You can apply for ESTA authorization at any time. This applies to nationals of countries not subject to visa requirements. They can complete the form online, even if they are not yet planning to travel to the USA. Authorized stays include business, tourism and transit trips of up to 90 days. If you meet the security criteria, you’ll have to wait a little while for a reply before you can leave for the USA. Once your authorization has been received, it is valid for a certain period of time, enabling you to travel to the USA several times with the same authorization. That’s what we’re going to find out in this article.

The time it takes to obtain ESTA authorization

The advantage of applying for ESTA is that you don’t need to go anywhere. All you need to do is apply online using an ESTA form. Don’t forget to bring your valid passport and a payment card. The online form can be filled out on the official U.S. government website, or on a private site of your choice. Once the request has been validated, the information provided will be checked against the immigration services database. The system delivers a rapid response, which may take a few minutes. If the response is positive, the traveler can begin his or her journey to the USA. If the U.S. authorities wish to examine your ESTA application longer, or if there are a large number of applications to process, you will receive a reply within 72 hours.

In the event of a refusal, you can contact the American embassy to find out about the formalities involved in obtaining a USA visa. Applying for a U.S. visa takes a little longer, and can take several months.

It is possible, however, that the traveler may have made errors when filling in the ESTA form, or in the answers given on the questionnaire. In this case, the traveler can reapply for ESTA 10 days later, but will have to pay the application fee again.

How long can the beneficiary use the authorization?

Once the request has been accepted and the authorization issued, it is valid for two years. The traveler will be able to make several trips to the USA during the period of validity of his ESTA without having to renew his application each time he returns. They can, however, update some of their information. Remember that stays must not exceed 90 days. The validity period becomes void when :

• the biometric or electronic passport has expired or has been lost;
• if major changes have occurred in the meantime, such as a change of sex or name following marriage.

In this case, you’ll need to apply for a new passport and then an ESTA in order to travel to the United States. Alternatively, you can apply to the U.S. embassy for a tourist visa to enter the country.