10 days after the first. Taking into account this delay, it is therefore preferable to make your first ESTA registration at least 2 weeks before departure.
Where and how do I register for ESTA?
Your ESTA registration will only be done online, using a website such as our partner's or the official website, which offers a form in English, and where you will also find advice and help to answer the questions asked.
All you need is your valid biometric or electronic passport, which will be used for your trip. You should also have the official documents of any persons accompanying you and for whom you will be filling in the application form.
Once you have all this information, make sure you are in a quiet place and have enough time to complete your ESTA registration. Open the questionnaire, and simply answer all the questions it asks.
Please take the time to read over all the information you have entered in order to avoid any mistakes, then validate your registration. You will then be asked to pay a sum corresponding to the administration and registration fees.
ESTA registration!
What happens after an ESTA registration?
Once your ESTA registration has been completed and payment validated, all you have to do is wait for a reply from the American authorities. You will be notified by email at the address you provided during registration within a maximum of 72 hours.
If this answer is positive, you are ready to travel to the United States from the UK and do not need to do anything else as your company and the immigration authorities will be automatically notified.
In the event of a refusal, you can make another registration or apply for a visa.
How long is an ESTA registration valid?
Once you have obtained your first ESTA authorisation, you will not need to print it out and can use it for different trips to the USA. This electronic authorisation will be digitally linked to your passport for the duration of its validity, i.e. two years.
This means that you can re-use this authorisation during these two years without having to re-apply online. However, it is essential that your personal details are the same as when you first applied and that your passport number is still valid. If this is not the case, or if one or more of the answers to the questions on the form are no longer relevant, you will need to re-register.
How to renew an ESTA registration?
If your ESTA has expired or if any of the information on your first registration has changed and you wish to travel to the United States again, you must renew your registration. This also applies if you have changed your passport due to renewal, loss, or a change of identity or address that requires updating the number of this official document, which is essential for the ESTA application process.
To do this, you simply have to fill in the form again in the same way as when you first registered. Of course, you will also have to pay the processing and transfer fee again. You will then receive a new authorisation by email within 72 hours.
This new permit will again be valid for all your travel and transit to the United States and for a period of two years from the date of issue.
What documents do I need to register for ESTA?
If you are about to make an online ESTA registration to travel to the United States, you may want to know what documents you will need.
In fact, the only document you will need to have with you during this procedure is your biometric or electronic passport. This passport must of course be valid and its validity must also cover at least 6 months after your departure date. Remember that the ESTA authorisation will be electronically linked to your passport. However, you will not need to send your passport or a copy of your passport to any government authority as you will only need to enter your passport number in the online application form.
Please note that if your passport expires before your trip and even if your ESTA is valid for two years, your new passport cannot be attached to your ESTA and you will have to apply again, starting the process from the beginning.
You will also need to have a credit card with you. In order to validate the ESTA, you will have to pay the required fees online and on a secure server.
Apart from these two elements, you will not need any other document to complete your ESTA electronic authorisation registration. You do not need to have proof of address or even proof of travel such as airline tickets or a hotel reservation voucher.
In the same way, when you travel to the United States, you will only need to bring your passport. This document is the only one that will be checked when you board the plane and also when you cross the border once you arrive.
ESTA registration!
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
