By Clare Yates
4 min read
Here’s a clear, no-fuss guide to what ESTA is, who needs it, how to apply – and how it ties in with your travel insurance.
What is ESTA?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. It’s an online service that gives you permission to enter the USA without a full visa – as long as you’re eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.
It’s not a visa in the traditional sense, but you’ll still need it to board your flight if you:
Hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country - this includes the UK.
Are visiting for tourism or business for up to 90 days.
Are not already a visitor’s visa holder.
You’ll need a separate ESTA for everyone in your group – even babies and children.
How do you apply for an ESTA?
The application is simple and done entirely online:
Head to the official ESTA site.
Fill in your passport and travel details.
Answer questions about your eligibility (things like criminal history or previous overstays).
Pay the fee (as at the time of writing this is $40 per person).
Wait for approval – often within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours.
Once you’re approved, the ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. You can travel multiple times within that period, as long as each stay is under 90 days.
What can cause your ESTA to be rejected?
While most applications go through quickly, there are a few reasons why an ESTA might be refused. These include:
A serious criminal conviction.
Overstaying on a previous trip to the US.
Errors on your application, like incorrect passport details.
If your ESTA is denied, you may need to apply for a full visa instead. That can take several days, weeks or even months, so it’s best to apply early.
How does ESTA affect your travel insurance?
Missing travel documents – like forgetting to apply for your ESTA – isn’t usually covered by travel insurance. That means if you're denied boarding because you didn’t sort your paperwork, you could end up out of pocket.
Here’s why it matters:
You might not be able to board your flight without it.
If you're refused entry, your insurance may not cover your costs.
Insurers expect you to have all the right documents in place before you leave.
What about updates and changes?
If your ESTA is approved but your passport changes, or you change your name, gender or country of citizenship, you’ll need to apply again. But if your travel details change (like the address you’re staying at), you can update your existing ESTA online.
Key things to remember
ESTA isn’t optional – you need it to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program.
Apply at least 72 hours before you travel (earlier if possible).
It’s valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Always double-check your details before submitting.
ESTA only applies to air and sea travel – land borders are different.
Always use the official US government ESTA site to apply – not a third-party site that might charge you extra or delay the process. And don’t leave it to the last minute. A rejected ESTA the night before your flight can mean cancelling your trip altogether.
The bottom line? ESTA is a must-have if you’re heading to the US without a visa. It’s quick to apply for, valid for multiple trips, and absolutely essential for boarding your flight. Make sure it’s in place before you travel – because if anything goes wrong and you’re turned away, your travel insurance probably won’t step in to help.