Applying for ESTA to New York: What do you need to know?
Published on 28 January 2024,. Last updated on 17 May 2025,
New York Info
Are you going to New York? Then start applying for your ESTA on time. In this article you will read step by step what an ESTA is, why you need it, and how to apply for it quickly and easily. That way you will leave well prepared and can enjoy your trip to the United States without any worries!
What exactly is an ESTA?
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory travel authorization for travelers from Europe who want to fly to America. You need it if you are traveling to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program.
Good to know: You can apply for an ESTA if you live in a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France or the United Kingdom. It also includes residents of Germany, Spain, Italy and other EU countries.
Is an ESTA the same as a visa?
No, an ESTA is not a visa. It is a visa waiver. An approved ESTA allows you to travel to America without a visa for tourism, business or a transfer. Applying is faster, cheaper and easier than a visa process.
How long is an ESTA travel authorization valid?
An ESTA is valid for two years from the time of approval. Has your passport expired earlier? Then your ESTA will expire as well. So make sure your passport is still valid for at least two years before applying for an ESTA.
How long can you stay in the U.S. with an ESTA?
A valid ESTA allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. After that, you must leave the country. However, it is possible to travel again later, as long as you stay within the conditions.
What do you need to apply for an ESTA?
Applying for an ESTA is easy. You only need a few things:
1. A valid passport
2. A digital photo or scan of your passport
3. A credit card or PayPal account for payment of $21.
Where and how can you apply for an ESTA?
The best way to apply for an ESTA is through the official U.S. government website. The process is user-friendly and you have it taken care of within 10 minutes. Note that there are many commercial websites operating that charge extra fees. Therefore, always choose the official website.
How much does an ESTA cost?
For an ESTA application through the official website, you pay $21 per person. You pay this amount online with a credit card or through PayPal. Beware of websites that charge more than necessary!
When should you apply for an ESTA?
Although you often get a response within 24 hours, we recommend applying for your ESTA at least 4 weeks in advance. Should anything go wrong, you still have plenty of time to resolve it.
Applying for ESTA: How does it work step by step?
1. Go to the official ESTA website
2. Fill out the application form completely
3. Upload a scan of your passport
4.Pay the application fee of $21
5. Wait for approval via email (usually within 24 hours)
Click below to begin your application immediately:
Applying for ESTA as LGBT: What should you look out for?
Good news: as an LGBT person, you can apply for an ESTA without any problems. Your orientation or gender identity does not affect the approval of your application. Even under current U.S. policy in 2025, there are no rules that exclude LGBT travelers.
However, there are differences in acceptance between American states. In cities such as New York or San Francisco, you are likely to feel more welcome than in more conservative regions. However, this does not change your right to entry through an ESTA.
In short: LGBT or not, you may simply travel to the U.S. if you otherwise meet the conditions.
Applying for ESTA: What about your social media accounts?
When applying for an ESTA for your trip to the United States, you may encounter the question of whether you want to fill out your social media profiles. This raises questions for many travelers: is it required? Will your profile really be viewed? And what if you share political or personal opinions?
Is it mandatory to fill out your social media accounts?
No. Filling out your social media accounts on an ESTA application is voluntary. You may skip this step, and your application will be processed as usual. The purpose of this question is to clarify, in specific cases, if in doubt about someone’s background or identity.
Are you judged by what you share on your social media accounts?
In principle, no. U.S. Customs only looks further if there is reason to do so, for example in case of conspicuous or risky signs. Normal use of social media , even if you share personal opinions or post LGBT-related content, is not grounds for denial of your ESTA or entry to the U.S.
Can you be denied with a valid ESTA?
If you have applied for and been approved for an ESTA, you may think that you are automatically allowed to enter the United States. But that’s not entirely true. It is important to know that even with a valid ESTA, you can still be denied entry at the border.
Why you can still be denied with a valid ESTA?
Upon arrival in the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will decide if you are allowed to enter the country. They will check your documents and may ask you questions about your travel plans. Customs may deny you entry if:
1. You give unclear or contradictory answers
3. You previously had problems with the U.S. border
4. Your travel destination is not clear or seems suspicious
5. You want to stay longer than allowed with an ESTA
6. There are other security reasons
Applying for ESTA from 2025: What has changed and what should you look out for?
The political situation in the United States has changed again in 2025. These developments affect policies around international travel and border admission policies. With this in mind, we inquired from reliable sources about applying for an ESTA. Based on these insights, below we share 5 important tips for travelers to the US.
Our 5 tips for applying for an ESTA in 2025
Although the ESTA system has remained basically the same, there are some points of interest that you should not ignore in 2025.
1. Apply for your ESTA on time
Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your ESTA at least 4 weeks before departure. Although most applications are approved quickly (within 24 hours), it is more common that additional verification is required.
2. Make sure your information is accurate
Check your name, passport number and contact information carefully. Minor errors may result in delay or rejection.
3. Socialmedia is optional, but be aware
Filling out social media accounts is still not mandatory, but U.S. authorities may look into this if in doubt. Make sure your online profile appears trustworthy.
4. Travel purpose must be clear
Customs sometimes asks additional questions upon arrival. So be prepared with a clear travel plan (for example, a hotel reservation or return ticket) appropriate for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
5. Political or social expressions? No problem, if peaceful
Have you spoken out on sensitive issues such as human rights, climate or LGBT rights? No worries: as long as you speak out peacefully and legally, that’s not grounds for rejection of your ESTA.
Edward and Raziye
Authors New York Info
Special offers for a city trip to New York
Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions in , then take advantage of the offers below!
Cheap internet in New York
Want to make cheap calls and use the internet in New York? Read our tips
Cheap New York Yankees Tickets
Looking for cheap New York Yankees tickets? Read our tips
Cheap Broadway Tickets
Are you looking for cheap Broadway tickets?Read our tips
Applying for ESTA to New York: What do you need to know?
Are you going to New York? Then start applying for your ESTA on time. In this article you will read step by step what an ESTA is, why you need it, and how to apply for it quickly and easily. That way you will leave well prepared and can enjoy your trip to the United States without any worries!
What exactly is an ESTA?
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory travel authorization for travelers from Europe who want to fly to America. You need it if you are traveling to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program.
Good to know: You can apply for an ESTA if you live in a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as the Netherlands, Belgium, France or the United Kingdom. It also includes residents of Germany, Spain, Italy and other EU countries.
Is an ESTA the same as a visa?
No, an ESTA is not a visa. It is a visa waiver. An approved ESTA allows you to travel to America without a visa for tourism, business or a transfer. Applying is faster, cheaper and easier than a visa process.
How long is an ESTA travel authorization valid?
An ESTA is valid for two years from the time of approval. Has your passport expired earlier? Then your ESTA will expire as well. So make sure your passport is still valid for at least two years before applying for an ESTA.
How long can you stay in the U.S. with an ESTA?
A valid ESTA allows you to stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. After that, you must leave the country. However, it is possible to travel again later, as long as you stay within the conditions.
What do you need to apply for an ESTA?
Applying for an ESTA is easy. You only need a few things:
1. A valid passport
2. A digital photo or scan of your passport
3. A credit card or PayPal account for payment of $21.
Where and how can you apply for an ESTA?
The best way to apply for an ESTA is through the official U.S. government website. The process is user-friendly and you have it taken care of within 10 minutes. Note that there are many commercial websites operating that charge extra fees. Therefore, always choose the official website.
How much does an ESTA cost?
For an ESTA application through the official website, you pay $21 per person. You pay this amount online with a credit card or through PayPal. Beware of websites that charge more than necessary!
When should you apply for an ESTA?
Although you often get a response within 24 hours, we recommend applying for your ESTA at least 4 weeks in advance. Should anything go wrong, you still have plenty of time to resolve it.
Applying for ESTA: How does it work step by step?
1. Go to the official ESTA website
2. Fill out the application form completely
3. Upload a scan of your passport
4.Pay the application fee of $21
5. Wait for approval via email (usually within 24 hours)
Click below to begin your application immediately:
Applying for ESTA as LGBT: What should you look out for?
Good news: as an LGBT person, you can apply for an ESTA without any problems. Your orientation or gender identity does not affect the approval of your application. Even under current U.S. policy in 2025, there are no rules that exclude LGBT travelers.
However, there are differences in acceptance between American states. In cities such as New York or San Francisco, you are likely to feel more welcome than in more conservative regions. However, this does not change your right to entry through an ESTA.
In short: LGBT or not, you may simply travel to the U.S. if you otherwise meet the conditions.
Applying for ESTA: What about your social media accounts?
When applying for an ESTA for your trip to the United States, you may encounter the question of whether you want to fill out your social media profiles. This raises questions for many travelers: is it required? Will your profile really be viewed? And what if you share political or personal opinions?
Is it mandatory to fill out your social media accounts?
No. Filling out your social media accounts on an ESTA application is voluntary. You may skip this step, and your application will be processed as usual. The purpose of this question is to clarify, in specific cases, if in doubt about someone’s background or identity.
Are you judged by what you share on your social media accounts?
In principle, no. U.S. Customs only looks further if there is reason to do so, for example in case of conspicuous or risky signs. Normal use of social media , even if you share personal opinions or post LGBT-related content, is not grounds for denial of your ESTA or entry to the U.S.
Can you be denied with a valid ESTA?
If you have applied for and been approved for an ESTA, you may think that you are automatically allowed to enter the United States. But that’s not entirely true. It is important to know that even with a valid ESTA, you can still be denied entry at the border.
Why you can still be denied with a valid ESTA?
Upon arrival in the U.S., Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will decide if you are allowed to enter the country. They will check your documents and may ask you questions about your travel plans. Customs may deny you entry if:
1. You give unclear or contradictory answers
3. You previously had problems with the U.S. border
4. Your travel destination is not clear or seems suspicious
5. You want to stay longer than allowed with an ESTA
6. There are other security reasons
Applying for ESTA from 2025: What has changed and what should you look out for?
The political situation in the United States has changed again in 2025. These developments affect policies around international travel and border admission policies. With this in mind, we inquired from reliable sources about applying for an ESTA. Based on these insights, below we share 5 important tips for travelers to the US.
Our 5 tips for applying for an ESTA in 2025
Although the ESTA system has remained basically the same, there are some points of interest that you should not ignore in 2025.
1. Apply for your ESTA on time
Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply for your ESTA at least 4 weeks before departure. Although most applications are approved quickly (within 24 hours), it is more common that additional verification is required.
2. Make sure your information is accurate
Check your name, passport number and contact information carefully. Minor errors may result in delay or rejection.
3. Socialmedia is optional, but be aware
Filling out social media accounts is still not mandatory, but U.S. authorities may look into this if in doubt. Make sure your online profile appears trustworthy.
4. Travel purpose must be clear
Customs sometimes asks additional questions upon arrival. So be prepared with a clear travel plan (for example, a hotel reservation or return ticket) appropriate for a tourist stay of up to 90 days.
5. Political or social expressions? No problem, if peaceful
Have you spoken out on sensitive issues such as human rights, climate or LGBT rights? No worries: as long as you speak out peacefully and legally, that’s not grounds for rejection of your ESTA.
Edward and Raziye
Authors New York Info
Special offers for a city trip to New York
Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit a number of sights and attractions in , then take advantage of the offers below!
Cheap internet in New York
Want to make cheap calls and use the internet in New York? Read our tips
Cheap New York Yankees Tickets
Looking for cheap New York Yankees tickets? Read our tips
Cheap Broadway Tickets
Are you looking for cheap Broadway tickets? Read our tips
Popular Attractions
New York Pass
Which New York Pass Is the Best?
Read More >>>
You might also find this interesting
Search
Categories