The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is a mandatory online system allowing nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) countries* who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or leisure purposes to receive an electronic travel authorisation prior to boarding a US-bound airplane or cruise ship. It does not affect US citizens travelling overseas.

From 8 September 2010, travellers to the U.S. will have to pay US$14 to apply for permission to enter the country. Individuals who plan to travel to the U.S. over the next few months are advised to apply for ESTA before 8 September to avoid the US$14 fee in the short term. Travel details (flight number and travel date) are not required at the time of application.

Applications should be made online by visiting the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel.

For more information about ESTA, please visit http://www.cbp.gov/ESTA.

*VWP countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.