How to Apply for ESTA as a Family: A Complete Guide

Traveling to the United States with your family? If you and your family members are from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you can apply for an ESTA USA to enter the United States without the need for a traditional visa. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) allows travelers to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to apply for ESTA as a family, making your journey easier and faster.

What is ESTA and Why Should You Apply?

The ESTA USA is an electronic authorization required for citizens of VWP countries who wish to travel to the United States without a visa. It’s a simple, quick online application that ensures travelers meet the entry requirements for the U.S.

When applying for an ESTA, families can submit a single application for all members traveling together. This is a convenient and efficient process, allowing you to streamline your travel plans.

Do You Need an ESTA to Travel to the United States?

If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, and your trip to the U.S. is for tourism, business, or transit, you must apply for an ESTA. This applies to each family member traveling with you, including minors. If any member of your family does not meet the requirements for the VWP or is planning a longer stay, they will need to apply for a regular visa instead.

How to Apply for ESTA as a Family

Applying for an ESTA USA as a family is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure everything is in order for each family member. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Check Eligibility for Each Family Member

Before applying, make sure all family members meet the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. Each family member must:

• Be a citizen of a VWP country.
• Plan to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
• Have a valid passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the U.S.

If your child or family member doesn’t meet the criteria, they may need to apply for a visa instead of an ESTA.

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

2. Gather Necessary Documents and Information

Each family member applying for an ESTA needs to have the following:

• Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from the U.S.
• Personal Information: Full names, dates of birth, gender, and contact details (phone number, email).
• Travel Information: You will need the travel details for each family member, including your intended travel dates and the address where you will stay in the U.S.
• Payment Information: A credit or debit card to pay the ESTA fee for each member of your family.

Make sure that you have all the information prepared before starting the application process to make it as smooth as possible.

3. Complete the ESTA Application Online

The next step is to visit the official ESTA website. You will need to fill out a separate application for each family member, but you can submit them all at once. When applying for ESTA USA as a family, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Start the application for the first family member.
• Enter their passport details, personal information, and travel plans.
• Answer the security-related questions about any prior criminal convictions, health issues, and travel history.
• Continue with the next family member by following the same steps.

4. Answer Security and Health Questions

During the application process, you will be asked a series of security-related questions, including:

• Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?
• Have you ever been denied entry to the U.S. or had your visa revoked?
• Do you have any contagious diseases?
• Have you overstayed a previous U.S. visa?

These questions must be answered truthfully for each family member. If any family member answers “yes” to any question, their application might be delayed or denied.

5. Review and Submit the Application

Once all the information for each family member has been entered, carefully review all the details to ensure that there are no mistakes. Errors in personal information, passport numbers, or travel plans can delay the approval process.

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

After reviewing the applications, submit the forms for each family member. Be prepared to pay the ESTA fee for each applicant. The standard ESTA fee is typically $14 per person.

6. Wait for Approval

In most cases, the ESTA USA application is processed within minutes. However, it’s recommended that you apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your travel date to ensure that there is enough time for approval.

Once approved, you will receive an electronic confirmation. There is no need to print the authorization, but you can choose to print it for your records.

7. Check the Status of Your ESTA Application

If you need to check the status of your family’s ESTA USA application, you can revisit the official ESTA website and use your passport details to retrieve the application status. This is especially useful if you’ve lost your confirmation or need to make changes.

8. Travel to the United States

Once the ESTA is approved for all members of your family, you can travel to the United States. When you arrive at the U.S. port of entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your ESTA approval and decide whether you are allowed entry into the country.

Remember that an ESTA does not guarantee entry; the CBP officer at the port of entry will make the final decision regarding your entry into the U.S.

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

Additional Tips for Applying for ESTA as a Family

• Apply early: It’s always a good idea to apply for ESTA USA well in advance of your travel dates, especially when traveling with family. This gives you ample time to resolve any issues that may arise.
• Double-check passport information: Make sure that every passport is valid and that the details match exactly when filling out the ESTA form.
• Traveling with minors: Even children and infants traveling with you must have their own ESTA approval. They cannot be included on your application.

How Long is ESTA Valid for?

An approved ESTA USA is typically valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can visit the United States multiple times under the Visa Waiver Program, as long as each stay is no longer than 90 days.

Apply for ESTA USA as a Family Today!

Applying for ESTA USA as a family is simple and straightforward. By following these steps, you can ensure that all members of your family have the necessary travel authorization to visit the United States.

CLICK HERE to apply for ESTA USA as a family and get ready for your adventure to the U.S.!

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