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Who approves or denies the ESTA?

The ESTA is approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which assesses security risks prior to entry into the country.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on June 12, 2025
2 min read
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The ESTA, which is part of the Visa Waiver Program, is a pre-authorization designed to facilitate the entry of visitors who do not require a traditional visa for the United States. It is important to understand that this authorization is a security measure, created to identify potential risks before arrival in the country.

In this process, the entity that approves or denies the ESTA is the United States government, specifically through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within this department, the agency responsible for reviewing the applications is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This agency evaluates the data provided by applicants to determine if they meet the admissibility criteria.

If there are any inconsistencies or information that may indicate risks to security or compliance with U.S. laws, the authorization may be denied. It is worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following the rules and guidelines of the ESTA application process.

Seeking information from official sources and being cautious with companies that promise results without proper transparency is essential to avoid scams and fraud. Staying well informed and seeking specialized advice, but without promising guaranteed results, is always the best way to proceed when dealing with immigration processes.

Following U.S. immigration laws is essential for a safe and trouble-free experience. If you have questions or need further guidance, consulting official channels can help clarify any issues related to your ESTA application.

Learn more about ESTA

Type
Travel authorization (VWP)
Validity
2 years (or until passport expires)
Stay
Up to 90 days
Work
Not permitted
All about ESTA

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

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Who approves or denies the ESTA?

The ESTA is approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which assesses security risks prior to entry into the country.

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