Irish citizens who plan to travel to the US for business or leisure purposes must apply for an ESTA before they depart. The ESTA is an online authorisation system that determines the eligibility of travellers to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The VWP allows citizens of certain countries, including Ireland, to visit the US for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.
To apply for an ESTA, Irish citizens must fill out an online application form and provide information about their travel plans, passport, and eligibility for the VWP.
It’s important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US. A US Customs and Border Protection officer makes the final decision on admission into the country at the port of entry.
Irish citizens who plan to stay in the US for longer than 90 days or purposes other than business or tourism will need to obtain a visa.
What Is a US ESTA and What Does It Do For Irish Nationals?
The ESTA visa Ireland is designed for Irish citizens who plan a trip to the US for transit, tourism, or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
The ESTA travel authorisation is legitimate for two years, or until the associated passport expires, and is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.
Because an ESTA authorisation is valid for air, land, and sea entry, Irish citizens with an approved visa waiver can arrive in the United States on commercial flights or cruises.
Application For US ESTA For Irish Citizens
The application process for a visa waiver through ESTA is simple for Irish citizens.
Travellers must complete the ESTA online application form, which takes only a few minutes.
Applicants must provide the following information when filling out the form:
- Information on a valid Irish passport
- The email address
- Address and phone number at home
- Phone number and email address for emergency contact
The form also includes security and health-related questions that you must answer. The US Department of Homeland Security will review your responses to determine whether you can enter the US without a visa.
Applicants may also be asked to provide additional supplementary information, such as contact information for the time they will be in the United States or for their employer in their home country.
When filling out the application form, ensure all the information is correct and matches the information on the applicant’s passport. This is because any incorrect data or minor errors may cause delays in processing the ESTA or even denial of the visa waiver.
Documents Required For an ESTA in the United States For Irish Citizens
The following documents are required for Irish citizens to apply for a US ESTA:
- An Irish passport
- Bank card to pay for the ESTA fee
- Current email address
Once approved, the ESTA travel authorisation is linked to the passport used during the application process. The holder should use the same passport to travel to the United States.
If the Irish citizen’s passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, they must apply for a new US ESTA with a replacement Irish passport.
If the Irish passport to which the ESTA is linked expires within two years, the ESTA will also expire on that date, and a new application will be required.
How Will You Receive US ESTA Confirmation From Ireland?
When a US ESTA is approved, the holder will be notified via the email address provided on the application form within 24 hours.
Irish citizens entering the US with an ESTA travel authorisation can show a printed copy without showing a printed copy.
However, it may be useful to print out a copy of the ESTA authorisation in case it is requested – airline staff may request a printout before allowing passengers to board the plane.
Do You Need a Visa to Enter The United States From Ireland?
Irish nationals who want to live, work, or study in the United States need a visa from a US embassy or consulate in their home country.
Furthermore, an Irish traveller who wishes to stay in the United States for more than 90 days for business, transit, or tourism must apply for a US visa rather than an ESTA.
You must obtain ESTA approval if you travel for up to 90 days for temporary tourism or business. If you have ESTA approval for your visit, you may be allowed boarding or entry into the United States.
