Everything about ESTA

Before you go to New York or the USA, you must apply for an entry permit, ESTA - Electronic System for Travel Authorization . This is an electronic system that allows travel or transit to the United States for passport holders of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program . These include Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Lichtenstein. You can find out which other countries are part of the program here. CLICK This authorization costs you 14 dollars.

How long is my ESTA valid?

ESTA is valid for two years from the date of application . E.g. if you received your ESTA on July 1st, 2017, it is valid until June 30th, 2019.

If you visit the country several times within these two years, you do not have to apply again.

What are the exceptions?

If ESTA is valid for 2 years from the moment the application is accepted, there are some exceptions . Even if your ESTA is still valid, you will need to renew your ESTA in these four cases :

1. If your passport has expired and you are traveling with a new passport. (ESTA is linked to your passport)

2. If your nationality has changed and you are traveling with the passport of your new nationality.

3. If you have changed your name or gender

4. If you now have to answer one of the questions with “Yes” instead of “No” as before .

My ESTA expired during my stay, what should I do?

If your ESTA expires while you're in the United States, no problem: US Customs and Border Protection says: "It will not affect your departure."

In other words, if your ESTA is valid until June 1, 2017 and you entered the United States by May 31, 2017, it doesn't matter whether you leave the United States on June 2 or June 10.

ESTA is not a visa

The fact that your ESTA is valid for 2 years does not mean that you can stay in the United States for two years.

If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you can stay in the United States for up to 90 days , not a day longer. If you want to stay longer you need a visa .