美國簽證ESTA是什麼？本文將分享美國電子簽證ESTA效期、費用與準備文件，提供你網頁及App美國ESTA申請步驟。美國ESTA申請完成後，若想暢遊美國，推薦租車自駕，更自由地探索當地景點！
Table of contents
I. What is a US visa ESTA? A summary of its validity period, fees, and pre-application preparations.
(a) What is the US ESTA? Who can apply?
(ii) How long is the validity period of a U.S. Electronic Visa (ESTA)? How can I check the validity period?
(iii) How much does it cost to apply for a U.S. visa ESTA?
(iv) What documents are required for applying for a U.S. visa ESTA?
(v) How far in advance should I complete the ESTA application? How long does the review process take for approval?
II. US ESTA Application Tutorial: A Complete Guide to the Web & App Application Process
(a) ESTA Application Steps via Web Version
(II) ESTA Application Steps (App Version)
III. Must Read Before Applying! Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding US Visa ESTA
Q1: How can I confirm that the website I used to apply for ESTA is the official website?
Q2: What are some common ESTA scam tactics?
Q3: What should I do if I accidentally stumble upon a third-party ESTA application website?
Q4: After changing my passport, can I still use my ESTA visa?
Q5: What are the reasons for failing to apply for ESTA?
Q6: Can I reapply for ESTA if my application is rejected?
I. What is a US visa ESTA? A summary of its validity period, fees, and pre-application preparations.
If you are planning a short trip or business trip to the United States, you must understand ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). This is an essential item before entering the United States. Next, we will take you through the key information such as what ESTA is, who can apply, how to apply, and how long it is valid, so that you can prepare smoothly and start your journey with ease.
(a) What is the US ESTA? Who can apply?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a fast-track clearance permit designed for citizens of specific countries or regions in the United States.
If you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and plan to travel to the United States for short-term tourism or business travel, staying for no more than 90 days, you do not need to apply for a traditional visa, but you will need to apply for an ESTA authorization and obtain permission before you can enter the United States.
💡 Who can apply for ESTA?
Only citizens of participating countries are eligible to apply. Currently, VWP has 40 member countries (regions), including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. A complete list can be found on the website of the U.S. State Department.Travel.State.GovSearch.
⚠️ Exceptions to visa-free eligibility
Even if you hold a passport from a VWP country, you will not be eligible for ESTA visa-free entry if you meet any of the following conditions and must apply for a traditional visa instead:
- After March 1, 2011, he visited North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen (excluding those for diplomatic or military official purposes).
- Those who visited Cuba after January 21, 2021 (excluding those who visited for diplomatic or military purposes).
- He holds dual citizenship in Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, and Syria.
(ii) How long is the validity period of a U.S. Electronic Visa (ESTA)? How can I check the validity period?
ESTA is valid for 2 years. During this 2-year validity period, you...Multiple entries into the United StatesHowever, it's important to note that the longest stay in the US each time is...No more than 90 daysThe
The following two situations can cause your ESTA card to expire prematurely; please be sure to check them before departure:
- Passport expiredSince the ESTA is linked to passport information, if the passport expires within the validity period of the ESTA, the ESTA will automatically become invalid.
- Personal information changeOnce you fill in your personal information when applying for an ESTA, you cannot change it. If you reissue your passport due to factors such as changing your name or gender, you must reapply for an ESTA.
If you are unsure of your ESTA's expiration date, you can log in at any time. ESTA Official Website(https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/), click "Check ESTA Status for approved applications.",enterPassport number,Date of birthrespond in singingApplication number (or passport issuing country, etc.)You can then check the approval status and exact expiry date of the ESTA.
However, if your ESTA is about to expire, do you necessarily have to renew it? Not necessarily, because the US doesn't stipulate how long an ESTA must be valid before entry is permitted.As long as your ESTA is "valid" upon entry into the United States, you are eligible.In other words, if youThe ESTA expires after you enter the United States and does not need to be renewed.You can still stay for the full 90 days.
(iii) How much does it cost to apply for a U.S. visa ESTA?
The current application fee for ESTA is $40, which includes the following three parts:
- Processing fee$10
- Authorization fee$17
- Government fiscal funds$13
When you submit your application, the system will first ask you to pay a $10 processing fee. If the application is approved, another $30 will be deducted from your default payment method (authorization fee + government funding). If the application fails, you will not need to pay any further fees.
The ESTA website currently accepts the following payment methods:
- credit cardsMasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover
- Electronic paymentPayPal
(iv) What documents are required for applying for a U.S. visa ESTA?
ESTA applications are submitted online, and the process is simple and quick, but please make sure you have the following key documents and tools on hand:
- Passport within its validity period
- Selfie (digital file)
- Personal information (English name, date of birth, address, phone number, family information, employment information, emergency contact/contact in the US, etc.)
- Credit card or PayPal account accepted for payment
(v) How far in advance should I complete the ESTA application? How long does it take for it to be approved?
ESTA's default review time isWithin 72 hours (3 days) of applicationIt will be handled. However, to avoid unexpected situations affecting the trip, it is usually recommended to...Apply for ESTA at least one week in advance.Only in this way can we ensure a smooth journey.
II. US ESTA Application Tutorial: A Complete Guide to the Web & App Application Process
After learning about the basic information of ESTA, the next step is to put it into practice! Whether you are a "web user" who is used to operating on a computer or an "app user" who prefers to use your mobile phone to complete the application quickly, you can choose the method that suits you best.
(a) ESTA Application Steps via Web Version
1. Go to the ESTA official website (make sure you check that it is the official and correct website address). https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/In the upper right corner, you can select "Chinese" as the language.
2. Press "Create New Application" and select "Individual Application".
3. After reading the disclaimer, select "Yes, I have read and understand this information and agree to these terms," and then click "Next Page."
4. Upload your passport and a selfie. The selfie requirements are as follows:
- The photo shows the head and shoulders.
- Full face in the shot, showing eyebrows and ears
- Use a plain background (light or white is recommended).
- Do not wear lenses that enlarge pupils, colored contact lenses, sunglasses, hats, or masks.
- Filters or photo editing are not allowed.
💡 TipIt is recommended to upload a selfie according to the "strict requirements for taking passport photos" to avoid errors. However, you cannot directly use the passport photo; you must have two different personal photos.
5. Check if the passport photo automatically imported by the system is correct. If there are no problems, continue answering the nationality question and filling in your email address. After completing this, click "Next Page." The system will send an email to your address. You will need to enter the 4-digit alphanumeric code from the email before proceeding to the next step.
6. After entering the code, you will need to fill in your personal information. Remember to fill it in in English.
- English address lookup:Chunghwa Post – Chinese Address Translation
- Name translation in English:Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Affairs Bureau – Foreign Names to English Translation System
7. Enter your travel-related information, including your contact person, address, and emergency contact in the United States. For the contact person in the U.S., you can fill in "a relative residing in the U.S.," "the hotel where you checked in on the first day," or "the language school," etc.
8. Answer entry-related questions based on your own circumstances.
9. Check each item of information to ensure it is filled in correctly. If everything is correct, click "Next Page".
10. After payment, your ESTA application is complete. Remember to keep your "application number" for future tracking of the application status. If you don't need to pay immediately, you can exit at this step. Remember to pay before the deadline, otherwise you will need to fill in all the information again.
(II) ESTA Application Steps (App Version)
1. Download the official ESTA app. (iOS download / Android download)
2. Open the App to begin the application process. After carefully reading the disclaimer, check the box indicating "Yes, I have read and understood this information and agree to these tour fees."
3. Follow the specified steps to photograph the inside of your passport and check that the information is correct.
4. Verify the applicant's identity by scanning the passport cover chip with your mobile phone.
5. Take personal photos and build a facial recognition database.
6. Check that your passport information is correct. Next, you need to fill in your email address. After you finish filling it in, you will receive a verification code in your email. You need to enter the 4-digit alphanumeric code in the email to proceed to the next step of filling in your personal information, including your address, phone number, parents' names, etc. Remember to fill it in in English.
- English address lookup:Chunghwa Post – Chinese Address Translation
- Name translation in English:Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consular Affairs Bureau – Foreign Names to English Translation System
7. Enter your travel-related information, including your contact person, address, and emergency contact in the United States. For the contact person in the U.S., you can fill in "a relative residing in the U.S.," "the hotel where you checked in on the first day," or "the language school," etc.
8. Answer entry-related questions based on your own circumstances.
9. Check each item of information to ensure it is filled out correctly.
10. After payment, your ESTA application is complete. Remember to keep your "Application Number" for future tracking of the application status. If you don't need to pay immediately, you can exit at this step. Remember to pay before the deadline, otherwise you will need to fill in all the information again.
III. Must Read Before Applying! Frequently Asked Questions and Answers Regarding US Visa ESTA
Before officially submitting your ESTA application, you may have some questions. Below are six frequently asked questions with detailed answers, including how to verify the authenticity of the application website, common ESTA scams, and what to do if you accidentally access a third-party website. These tips will help you complete your application smoothly.
Q1: How can I confirm that the website ESTA (Electronic Stability and Administration) for my US visa application is the official website?
The official ESTA application website is:https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/The
Before submitting your application, make sure the website address ends in .gov and clearly displays the names of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This ensures that it is the official website and not a third-party website.
Q2: What are some common ESTA scam tactics?
Common ESTA scams include the following two types:
- Agency websiteThe website claims to offer "application processing services" and charges exorbitant additional processing fees (such as $50 or $100) on top of the official fee of $40. Unfamiliar applicants may only discover that they have been charged excessive and unusual fees after making payment.
- phishing websitesSome malicious websites may mimic official websites to trick you into entering your personal information, such as your passport and credit card details, thereby stealing and misusing your data. Before filling in any information, be sure to check the accuracy of the website address.
Q3: What should I do if I accidentally stumble upon a third-party ESTA application website?
If you accidentally fill in information and pay fees on a third-party website, you can protect your rights through the following methods:
- Confirm ESTA application status:Enter ESTA Official Website(https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/Check the application status. If ESTA has not yet applied, it is recommended to submit the application through the correct official channels to ensure ESTA can approve it smoothly and avoid affecting subsequent travel plans.
- Request a refundContact the third-party website to request a refund. If a refund is not possible, apply to the issuing bank for a stop payment or disputed amount within the specified period to try to recover the extra service fees charged.
- Freezing and Reissuing Credit CardsIf you are worried about your credit card being fraudulently used by third-party websites, you can go a step further and apply to the issuing bank to freeze the card and replace it.
Q4: After changing my passport, can I still use my ESTA visa?
No. If your passport expires, is lost, damaged, or you get a new passport for any reason, the original authorized ESTA information will not match the passport information and will become unusable and automatically expire. You will need to submit a new ESTA application to successfully enter the United States.
Q5: What are the reasons for failing to apply for ESTA?
While most VWP travelers successfully pass the ESTA review, applications can still fail. Common reasons include:
- Excluded from visa-free eligibilityThe exclusions for VWP visa eligibility may be frequently updated; it is recommended to visit the website of the U.S. Department of State before applying.Travel.State.Gov"Confirmed again."
- Application materials are incorrect or falseThe error occurred when filling in basic information such as passport number, date of birth, and nationality.
- Criminal RecordThe applicant has a serious criminal conviction record.
- Previously deported or denied entry to the United States: Has a history of overstaying or violating the law in the United States.
- Disease or health factorsSuffering from an infectious disease that is prohibited from entry into the United States under U.S. law.
Q6: Can I reapply for ESTA if my application is rejected?
Yes, but first you need to confirm the reason for the application being rejected. If it was due to an error in the information entered, you can resubmit the application.
However, if an ESTA application is rejected based on eligibility, the system will explain the reason in the letter. If your eligibility criteria have not changed, you will not be approved even if you reapply. It is recommended that you directly apply for a traditional visa.
IV. Next step after obtaining your US ESTA visa: We recommend renting a car for a more relaxed and enjoyable trip!
Congratulations! ESTA approval has been successfully granted, and the doors of America are opening to you. If you want to deeply experience America's vast landscapes and exhilarating road trip culture, renting a car and driving yourself is definitely the best way to travel.
However, with so many car rental companies available, choosing one that offers excellent service, transparent pricing, and protects travelers' rights becomes a crucial issue. Here, we recommend the highly reputable American car rental company, "Skyline Car Rental."
Tianma Car Rental has the following advantages:
- Full Chinese serviceWhether it's questions during booking or unexpected situations encountered during the trip, you can communicate in your familiar language at any time, eliminating language barriers.
- InsuranceWhen you rent a car, we offer three different levels of insurance options, which you can purchase according to your individual needs, making your driving more worry-free.
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off pointsWe offer flexible pick-up and drop-off locations based on your travel itinerary, including major airports, downtown areas, and surrounding cities in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
- Price transparencyThe price you see when booking on the website is the final cost you will pay. There are no hidden fees, allowing you to have a more accurate understanding of your travel budget.
- A variety of models are availableTianma Car Rental offers a variety of car models, including sedans, SUVs, and minivans, allowing you to choose the most suitable vehicle based on the number of passengers and the size of your luggage.
Public transportation in the United States is not as convenient as in many Asian countries. Driving allows you to break free from service restrictions and freely explore hidden gems inaccessible by public transport. Choose Tianma Car Rental for your self-drive tour and save time on transfers and waiting periods, allowing you to travel the United States more freely!
Click the button below to book your exclusive American ride now.
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