What Documents Are Needed for an ESTA Application?

Traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has become simpler thanks to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). While the ESTA process is entirely online, you still need to prepare certain documents and information before starting your application. Having everything ready ensures a smooth process and reduces the risk of errors or delays.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what documents are required for an Esta application, why each is important, and how to ensure your submission is approved quickly and easily.

Table of Contents

What Is ESTA and Why It’s Important

ESTA is an online travel authorization system managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It determines if travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries can enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit without a visa.

If approved, your ESTA allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days per visit, and it’s valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

Even though ESTA doesn’t require you to visit a U.S. embassy, you still need specific documents and accurate details to complete the process successfully.

Required Documents for an ESTA Application

When applying for ESTA, you don’t need to upload any files or submit paper forms. However, you must have access to certain documents and information. Below are the key items every traveler must prepare.

1. A Valid e-Passport

Your passport is the most important document for your ESTA application. To qualify, it must:

Be issued by a Visa Waiver Program country
Be an electronic passport (e-passport) with a microchip symbol on the cover
Remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States

Your ESTA will be electronically linked to this passport. If your passport expires, your ESTA automatically becomes invalid — even if it hasn’t yet expired.

Tip: Double-check your passport number, issue date, and expiration date before submitting your application.

2. Personal Information

You’ll need to provide accurate personal details exactly as they appear on your passport, including:

Full name (first, middle, and last name)
Date of birth
Gender
Country of citizenship
Home address and phone number

Any mismatch between your ESTA form and your passport can cause delays or rejection.

3. Employer or School Information

ESTA requires applicants to provide details of their current or previous employment, or educational institution if you’re a student. You may need to include:

Employer or school name
Address
Contact details

This helps U.S. authorities verify your background and reason for travel.

4. Travel Information

Although ESTA does not require confirmed flight or hotel bookings, you should still provide basic travel details, such as:

Your U.S. contact address (e.g., hotel name or host’s address)
Airline name and flight number (if available)
City of arrival and departure

Providing clear travel information helps authorities process your ESTA faster and with fewer questions.

5. Emergency Contact Information

You’ll be asked to list at least one emergency contact, either in or outside the United States. This includes:

Full name
Phone number
Email address

This information is essential for safety purposes and must be accurate.

6. Payment Method

To complete your ESTA application, you must pay a small non-refundable fee. Acceptable payment methods include:

Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)
Debit card
PayPal (if available)

Ensure your payment card is valid and matches your billing address. If the payment fails, your ESTA will not be processed.

7. Contact Email Address

A valid and active email address is required to receive updates about your ESTA status. You’ll be notified when your application is approved, pending, or denied.

Make sure you have access to this email, as all communication from the ESTA system will be sent there.

Optional but Useful Supporting Information

While not mandatory, it’s helpful to have the following information ready when applying for ESTA:

Previous U.S. travel details (if applicable)
Social media accounts (optional, but included on the form)
Details of any previous visas or ESTA approvals

Having these details available makes the process quicker and ensures consistency across all your records.

How to Use These Documents During Application

Here’s how to correctly use your documents while completing your ESTA application:

Start with your passport: Enter your passport number, expiration date, and issuing country exactly as shown on the passport.
Fill in personal and travel details: Match every name and date correctly to avoid errors.
Add contact and emergency details: Use reliable phone numbers and emails.
Review all entries: Small mistakes (like switching digits or missing letters) can lead to rejection.
Pay the fee: Submit your payment only through the official ESTA website (.gov).

Important Tips Before Submitting Your ESTA

Apply at least 72 hours before departure. This allows time for review or corrections.
Use only the official ESTA website. Avoid third-party platforms that charge unnecessary fees.
Save your confirmation number. You’ll need it to check your application status or reprint approval later.
Keep your passport and ESTA valid. Both must remain active for your trip.

What Happens After Submission

After submitting your ESTA application, you’ll typically receive a response within minutes, though some applications can take up to 72 hours. You’ll be notified by email once your ESTA status changes.

If your ESTA is approved, it will automatically link to your passport. You don’t need to print it, but keeping a copy is recommended for your records.

If your ESTA is denied, you’ll need to apply for a B1/B2 visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Entering the wrong passport number or expiration date
Using a non-e-passport
Providing incomplete contact information
Applying through unofficial websites
Ignoring status updates after submission

Carefully reviewing all information before submitting will greatly improve your chances of quick approval.

Conclusion

Preparing the correct documents is the first step toward a successful ESTA application. With a valid e-passport, accurate personal and travel details, and a reliable payment method, you can easily apply online in just a few minutes.