The latest news about the ESTA USA.
United States Diversity Visa Program
The lottery for the Diversity Visa Program 2026 has opened. Travellers who do not want to stay in the USA permanently, can use an ESTA...
Qatar will join the Visa Waiver Program
Qatar will join the Visa Waiver Program on 1 December 2024. Qataris will then be able to travel to the USA with an ESTA instead of a visa...
Australia will join the Global Entry Program
From 2025 onwards, Australian travellers will be eligible for the Global Entry Program. They have to apply for an ESTA or a visa to travel to the USA...
Romania urges citizens to extend their US visas
The Romanian government urges its citizens to renew their US visas. This might allow the country to join the ESTA-program in the future. ...
Romania and Cyprus are ESTA candidates
Romania and Cyprus are candidates for admission to the Visa Waiver Program. Inhabitants of participating countries may travel to the USA with an ESTA...
Photograph may become a new ESTA requirement
The immigration service recently announced that submitting a photograph may become a requirement for the ESTA application, allowing for better checks...
Fans worry about their visa for the 2026 FIFA WC
The 2026 WC takes place in the United States, among others. Some football fans already face difficulties in obtaining their visas on time...
The cost of many US visas is increasing
The United States of America is going to increase the cost of some temporary visas. This has major implications particularly for the music industry...
Tips for uploading the required documents for your ESTA
Many travellers find uploading the passport copy for their ESTA application difficult. Here you will find tips on how to submit this document easily...
Romania closer to being ammited to the ESTA programme
Romania hopes to join the Visa Waiver Program in 2025. This would allow Romanian travellers to travel to the USA with an ESTA...
Germand Kinderreisepass has been abolished
It is not allowed to apply for the US ESTA with a German Kinderreisepass. The German government has abolished this special passport on 1 January 2024...
Israelis will soon be admitted to the US ESTA programme
By the end of 2023, Israeli travellers will be allowed to travel to the USA without a visa if they meet the requirements...
Can I travel to the US if I have a criminal record?
Even if you have a criminal record, you might still be able to travel to the US. Read more about which travel authorisations you need in this article...
ESTA or visa for work in the United States?
Do you intend to travel to the US on business, or can you work remotely during your travel? In this case, you will probably need no more than a valid ESTA...
Problems regarding Prince Harry’s visa status
To apply for a USA visa, one must adhere to strict rules. Information found in Prince Harry’s published book may put his visa at risk of being revoked...
Do I need a visa for a trip to Hawaii?
The islands of Hawaii are growing more popular among travellers. You need a visa or ESTA if you plan on going to Hawaii for holidays or business...
Reduced ESTA validity period for Hungarian nationals
With effect from August 1, 2023, the ESTA validity period for Hungarians was reduced by 1 year. Further visa policy tightening may follow...
ESTA soon available to more nationalities
Most European citizens can travel to the United States with an ESTA. Possibly, more nationalities will be added to this list of now 40 countries...
Using the ESTA after a visit to Cuba
Travellers who have been in Cuba since March 2011 may no longer be eligible for ESTA. Find out here if this measure is relevant for your trip...
Vaccination requirement for the USA officially ended
From 12 May 2023, unvaccinated travellers can also travel to the USA again. International travellers do require an ESTA or US visa. ...
ESTA application soon possible for Israelis as well?
Israel is taking further steps towards admission to the US Visa Waiver Program. It is still unclear whether this will succeed before the end of 2023...
’Grace period’ after USA work visa expiry date
For most British tourists and business travellers, an ESTA is sufficient. Those wishing to work in the US will need a different travel authorisation...
Long waiting times despite resumed visa issuance
Processing of physical visa applications stagnates due to long waiting times for the required interview. An ESTA application does not require an interview...
ESTA for Europe to become mandatory for UK citizens
The European Union is set to introduce a new travel permit for incoming travellers: the ETIAS. Due to Brexit, UK visitors will be required to have one...
US increases cost of several immigration visas
On 3 January 2023, the Biden administration announced an increase in the application costs of immigration visas. For now, this does not apply to the ESTA...
What kind of input errors requires a new ESTA?
Did you make a mistake in the ESTA application form or has your situation changed? In many cases it is not necessary to submit a new application...
Help! How do I submit the passport copy for the ESTA?
Hundreds of thousands of travellers to the USA are having problems with their ESTA application due to a new safety rule implemented by US immigration...
Visa issues for professional athletes
Professional athletes need specific visas to participate in tournaments in the US. As a fan, you only need to apply for an ESTA...
Applying for a new ESTA to change your personal data
Was the ESTA for your trip to the US issued with an error? Or do you still have an old application pending? Read how you can still submit a new application...
Backlog in processing US visa applications
The USA struggles with long wait times for the B visa. As an alternative, you can apply for the ESTA. Read why an ESTA is approved faster here...
Long waiting times for US visa
US embassies in many countries are experiencing long waiting times for the US visa. Apply for an ESTA to avoid these waiting times. ...
ESTA application after a trip to Cuba still possible?
Early August 2022, e-visa.co.uk reported on the visa requirement for the US for those who recently visited Cuba. Read more about the implementation here. ...
Israel closer to Visa Waiver admission
Israel has taken important steps for admission to the US ESTA programme...
Global Entry available again
Global Entry is possible again for British travellers to the US. This article tells what it is and what it means for the ESTA USA...
Cuba on US List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
Early 2021 the US added Cuba to the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This has an impact on travellers applying for an ESTA...
Cruise through the USA with an ESTA
Instead of making a round trip by car, a cruise holiday is also a way to explore The United States. Tourists need an ESTA for this...
Egypt, Iran and Algeria winners of US visa lottery
Last year, Egypt, Iran and Russia topped the list of visa lottery winners in the United States...
America relaxes immigration rules for Afghan citizens
The US government has recently relaxed some immigration rules for Afghans who wish to settle in the United States...
US behind in reforming H-1B visa conditions
The US is drastically behind in reforming the conditions for the H-1B visa, the visa for skilled migrant workers....
Save time on your trip to the US
The US Immigration Service has preclearance facilities. These facilities make travel to the USA with a visa or ESTA possible...
US Congressmen oppose Israel’s admission to ESTA
A number of prominent US congressmen have called on President Biden’s administration not to allow Israel into the ESTA programme...
United States to issue visas to Cuba after four years
Four years after the closure of the U.S. Consulate in Havana, the US has again decided to issue visas to Cuba...
Romania aims for ESTA admission by 2024
The government of Romania hopes to meet all the requirements for admission to America’s ESTA program by 2024...
Compensating CO₂ with e-visa.co.uk
When applying for tourist or business visas, you can easily compensate your flight’s CO₂ emissions. Let us explain how this works...
Malta possibly excluded from ESTA
Malta is at risk of being excluded from the USA ESTA program. In this regard, two congressmen are introducing a bill...
2022 H-1B Visa application limit reached
The American government has announced that the H-1B visa application limit for 2022 has been reached. The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas...
America tightens ESTA requirements for Hungary
The United States has tightened the ESTA requirements for Hungarian travellers. The new rules affect Hungarians who do not live in Hungary...
ESTA admission to Israel is not guaranteed
It seems unlikely that Israel will be admitted to the ESTA programme of the US any time soon. Negotiations are difficult at the moment...
Seven reasons why your ESTA application might be denied
An ESTA application can be rejected for several reasons. In this article, we will list seven reasons why an ESTA application may be rejected. ...
Applying for an American visa is temporarily easier
Applying for an American visa is temporarily easier. European travellers do not need to apply for a visa, but can apply for an ESTA instead...
New coronavirus regulations to travel to America
Shortly, travellers with an ESTA will have to show a COVID-19 negative result taken up to one day before departure to America...
Traveling to America: vaccines and visas at a glance
From November 8, you can travel to America. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest regulations, from vaccines to visas...
Israel and America talk about ESTA admission
Israel has been trying for years to get into the US ESTA programme, so far without success. However, now there is talk of progress...
Travel to the USA possible again from November
The US travel ban will be lifted in November. European travellers will then be able to travel to the USA again with an ESTA or visa...
Croatia on the verge of ESTA admission
Croatia seems almost certain to be admitted to the US ESTA programme. Croatian citizens will then be able to travel to the USA without a visa...
Growing criticism of USA for maintaining travel ban
The USA refuses to open its borders to EU travellers with a valid ESTA or visa despite mounting criticism...
A holiday on one of the islands of Hawaii
Are you planning to go on holiday to Hawaii? Apply for an ESTA visa before heading to one of the volcanic islands...
US visa required for study or internship in the USA
An ESTA usually suffices for a trip to the USA, but not for an internship or study. A special US visa for students is required for that...
US travel ban maybe lifted before summer
The American travel ban might be lifted before the summer. Travelling to the USA with an ESTA or visa would then become possible again...
Romania and Croatia hope for ESTA admission
Romania and Croatia are very close to being admitted to the American ESTA programme. An ESTA allows you to travel to the USA without a visa...
Green Card: permanent residence permit for the USA
A Green Card is a permanent residence permit for the USA. No Green Card is required for holidays or business trips. Instead, an ESTA is needed...
Elections and the US visa: Changes in 2020
The US presidential elections in 2020 will have a great impact on the visa rules of the country...
My ESTA does not show a National Identification Number
Oftentimes, the ESTA visa does not show a National Identification Number. Read here whether this will lead to problems in your situation...
Carrying medicines into the USA and applying for the ESTA
Medicines that have a controlled substance in them can only be carried into the USA with a medical license. Also remember to apply for an ESTA...
9/11 and coronavirus: impact on travel to the USA
9/11 and the coronavirus: how will travel to the USA change this time?...
Coronavirus in the USA: everything you need to know
The coronavirus has also hit the USA. Here you can read all about how bad things are, how this might affect your trip, and what measures to take...
Can I get an ESTA if I ever used drugs?
A British tourist was deported from the USA after it became known that she had used cocaine. Drug use can lead to an ESTA being cancelled...
Visa or ESTA for trips to the USA?
In most cases it is possible to apply for an ESTA USA for your trip to the United States. Sometimes a US visa application is required...
Reminder: Apply for ESTA 72 hours in advance
Travellers wishing to travel to the United States must apply for their Digital Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours in advance...
This is how an ESTA USA application works
Travelling to the USA? Than a digital travel permit (ESTA USA) is necessary. Here we will explain how the ESTA application procedure works...
Dutch tourist ends up in US jail because of visa error
A Dutch traveller was locked up in a US jail for one week due to an administrative error with her visa...
More illegal immigration due to strict US visa control
Policies meant to curb migration into the USA might have the opposite effect. Read more about the visa policy and immigration in the USA...
ESTA: point of contact/contact person, overnight stay unknown
Point of contact/contact person, residence or emergency contact unknown with ESTA application? No problem, you can still apply for an ESTA; read how here...
Travelling to the USA? Provide usernames social media
The Trump government wants to force non-western travellers to provide their usernames for social media when applying for an ESTA or visa...
Travel ban Trump; visa exemptions rarely granted
The travel ban of Trump has a feature that allows for visa exemptions in certain cases. Read here what conseqeuences this might have for you...
ESTA application? Watch out for letters in the passport!
It is important to correctly write down the passport information when applying for an ESTA. Pay extra attention to letters and digits in the passport number...
Do I need to apply for an ESTA for my trip to Canada?
All travellers headed to Canada need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation beforehand. Check whether you also need to apply for an ESTA...
ESTA possible if I have been to Iran or Iraq?
Travellers that have at some point been to Iran or Iraq cannot always apply for an ESTA. Read how to still travel to the USA here. ...
Suspension visas Turkey and USA
Relations between the USA and Turkey are heating up. This has resulted in a mutual suspension of visas for their respective countries...
e-Visa.ie is a commercial and professional visa agency, and supports travellers in obtaining, among others, the ESTA USA. e-Visa.ie is an official partner of the International Air Transport Association, IATA, with membership number 57231226, acts as an intermediary, is no law firm, nor does it employ lawyers, does not provide legal advice, and is in no way part of any government. You can also apply for a ESTA directly with the immigration service (21 USD per ESTA, via esta.cbp.dhs.gov). However, not with our level of support. If you submit your application via e-Visa.ie, our support centre is available to you 24/7. In addition, we manually check your application and all the documents you provide before submitting it to the immigration authorities on your behalf. If we suspect any errors or omissions while doing so, we will personally contact you to ensure that your application can still be processed quickly and correctly. To use our services, you pay us 21 USD in consular fees, which we pay to the immigration service on your behalf, as well as € 29,71 in service fees as compensation for our services, including VAT. Our services have saved many travellers from major problems during their trip. Should an application be rejected despite our support and verification, we will refund the full purchase price (unless an application for a previous USA ESTA was rejected for the same traveller). Read more about our services here.