ESTA questions, answered
Everything below reflects current U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance for the Visa Waiver Program. If something isn't covered, email us and we'll answer properly.
Do UK citizens need an ESTA to visit the United States?
Yes. British citizens travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must hold an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding a flight or cruise. It applies to tourism, business trips and transit stays of up to 90 days. Travellers who need to stay longer, or who are travelling for work or study, need a visa instead.
How much does an ESTA cost?
The official U.S. government charge is $40.27: a $10.27 application fee payable by everyone, plus a $30 authorisation fee charged only if your application is approved. Viarify charges a separate service fee on top of that for preparing, checking and filing your application; our total price is shown before you pay.
How long is an ESTA valid?
An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that period you can make multiple trips to the United States, each up to 90 days. If you get a new passport, change your name, or your citizenship changes, you need to apply again.
How long does ESTA approval take?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection advises applying at least 72 hours before travel. Many applications are approved within minutes, but some are held for review and can take up to 72 hours. Viarify files your application within our stated turnaround window and emails you as soon as the decision arrives.
Is Viarify part of the U.S. government?
No. Viarify is an independent UK-based company and a paid convenience service. You can apply yourself on the official ESTA website and pay only the government fee. We charge for checking your details, verifying your identity documents and filing on your behalf.
What documents do I need to apply?
You need a valid biometric (e-passport) from a Visa Waiver Program country, an email address, and your travel and contact details. If you use our scan option you'll also take a photo of your passport page and a selfie so we can verify the document is genuine and matches you.
What happens if my ESTA application is refused?
If U.S. authorities refuse your authorisation, the $30 approval fee is not charged, and we will tell you what the refusal means and what your options are — normally applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy. Our service fee refund position is set out in full on our refund policy page.
Can I apply for my whole family in one go?
Every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own ESTA linked to their own passport. You can start a separate Viarify application for each person using the same email address, and we'll keep you updated on all of them.