Travelling to the U.S. from the UK or Ireland? Before you pack your bags, there’s one essential step you can’t skip: applying for your ESTA. Getting it wrong can mean delays, extra stress, or even being denied entry at the airport. Don’t worry – this guide breaks down exactly how to apply for an ESTA, step by step, so you can secure your ESTA quickly, correctly, and with peace of mind.
Contents
- What is an ESTA and who needs one?
- When to Apply for an ESTA
- How long is an ESTA valid for?
- How to Apply for Your ESTA Online
- How Long Does It Take to Get ESTA Approval?
- How Much Does an ESTA Cost from the UK & Ireland?
- Common ESTA Mistakes UK & Ireland Travellers Make
- Circumstances when you cannot apply for an ESTA through the website
- What can you do if your ESTA is denied?
What is an ESTA and Who Needs One from the UK & Ireland?
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory travel authorization for citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including the UK and Ireland.
Everyone planning to go to the USA must apply for an ESTA before travelling to determine whether they are eligible to enter the country. A valid ESTA allows you to visit the U.S. for less than 90 days without needing a visa, as long as it is for a holiday or business trip.
You need an ESTA even if you’re only stopping briefly in the U.S. to catch a connecting flight or ship in order to travel elsewhere.
N.B. Being approved for an ESTA means that you are authorised to travel to the U.S., not that you are guaranteed entry – a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will make that decision when you arrive but don’t worry, it’s not as hit-and-miss as it sounds; there would need to be a valid reason to deny entry, such as failing to disclose a criminal record.
When to Apply for an ESTA
It is a good idea to apply as far in advance as possible, as processing can take some time and you will be able to make alternative arrangements if you find your application is not approved* (*we’ll tell you what to do if your ESTA is refused a little later on, so please don’t panic).
You can (and should) still apply for your ESTA(s) even if you don’t have the full details of where you’ll be staying, such as the address or phone number (there’s more information on this a bit further down).
How long is an ESTA valid for?
An ESTA is valid either for two years from the date of issue or until the holder’s current passport expires, at which point you’ll need to apply for a new one.
However, if you have a valid ESTA that does not include the now-required selfie photograph, you may need to apply for a new ESTA. Check your ESTA before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid.
How to Apply for Your ESTA Online
Applying for your ESTA from the UK or Ireland is easier than many people think. You’ll need your passport details, travel plans, a selfie and some basic personal information. Once submitted, most travellers receive approval within 72 hours. Remember to double-check all information before submitting, because errors can cause delays or even lead to denial of your ESTA.
You can only apply for an ESTA online, and we highly recommend doing so via the official website of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) or, even better, by downloading its app. Avoid websites claiming to offer this service!
You can apply for an ESTA for one person or a group of two or more people. Everyone needs an ESTA regardless of age, even babies. The persons in the group are NOT required to travel together.
What information is needed to complete an ESTA application?
You will need to provide and verify the email address used.
The application process should take around ten to fifteen minutes per person and you will be asked to:
- Upload a photo of your passport and complete the form.
- Enter your UK contact details.
- Add a U.S. Contact; if you don’t have any individual in the U.S. who knows you, answer Unknown.
- Provide the address you will be staying at in the U.S. If you will be staying at several places, you only need to enter the first address. If you will be in transit through the U.S., select yes to the ‘Is your travel to the U.S. occurring in transit to another country’. If you don’t know this information, write ‘Unknown’ for the address. But be prepared to give the correct details at Border Control when you arrive.
- The Phone number of where you’ll be staying in the U.S. If you don’t know this information, write ‘00000’ for the phone number.
N.B. You will be required to take a selfie for each person applying. No hats or glasses can be worn; they must be in colour, against a plain white/off-white background; the full face must be visible; must have a neutral expression; and the photo must have been taken in the last 6 months. Children and babies must have their eyes open, and the parent or guardian can’t be in the picture.
Top tip for Taking photos of babies
Lie them down on a white/off-white sheet, and make certain there are no shadows on your baby’s face. Or, alternatively, cover a car seat with the sheet and take a photo of your child in their car seat.
How Long Does It Take to Get ESTA Approval?
Once submitted, most travellers receive approval within 72 hours. Remember to double-check all information before submitting, because errors can cause delays or even lead to denial of your ESTA. Print off the submission page or make a note of the reference number to enable you to check back.
All application outcomes are recorded and stored electronically by the DHS, but print a copy of your confirmation details to take with you when you travel.
How Much Does an ESTA Cost from the UK & Ireland?
Each application costs $40.27, and you can pay using PayPal, MasterCard, Visa or American Express; however, some payment methods can incur ‘hidden charges’, so we’d suggest using a specialist foreign spending card to avoid this.
Common ESTA Mistakes UK & Ireland Travellers Make
Many UK & Ireland travellers make simple mistakes that could easily be avoided. The most common include: using the wrong passport number, entering incorrect personal details, or leaving the ESTA application too close to their departure date.
By following the official step-by-step process and double-checking your details, you can avoid these pitfalls and ensure a smooth start to your U.S. trip.
Also be aware, there are sites online that claim to offer an ESTA application service but will charge more money and are not guaranteed to be legally accepted by the DHS.
For any other questions not covered here, check the Official ESTA Application Website – FAQ
In what circumstances, can you not apply for an ESTA through the website?
These are instances where you may not be able to apply through the regular channels, specifically if you have:
- Been arrested or have a criminal record
- Previously been denied entry to, or have been deported from, the U.S.
- Overstayed on a previous ESTA
- Visited any of the following countries* since the 1st March 2011:
- Iran
- Iraq
- Libya
- North Korea
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Yemen
- OR Cuba, since the 12th January 2021
* If you have been to a listed country within the relevant timeframe, contact US Customs and Border Protections as you’ll probably need to apply for a visa instead (see below).
N.B. If you fail to disclose any relevant history on your application, you will likely be denied entry at the U.S. border, and may even face a permanent ban from the U.S.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a U.S. visa. Visas – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom – Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard!
What to Do If Your ESTA is Denied
If your application is denied, you do have the option to challenge the decision via the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) | Homeland Security, but there’s no guarantee doing so will resolve the issue, and U.S. Embassies/Consulates cannot disclose why you were rejected. If your ESTA application is rejected, you will be charged a $10 administration fee.
If any of these circumstances prevent you from being approved for an ESTA, apply for a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa via an Embassy or Consulate instead (see the link above).
This process can take several months but is the only way a traveller whose ESTA application has been denied can gain authorisation to travel to the U.S. (although approval is not guaranteed).
There is currently heightened security at U.S. borders because of the Trump administration so just make sure all your documents are in order before you begin your holiday.
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To visit for less than 90 days, you don’t need a visa if you are a citizen of one of the 42 countries that are members of the travel-waiver programme (Including the UK, Ireland, Australia and most of Europe). Instead, you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).
If you do not hold an American (or eligible Canadian) passport, but you are a citizen of one of the countries in the travel-waiver programme (this includes the UK, Ireland and most of Europe), you require an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). This allows you to travel to the USA for less than 90 days without needing a visa.
Yes, everyone travelling to the U.S. requires an ESTA, including babies and children.
No. An ESTA only indicates you are eligible to travel. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will make that decision when you arrive, but there would need to be a valid reason to deny entry, such as failing to disclose a criminal record.
Yes, you need an ESTA even if you’re only stopping briefly in the U.S. to catch a connecting flight or ship in order to travel elsewhere.
It is recommended you apply as soon as you know you will be travelling to the U.S. If you don’t know the address where you will be staying, enter Unknown.
An ESTA is valid either for two years from the date of issue or until the holder’s current passport expires, at which point you’ll need to apply for a new one.
However, if you have a valid ESTA, but it does not contain the now-required selfie photograph, you may need to apply for a new ESTA. Check your ESTA before travelling to ensure your authorisation remains valid.
Once submitted, most travellers receive approval within 72 hours.
Each application costs $40.27 and you can pay using PayPal, MasterCard, Visa or American Express; however, some payment methods can incur ‘hidden charges’, so we’d suggest using a specialist foreign spending card to avoid this.
You will not be able to apply for an ESTA through the website if any of the following apply: if you have:
Been arrested or have a criminal record
Previously denied entry to or deported from the U.S.
Overstayed on a previous ESTA
Visited any of the following countries* since March 1st 2011:
Iran
Iraq
Libya
North Korea
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Yemen
OR
Cuba, since January 12th 2021.
*If you have been to a listed country within the relevant timeframe, contact US Customs and Border Protections as you’ll probably need to apply for a visa instead.
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a U.S. visa. Visas – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom – Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard!
If you are not eligible for an ESTA, you must instead apply for a U.S. visa. Visas – U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom – Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard!
If your application is denied you do have the option to challenge the decision via the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) | Homeland Security, but there’s no guarantee doing so will resolve the issue and U.S. Embassies/Consulates cannot disclose why you were rejected. If your ESTA application is rejected you will be charged a $10 administration fee.
If any of these circumstances prevent you from being approved for an ESTA, apply for a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa via an Embassy or Consulate instead (see the link above).
This process can take several months but is the only way a traveller whose ESTA application has been denied can gain authorisation to travel to the U.S. (although approval is not guaranteed).
© Fabulous Park Days 2026. All information is correct at the time of publishing (July 2026).