ESTA Application for Ireland Citizens: Apply for USA ESTA

1. Is Ireland one of the VWP countries?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) includes countries from around the world, citizens of which can use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization You can learn more about the VWP in general here.

Currently, Ireland is on the list of VWP countries. But, it is important to follow up with all updates on the Visa Waiver Program since any changes could affect you and your travel plans. At the moment, however, there is no evidence of Ireland having its status changed.

2. Can citizens of Ireland travel to the USA with ESTA?

All citizens of Ireland are eligible to use the online ESTA application system when travelling to the US without requiring a visa.

However, there are certain regulations that apply to everyone travelling with an ESTA instead of a Visa.

3. What are the ESTA requirements for Irish citizens?

The length of your trip must not be more than 90 days and the reason for your trip must be business, pleasure or transit. Trips longer than 90 days and for other purposes will require a visa.

There are also further individual requirements that decide on your eligibility based on your personal background. Have a read of our guide to factors that will get your ESTA denied for more information.

4. Do I need a visa to go to America from Ireland?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter the US depends on your citizenship, not the country that you departed from.

If you are an Irish citizen then you do not need a visa for America from Ireland for visits less than 90 days in length and for purposes including business, tourism and transit.

However, if your trip will be for longer than 90 days or for purposes other than business, leisure and transit, then you will need a US visa from Ireland.

5. If you have two passports, which should you use for the ESTA application?

If you have two passports and both of them are from countries in the VWP, then it doesn’t matter which one you use. But if the second country isn’t a VWP country, then you need to use your Irish passport.

Only a valid passport of one of the VWP countries can be used when applying for ESTA via the online application form.

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More about ESTA

How long does it take to apply for ESTA from Ireland?

The actual application for ESTA is very fast and can take as little as 10 minutes to complete. After that, you will usually get your response anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours later. Worst case scenario you will get your result within 72 hours.

How long is an ESTA valid for?

After an ESTA has been granted to a citizen of one of the VWP countries it is valid for two years or until the passport that the application was made with expires, whichever comes first.

Within the two year period that the ESTA is valid, you are allowed to visit the USA multiple times, provided each visit does not exceed 90 days.

To check your ESTA status, you can use this simple online form.

If your ESTA has expired, you will have to apply for a new travel authorization.