With the exact regex the official site enforces, the error message it returns, and what you probably did wrong. Pre-check your values in the ESTA page's local validator before pasting.
Copy only the passport number from the photo page. Use the VWP e-passport you will carry to the United States.
^[A-Z0-9]{1,20}$
max 20Enter every family and given name in the Latin spelling printed on the passport. Do not follow a shortened airline-ticket name.
Match the passport date. This local checker uses YYYY-MM-DD; on the ESTA site, use its date controls.
Use an inbox you control and can open while traveling. Check the domain before continuing.
Include the country code and a reachable number. If you have no phone, CBP permits a reachable third-party number.
Enter your current street, city, region, and country. The US place of stay is requested separately.
Answer Yes or No even when you have no current employer. If Yes, enter the current or previous employer details requested.
Use a friend, relative, business contact, hotel, or place of stay. If you do not know the information, enter UNKNOWN.
The official printable ESTA application marks this section Optional. Add listed identifiers if you choose, or leave it blank.
The official site shows a confirmation on screen. Screenshot it — that's your backup.
Within a few minutes from a dhs.gov address, with the record details.
Save your application number and check the official site for Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Authorization Pending. Approval is electronic; it does not guarantee admission.
Screenshot is fine. PDF is fine. Even the email app open on your phone is fine.
Rare. Officer looks you up by passport number — your record is already in the system.
Use the CBP site and the e-passport you will carry. ESTA is a paid travel authorization, not a visa. An approved application costs USD $40.27: $4.00 to process it, then $36.27 after approval. Apply no later than 72 hours before departure.
The checker below covers the 9 field groups in data/rules/usa.json. It runs in your browser and sends nothing to us. The live CBP form controls the final application.
Type your details below. We never send them anywhere. This runs 100% in your browser. View source to verify.
Check the host again: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The official charge starts with the $4.00 processing fee. The $36.27 authorization fee is charged only after approval. If the result is Travel Not Authorized, only the $4.00 processing fee applies.
Save the application number after submission. Approval is usually valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Brunei passport holders receive a 1-year validity period.
If you still need coverage for the trip, these links support entrycardguide without changing the price you pay.
Affiliate disclosure: if you buy through one of these links, we may earn a commission. We never accept money from visa middlemen, form-filing services, or companies that compete with the official government forms we point to.