A free, automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors (nationals from 35 participating countries) to travel to the U. S. without a visa under the Visa Waiver programme (VWP). A valid ESTA approval is required for all VWP travel to the U. S. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended travellers apply when they begin preparing travel plans. To learn whether you may be able to travel on VWP, and therefore whether you need an ESTA authorization, see the Visa Waiver programme webpage on this website. For more information about ESTA and/or to apply, see the DHS, Custom and Border Protection's ESTA webpage.