Editing Visa Waiver Program (section)

===Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)===
[[File:ESTA record.png|thumb|Record of ESTA approval]]
{{main|Electronic System for Travel Authorization}}
All incoming passengers who intend to take advantage of the Visa Waiver Program are required to apply for a travel authorization through the [[Electronic System for Travel Authorization]] (ESTA) online before departure to the United States, preferably at least 72 hours (3 days) in advance. This requirement was announced on June 3, 2008 and is intended to bolster U.S. security by pre-screening participating VWP passengers against terrorist or no-fly lists and databases.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2067319/US-to-demand-72hrs-notice-for-British-tourists.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606000754/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/2067319/US-to-demand-72hrs-notice-for-British-tourists.html | archive-date=June 6, 2008 | work=The Daily Telegraph | location=London | title=US to demand 72hrs notice for British tourists | first=Andy | last=Bloxham | date=June 3, 2008 | access-date=May 27, 2010}}</ref> It is similar to Australia's [[Electronic Travel Authority (Australia)|Electronic Travel Authority]] system. The authorization is mandatory for participating VWP nationals before traveling to the United States, but as with formal visas this does not guarantee admission into the United States since final admission eligibility is determined at U.S. ports of entry by [[U.S. Customs and Border Protection|CBP]] officers.

ESTA has an application fee of 4 [[United States dollar|USD]], and if approved, an additional fee of 17 USD is charged, for a total of 21 USD. An approved ESTA is valid for up to two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first, and is valid for multiple entries into the United States.{{efn|For nationals of Brunei applying from July 6, 2023, ESTA is valid for one year. For nationals of Hungary applying from August 1, 2023, ESTA is valid for one year and for a single entry to the United States.<ref name=estafaq/>}}<ref name=estafaq>[https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/faq?lang=en Frequently asked questions], Electronic System for Travel Authorization, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.</ref>

When traveling to the United States by air or sea under the VWP with ESTA, the person must be traveling on a participating commercial carrier and hold a valid return or onward ticket, dated within 90 days.<ref name=":0" /> The VWP does not apply at all (i.e. a visa is required) if a passenger arrives via air or sea on an unapproved carrier. ESTA is also required for travel by land.<ref>[https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers CBP Expands ESTA Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers], U.S. Customs and Border Protection, April 7, 2022.</ref>