Can You Apply for an ESTA as a Couple?

When planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), one of the most important requirements for travelers from participating countries is applying for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA allows individuals to enter the U.S. for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a visa. But what if you are traveling with a partner or as a couple? Can you apply for ESTA together, or does each person need to submit their own individual application? In this guide, we will explore the details about applying for an ESTA as a couple, answering your questions and offering important tips.

What is ESTA?

Before delving into the process of applying for ESTA as a couple, it's important to understand what ESTA is and how it works. ESTA is an online travel authorization system that determines the eligibility of travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries to enter the United States without needing a visa. ESTA is intended for short visits, including tourism, business, and transit purposes.

Travelers from VWP countries must obtain ESTA approval before boarding a flight to the U.S. However, each individual traveler must apply separately for ESTA. This includes couples who wish to visit the U.S. together.

Can You Apply for ESTA as a Couple?

While it’s great to travel together with a partner or spouse, each individual must submit a separate ESTA application. This applies even if you are traveling together, as the ESTA application is linked to each person’s individual passport.

  • Separate Applications: Both you and your partner will need to fill out the ESTA application forms individually. This means entering your personal details, passport information, and answering security questions based on your individual background and travel history.

  • No Group Application: There is no option to apply for ESTA as a couple or group. The system does not allow a combined or joint application for multiple people traveling together.

Why Must You Apply Separately for ESTA?

The reason for submitting separate ESTA applications lies in the system's design and the security measures in place. Since ESTA is based on an individual’s passport and personal history, each person must go through the process independently.

Here’s why separate applications are necessary:

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  1. Unique Information: Each traveler has their own passport information, personal details, and potential security risks that need to be assessed individually.

  2. Different Eligibility: It’s possible for one person in a couple to be eligible for ESTA, while the other may be ineligible. If one of you has a criminal history, previous U.S. immigration violations, or is not from a Visa Waiver Program country, your ESTA approval may be denied. Separate applications ensure that each person is assessed based on their own circumstances.

  3. Individual Approval Process: The ESTA application is an automated system, and the approval process happens on an individual level. This means that even if one person’s application is denied, the other person can still be approved without issue.

Steps to Apply for ESTA as a Couple

Even though you’ll be applying separately, the process of obtaining ESTA for both individuals is the same. Follow these steps to apply for ESTA as a couple:

  1. Gather Necessary Information: Each person will need a valid passport, travel details (such as your planned travel dates and U.S. address), and contact information (such as email and phone number).

  2. Fill Out the ESTA Application: Both individuals will need to complete the online ESTA application. Make sure to fill out the form accurately with personal details, passport information, travel plans, and answers to security questions.

  3. Pay the ESTA Fee: The ESTA application fee is $21 per person. Each individual must pay the fee separately using a credit or debit card.

  4. Submit Applications: After completing the application and payment, each traveler must submit their own ESTA application. You will typically receive approval or denial within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours for the system to process the request fully.

    Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  5. Check Your ESTA Status: You can check the status of each ESTA application by visiting the official website. If your ESTA is approved, it will be electronically linked to your passport. If denied, you may need to apply for a visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

What Happens if One of You Is Denied ESTA?

While both you and your partner can apply for ESTA individually, it's possible for one person to be denied authorization. If one of you is denied ESTA, you have a few options:

  1. Reapply: If there was a mistake on the application or an error in the provided information, you may be able to reapply for ESTA.

  2. Apply for a Visa: If the denial was due to ineligibility, such as a criminal history or previous immigration violations, the individual will need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

If one of you is approved for ESTA and the other is denied, the approved traveler can still go ahead with their plans, but they will need to make sure to apply for a visa if necessary. Keep in mind that the U.S. government will not allow entry to the country if you do not have the proper travel authorization.

Can You Travel Together if One Person Is Denied ESTA?

If your ESTA application is approved but your partner’s ESTA is denied, you can still travel to the U.S. together, but your partner will need to obtain a visa. This means that one of you will need to go through the standard visa application process at a U.S. consulate or embassy, which can take longer and require an in-person interview.

While this may delay travel plans, it is essential that your partner obtains the appropriate visa before traveling to the U.S. as they cannot travel without valid authorization.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Conclusion: Plan Your U.S. Trip as a Couple

Although applying for ESTA as a couple requires separate applications, the process is simple and efficient for each individual traveler. Both partners can apply for ESTA separately, ensuring that their travel authorizations are granted independently.

As long as both individuals meet the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program, applying for ESTA is a straightforward way to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit.

If you're ready to apply for ESTA, start your journey today and make sure both you and your partner are all set to visit the United States.

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