Urgent ESTA application
Do you want to submit an urgent ESTA application because you need to travel to the United States as quickly as possible? We explain what processing times you need to observe when applying for an ESTA authorization for visa-free entry to the USA.
Who can submit an ESTA application?
The abbreviation ESTA stands for "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" and describes an electronic procedure for traveling to the USA. Since its introduction in 2009, entering the USA has been considerably simplified for citizens from the 43 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
Travelers from Visa Waiver countries do not need a classic US visa. Instead, they can apply online for the practical ESTA travel authorization for the United States.
An ESTA can be issued for the following purposes:
- Tourist trips
- Business appointments (meetings, conferences, etc.)
- Professional training and seminars
- Medical treatments
- Transfer at a US airport
ESTA validity and deadlines
Most ESTA travel authorizations for the United States are valid for a total of two years. During the validity period of your ESTA, you are allowed to travel to the USA several times and for a maximum of 90 days at a time.
Exceptions apply to travelers from Brunei and Hungary. They receive ESTA authorization for only one year instead of the usual two years. Hungarian travelers must also apply for a new ESTA authorization for each visit to the US.
Your ESTA is tied to your passport. If your passport expires, also your ESTA automatically loses its validity. In any case, your passport must be valid until the end of your trip to the USA (or six months beyond if your home country does not belong to the Six Month Club). You can submit a new ESTA application as soon as you have a new passport.
Urgent ESTA application – is it possible?
The US authorities process an ESTA application within 72 hours. There is no option for priority processing or an urgent ESTA application. In most cases, the processing time for an ESTA application is significantly shorter than 72 hours. However, we strongly recommend that you adhere to the 3-day deadline set by the US authorities in order not to jeopardize your entry into the United States.
Attention
Some agencies offer a so-called urgent ESTA application, ESTA fast-track application, or emergency ESTA application for an additional fee. However, it is impossible to guarantee ESTA processing times under 72 hours!
How to submit an ESTA application
Filling out the ESTA application only takes about 10 minutes. You will submit your data conveniently via an online form, and, in addition, you will be required to upload a photo of the biographical page of your valid passport.
When completing the ESTA application, have the following information ready:
- Personal data
- Personal contact details
- Passport data
- Employer details
- Emergency contact information
- Accommodation address/contact person in the US (e. g., hotel, vacation rental)
- Social media profile information (optional)
Note: Even if you are running out of time and would have preferred to submit an urgent ESTA application – enter your data carefully! Even small negligence can lead to your application being rejected.
Avoiding mistakes with an ESTA agency
Do you wish to make sure that your ESTA application is submitted to the US authorities in due form and on time? Then take advantage of the service of esta-application.com!
The USA experts at esta-application.com will carefully review the data in your ESTA application before it is submitted to the US authorities, and will assist you with any questions or problems related to the ESTA application.