Is your travel to the US occurring in transit to another country?

Before travelling to another country, you should always find out what the requirements are for entering the country, including if you are stopping in a country for a short period on your way to your final destination.

Not all travellers are aware that if they stop in the US for the plane to refuel or for a change of flights, you would require travel authorization to enter the country, even if you do not get off the plane.

Is a visa required to transit through the US?

It is very common for a change of flights to take place in the US and travellers are required to have a transit visa for this. However, for citizens of countries that are in the visa waiver program (VWP), the easier process of applying for an ESTA is available.

An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) provides authorization to enter the US for the purposes of business, tourism, medical or transit.

The application is much quicker and easier, with an online ESTA form that can be completed and submitted in around 20 minutes. When you need to apply for a transit visa, you are required to complete a DS-160 form before scheduling an interview with the US embassy. Obtaining a US visa can be a lengthy process, while an ESTA is often approved within less than a day.

Is an ESTA required for short transits?

The US introduced the ESTA system to help monitor travelers entering the country, even those who are staying for a short period. Therefore, a transit visa or an ESTA (if the traveler is from a VWP country) is required even if there is a short stay in the US. The ESTA system helps to ensure the safety of US citizens as well as fellow passengers on the flights going in and out of the US.

Who can apply for ESTA?

Citizens of the following countries may apply for an ESTA instead of a transit visa:

United Kingdom, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Croatia, Sweden, Switzerland and Taiwan.

The ESTA does not apply to people who will be working or studying in the US, it is solely for travellers who are visiting the US for a short period of time.

Do children require an ESTA?

Yes, all travellers who visit the US, even if it is only for transit must have their own ESTA, including children of all ages. The parent or legal guardian of children should complete the ESTA application on their behalf.