Last updated: Aug 2026 · Public info note hosted on the San Bernardino County ATC OpenData portal.
This companion resource complements the official ESTA USA application process. It summarizes the practical steps most international travelers follow when planning a Visa Waiver Program trip to the United States.
You will need a machine-readable passport valid for the duration of your stay, your travel itinerary, and a valid payment method. The application itself is completed entirely online; printed forms are not required.
Answer all questions about your trip, residence, and security history accurately. Inconsistent answers are the most common cause of delays. The official portal and guidance documents are linked from ta.us.com.
Approvals typically arrive within hours; check the status page rather than email for the authoritative answer. Once approved, your authorization is electronically linked to the passport number you provided.
Print or save your approval reference number. Airlines and CBP officers verify ESTA status against the passport during check-in and at arrival. For frequency of renewals and fee schedule, see the ESTA Travel Notes resource also hosted on this portal.