Can You Apply for an ESTA as a Couple?

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If you and your partner are planning a trip to the United States and both meet the eligibility criteria, you may be wondering if you can apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) as a couple. The short answer is no—you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple in a single application. Each traveler, regardless of whether they are traveling with a partner or alone, must submit their own ESTA application. However, the process remains relatively simple and can be done separately for each traveler.

In this article, we will guide you through the details of applying for an ESTA as a couple, address frequently asked questions, and explain how you can prepare for your trip to the U.S. together.

What Is an ESTA and Who Needs It?

The ESTA is an online application system that determines the eligibility of visitors from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the U.S. for short stays of up to 90 days without the need for a traditional visa. If you are from a VWP country, including many European nations, Australia, Japan, and more, you are eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Each individual traveler is required to apply for their own ESTA. This includes both couples traveling together. Even though you are traveling as a pair, each person must complete a separate application.

How to Apply for an ESTA as a Couple

Although you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple on a single form, the process for each individual is straightforward. Here are the steps you and your partner need to follow:

1. Prepare Your Documents

Before applying for your ESTA, make sure you have the following information for both you and your partner:

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  • Valid passports: Both travelers must have valid passports from a Visa Waiver Program country.
  • Travel details: Information about your flight to the U.S. and your intended stay (hotel address, friends/family address, or destination).
  • Personal details: Full names, date of birth, and contact information.
  • Payment method: A credit card or PayPal account for paying the ESTA application fee.

2. Complete the Application Form

You will need to complete your own individual ESTA application form online. To apply for an ESTA, follow these steps:

  • Visit the official ESTA website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Fill out the required fields, including personal details, passport information, and travel details.
  • Answer questions regarding your eligibility to travel (e.g., criminal history, previous U.S. travel).
  • You must provide all requested information truthfully. For both partners, ensure that both applications are completed independently.

3. Pay the ESTA Fee

Each individual must pay the ESTA processing fee separately. The standard fee is around $21 USD per person, which can be paid via credit card or PayPal.

4. Submit Your Application

Once the application form is filled out and the fee is paid, submit the application. In most cases, your ESTA will be approved within minutes, but it may take up to 72 hours for confirmation. You will receive the ESTA approval through email.

5. Check and Print Your ESTA Status

Both you and your partner should check your ESTA status to ensure both applications have been approved. Though ESTA is electronically linked to your passport, it is a good idea to print out a copy of the approval to carry with you during your travel.

Can You Apply for an ESTA for Your Partner?

While you cannot apply for an ESTA on behalf of your partner, you can assist them in completing the application by filling out their details correctly. However, they must approve and sign the application. Each ESTA must be individually submitted and cannot be merged into a joint submission.

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

Remember that the ESTA process requires each individual to meet the eligibility requirements, including having a valid passport, and answering questions related to criminal history, health, and travel history. If one of you is ineligible for an ESTA or is denied, it does not necessarily affect the other person's ability to apply for and obtain an ESTA.

What If One of You Is Denied an ESTA?

If one of you is denied an ESTA, it does not automatically affect your partner’s ability to travel. The individual who is denied an ESTA will not be able to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. However, the person who is denied may still have the option to apply for a U.S. visa through the U.S. embassy or consulate.

In cases where one partner is denied an ESTA, the couple may consider applying for a tourist visa (B-2) or another type of visa for travel to the U.S. The visa application process will require an interview and additional documentation but offers an alternative for those who are not eligible for the ESTA.

Can You Travel Together If One of You Has an ESTA and the Other Does Not?

Yes, if one partner has an approved ESTA and the other does not, the individual with the ESTA can still travel, but the other individual may need to apply for a U.S. visa. Both individuals will not be able to travel together under the Visa Waiver Program unless both are approved for the ESTA.

Conclusion: Applying for ESTA as a Couple

While you cannot apply for an ESTA as a couple using a single form, the process is simple and can be done individually for each person. As long as both of you meet the Visa Waiver Program eligibility criteria, you should have no trouble obtaining ESTA approval for your trip to the United States.

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

Ready to Apply for Your ESTA?

Don’t wait to plan your dream trip to the U.S. Apply for your ESTA today and make sure both you and your partner are ready to travel.

CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA easily and securely online.

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

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