Background

The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) program is available for citizens of countries that are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Eligible countries include the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Portugal, Ireland, Finland, and several others in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. Travelers from these nations can apply for ESTA instead of a traditional visa for short stays in the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Eligibility requires a valid biometric passport and compliance with U.S. entry security requirements and travel conditions.