(日本語)

1. Under what circumstances can I use the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA?
2. Is the ESTA travel authorization a visa?
3. I have a U.S. visa. Do I need ESTA travel authorization?
4. My passport was issued overseas. How should I answer the question “Passport Issuing Country”？
5. How much time does it take for ESTA travel authorization to process my approval?
6. How far in advance of my trip do I need to apply for travel authorization?
7. Is there any fee for ESTA application?
8. Do I ever need to reapply for travel authorization through the ESTA?
9. Can a VWP traveler with more than one passport travel to the United States on the passport that was not used when applying for an ESTA?
10. What if my destination addresses or itineraries changes after I obtain ESTA travel authorization?
11. How can an applicant correct a mistake when completing their ESTA application?
12. What if I don't apply for ESTA travel authorization between August 1, 2008 and January 11, 2009, and go to the U.S.? Is there any problem?
13. I will transit the U.S. on my way to a third country. Do I still need ESTA travel authorization?
14. Can I enter the U.S. if I have ESTA travel authorization?
15. I was denied ESTA travel authorization. Is it possible for me to be admitted entry to the U.S.?
16. Can a person other than the traveler apply for ESTA travel authorization on the traveler’s behalf?
17. Should I print out the ESTA travel authorization and carry it to the airport?

Under what circumstances can I use the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. In order to use the VWP as of January 12, you will need to get ESTA travel authorization. If you are traveling to the U.S. for purposes other than tourism or business, such as to work or study in the U.S., you need a visa and you are not eligible to use the VWP or ESTA.

Is the ESTA travel authorization a visa?

No.The ESTA travel authorization is not a visa and travelers who are required to have a visa still must have one.

I have a U.S. visa. Do I need ESTA travel authorization?

You do not need to apply for ESTA if you possess a valid visa and will travel to the U.S. on that visa for the purpose it was issued.

My passport was issued overseas. How should I answer the question “Passport Issuing Country”？

Please choose the country of your nationality, not the physical location where the passport was issued. For example, if you have a Japanese passport issued in the US., choose Japan.

How much time does it take for ESTA travel authorization to process my approval?

ESTA will provide almost immediate determinations of eligibility for travel under the VWP. There are three types of responses: Authorization Approved, Authorization Pending, and Travel Not Authorized. Those applicants who receive an approval are then authorized to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. Applicants whose ESTA Applicants are denied will be referred to www.travel.state.gov for information on how to apply for a visa to travel to the U.S. Applicants who receive an Authorization Pending response will need to check the website for updates within 72 hours to receive a final response.

How far in advance of my trip do I need to apply for travel authorization?

Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. We recommend that travel authorization applications be submitted as early as possible, as soon as travel is planned. DHS realizes that not all travel is planned in advance, and applications for last-minute or emergency travel will be accommodated.

Is there any fee for ESTA application?

DHS will not initially collect a fee for ESTA applications, but a fee may be charged in the future.

Do I ever need to reapply for travel authorization through the ESTA?

Yes, there are instances when a new travel authorization via ESTA would be required. If you have acquired a new passport or have had a change in name, gender, or citizenship, or if the answers to any of the “yes or no” ESTA questions have changed, a new application must be submitted. Also, once the travel authorization expires, a new travel authorization via ESTA is required.

Can a VWP traveler with more than one passport travel to the United States on the passport that was not used when applying for an ESTA?

No. Each VWP traveler must have an approved ESTA for the passport he or she plans to use for travel to the United States. If a traveler acquires a new passport, he or she must submit a new ESTA application for their new passport.

What if my destination addresses or itineraries changes after I obtain ESTA travel authorization?

Applicants may update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved, although this will not be required.

How can an applicant correct a mistake when completing their ESTA application?

The ESTA Web site will prompt applicants to review the data submitted for the overall application prior to submission. In addition, the ESTA Web site will require the applicant to reaffirm the passport number prior to submission. If an applicant makes a mistake when filling out the passport information, identifying biographic information, or eligibility questions, and he or she realizes the mistake only after having submitted the ESTA application, he or she will need to submit a new ESTA application. Any other mistakes, including e-mail address, telephone number, carrier, flight number, city of embarkation, and address while in the United States may be corrected or updated by using the ESTA update function.

What if I don't apply for ESTA travel authorization between August 1, 2008 and January 11, 2009, and go to the U.S.? Is there any problem?

No. ESTA travel authorization is not required until January 12, 2009. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may deny entry to any individual. Securing ESTA travel authorization in advance of travel reduces (but does not eliminate) the possibility of being denied entry to the U.S. upon arrival.

I will transit the U.S. on my way to a third country. Do I still need ESTA travel authorization?

Yes. If you are transiting without a visa, you are utilizing the VWP and therefore must have ESTA travel authorization as of January 12, 2009.

Can I enter the U.S. if I have ESTA travel authorization?

ESTA travel authorization does not guarantee you entry into the U.S. CBP officers reserve the right to deny entry to any traveler.

I was denied ESTA travel authorization. Is it possible for me to be admitted entry to the U.S.?

If you have been denied ESTA travel authorization, you may still be eligible to travel to the U.S. by applying for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulates. Please see http://japan.usembassy.gov for information on how to apply for a visa.

Can a person other than the traveler apply for ESTA travel authorization on the traveler’s behalf?

Yes. Another individual may apply for ESTA travel authorization on the traveler’s behalf so long as he or she knows the traveler's information. The person filling out the ESTA form must provide (in English) biographical data on the traveler including name, birth date, and passport information, as well as travel information such as the flight number and destination address in the U.S. The person filling out the online form will also be required to answer eligibility questions regarding communicable diseases, arrests and convictions for certain crimes, and past history of visa revocation or deportation, among others.

Should I print out the ESTA travel authorization and carry it to the airport?

Travelers are not required to submit a copy of the ESTA travel authorization at the airport. However, we recommend you to print it out for your future use. The application number on the ESTA travel authorization is necessary to update or check the status of your previously submitted ESTA travel authorization.

This FAQ, updated on October 23, 2008 by the U.S. Embassy Tokyo Consular Section, is based on the DHS FAQs, but tailored for Japan.