U.S Consulate

Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)

As you may be aware new regulations came into affect 12 January 2009 for Australian and New Zealand passport holders wishing to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). Now, you will need electronic “travel authorisation” from US authorities. The new system is know as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). Information required through ESTA mirrors the data travellers already submit through the I-94W paper form currently filled out upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry; however, it simplifies the process by allowing visitors to complete the form online prior to arrival.

This authorisation is only available electronically and a fee of USD$14.00 is charged for ESTA applications submitted from September 8, 2010. The application requires travellers to provide specific personal information to US immigration authorities. This will then generate a reply either authorising or denying approval to visit the USA and is valid for 2 years and multiple entries. Passengers who do not have authorisation under this new process may not be able to board their flights to the USA. Travelers with a valid ESTA authorisation do not need to re-apply until their current authorisation expires.

VWP travelers should be aware that unauthorised third-parties have established websites, which charge visitors for information and for submitting ESTA applications.   These websites are NOT endorsed by, associated with, nor affiliated in any way with the U.S. government. 

To complete an online ESTA application please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

The most comprehensive source of information on U.S. Consular services in Australia is their website at http://sydney.usconsulate.gov 

Further information on U.S. Consular services overseas is available on the Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov