Welcome to Travel Authorization (ESTA)

TravelAuthorization.org is an information website specializing in the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA (Travel Authorization). We publish the ESTA - Travel Authorization Application Guide which explains how visa waiver travelers can apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). This is a new requirement set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. As of January 12, 2009 it is mandatory for all Visa Waiver travelers to first be approved to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program enables citizens of participating Visa Waiver Program countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days without having to apply for a tourist or business visa.  With the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization all Visa Waiver travelers must pre-register and obtain a Travel Authorization before entering the United States via air or sea. The ESTA requirement is not a visa, it is an authorization to travel.

What is a Travel Authorization?
Once you have registered with the Department of State through the ESTA system, you will be able to record your Travel Authorization Application Number instantly. In most cases, ESTA will  give all applicants an instant result of whether they qualify for a Travel Authorization or not. Applicants that do not qualify must go to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and apply for a U.S. visitor visa. The ESTA - Travel Authorization Guide available on this website explains how to apply for a Travel Authorization as well as information on how to update it to reflect future visits and transits through the United States. The guide is comprehensive and also includes information on applying for a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) in case of denial of a Travel Authorization. Travelers must register themselves online and obtain their own Travel Authorization.

• Airlines and sea carriers are not responsible for obtaining your Travel Authorization.
• Once issued the Travel Authorization can easily be updated to reflect changed/new itinerary.

Important Date: January 12, 2009: It is mandatory for all visa waiver travelers to be approved for ESTA

The ESTA - Travel Authorization Application Guide explains how to complete the application for a Travel Authorization including information about the different passport requirements necessary to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. Obtaining a Travel Authorization is something every traveler can do themselves; however we recommend that you prepare in order to avoid any problems by downloading the ESTA - Travel Authorization Application Guide  instantly and obtain your own Travel Authorization today. Every member of a party, family, or group intending to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must be approved to travel via air or sea after January 12, 2009.

Updated: March 18, 2009