Can You Apply for an ESTA as a Couple? A Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip to the United States with your partner and both of you are from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, you might be asking: Can you apply for an ESTA as a couple? The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an essential part of the entry process for eligible travelers, and understanding how it works when traveling as a couple is crucial. In this guide, we'll explain whether you can apply for an ESTA as a couple, the process involved, and important tips for smooth travel.

What is an ESTA?

The ESTA is an online travel authorization that allows citizens from VWP countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a visa. If you’re traveling with a partner and are both eligible, you might wonder if you can apply together or if each person needs to apply separately.

Can You Apply for an ESTA as a Couple?

The short answer is no—you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple. Each individual must submit their own application for ESTA approval. Even if you are traveling together, every person needs their own ESTA to enter the U.S. This is because the ESTA is linked to each person's passport, and the U.S. authorities need to evaluate each traveler’s eligibility individually.

Why Can’t You Apply for an ESTA as a Couple?

The ESTA is an individual authorization that takes into account personal information such as:

• Passport details
• Personal background
• Travel plans
• Security questions

Since each traveler may have different circumstances or travel histories, the U.S. government requires individual applications for ESTA approval to assess each person’s eligibility based on their own records.

Although both you and your partner may be traveling for the same purpose (e.g., tourism), the system needs to ensure that both travelers meet the requirements and do not have any previous immigration or security issues that would prevent entry into the U.S.

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How to Apply for an ESTA as a Couple

Since each traveler must apply for their own ESTA, here’s how to proceed with the application process:

1. Start Your ESTA Application Individually

Each of you will need to visit the official ESTA application website. The process involves filling out individual forms with personal details, passport information, travel plans, and responses to security questions.

2. Submit Separate Applications

Even if you’re traveling as a couple, submit your ESTA applications separately. You will each need to provide payment for your individual applications. The fee for each ESTA is typically $14, and payments are processed separately.

3. Wait for Approval

Once each person has submitted their ESTA application, you will receive approval notifications individually. Most applications are processed quickly, but it’s a good idea to apply at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure to allow time for any delays.

4. Check Your ESTA Status

You can easily check the status of your ESTA by visiting the official website. It’s important that both of you have approved ESTA authorizations before traveling to the U.S. If one of you is denied, you may need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa instead.

5. Travel with Individual ESTA Approvals

Once both of you have received ESTA approval, you can travel to the U.S. with your individual authorizations. Each person must have their own ESTA linked to their passport to board the flight and be admitted into the U.S.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Key Considerations When Applying for ESTA as a Couple

While you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple, here are a few important things to keep in mind when traveling with a partner:

1. Travel Plans May Vary

If you and your partner have different travel plans, make sure to fill out the ESTA application accordingly. For example, if one of you plans to stay longer than the other or has different travel dates, this should be reflected in each application.

2. Consistent Information

Make sure that the information provided on both of your ESTA applications is consistent, especially regarding your travel dates and destination in the U.S. If both of you will be staying at the same address, this should be listed similarly on both applications.

3. Denied ESTA Applications

If one person’s ESTA application is denied, the other can still proceed with their approved application. However, the person who was denied may need to apply for a U.S. visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If you’re traveling as a couple, you’ll need to plan accordingly, as both of you will need authorization to enter the U.S.

4. Applying for Future Trips Together

Even if you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple, future applications can still be completed at the same time, ensuring both of you are cleared for travel well in advance of your planned trip.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Conclusion

While it’s not possible to apply for an ESTA as a couple, the process is still straightforward for each individual traveler. If you and your partner are both eligible, each of you must submit your own ESTA application, receive approval, and ensure that all travel details are aligned. Remember, ESTA approval is crucial for entry into the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

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