Last updated: Aug 2026 · Public info note hosted on the San Bernardino County ATC OpenData portal.
Applicants for the ESTA USA authorization routinely ask the same practical questions. This resource provides plain-language answers collected into one place; the authoritative application and fee schedule remain at the official portal linked below.
No. ESTA is an online travel authorization for the Visa Waiver Program, not a visa. It removes the need to visit an embassy, but it does not grant visa status. A short comparison is available from ta.us.com.
Apply well ahead of departure. Most approvals are effectively immediate, but allowing a few business days covers slower cases. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid authorization, so check-in staff verify ESTA status at the gate.
Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years (or until passport expiry). If key details change — such as a new passport or a legal name change — you must submit a new application. Updated guidance is maintained on ta.us.com.
Yes. Each traveler, including children and infants, must have their own approved ESTA before boarding. See the Application Companion Guide on this portal for step-by-step preparation.