Who Cannot Apply for ESTA USA: Full List of Ineligible Travelers and Exceptions

If you're planning a trip to the United States, knowing who qualifies for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is crucial. While ESTA makes travel easy for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, not everyone is eligible. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain who cannot apply for ESTA USA, why certain travelers are ineligible, and what alternative options are available.

Understanding who cannot apply for ESTA USA helps avoid surprises during the application process and ensures you choose the right travel documentation.

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What Is ESTA USA?

Before diving into who cannot apply for ESTA USA, here’s a quick overview. ESTA is an online travel authorization that allows eligible citizens from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit—without applying for a traditional visa.

It’s quick, convenient, and valid for two years or until your passport expires. However, not everyone can apply for ESTA USA, even if they’re from a VWP country.

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Who Cannot Apply for ESTA USA?

Even if you’re from a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, there are certain eligibility restrictions that can make you ineligible for ESTA. Let’s break them down:

❌ 1. Nationals of Non-VWP Countries

Citizens from countries not in the Visa Waiver Program are not eligible to apply for ESTA. Instead, they must apply for a U.S. visa through an embassy or consulate.

Examples include:

• India

• China

• Russia

• Nigeria

• Pakistan

• South Africa

If you’re not a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country, ESTA is not an option.

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❌ 2. Individuals With a Denied U.S. Visa Application

If you’ve previously been denied a U.S. visa, you may not be eligible for ESTA. The U.S. government may flag your ESTA application and deny entry based on past visa history.

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❌ 3. People With a Criminal Record

Individuals who have:

• Been arrested or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude

• Committed drug offenses

• Been involved in serious criminal activities

…are usually not eligible for ESTA USA. These applicants must go through the full visa application process with an in-person interview.

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❌ 4. Travelers Who Have Visited Certain Countries

Under current U.S. regulations, anyone who has traveled to or been present in the following countries on or after March 1, 2011, is not eligible for ESTA:

• Iran

• Iraq

• North Korea

• Syria

• Sudan

• Libya

• Somalia

• Yemen

These individuals will need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa, regardless of their nationality.

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❌ 5. Dual Nationals of Specific Countries

Travelers who hold dual nationality with any of the above-mentioned countries (e.g., Iran or North Korea) and a Visa Waiver Program country are also ineligible for ESTA USA.

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❌ 6. Those With Incomplete or Invalid Passports

ESTA is only available to travelers with electronic passports (e-passports) that contain a digital chip. If your passport:

• Is expired

• Is damaged

• Is not biometric

…you cannot apply for ESTA USA. You will either need to renew your passport or apply for a U.S. visa.

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Summary: Who Cannot Apply for ESTA USA?

Here’s a quick checklist of who cannot apply for ESTA USA:

Not Eligible For ESTA If You...
Are a citizen of a non-VWP country
Have been denied a U.S. visa previously
Have a criminal record involving serious offenses
Have visited or lived in certain high-risk countries since March 2011
Hold dual citizenship with restricted countries
Do not have an e-passport

If you fall under any of these categories, you must apply for a B1/B2 visa or another appropriate U.S. visa depending on your travel purpose.

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What to Do If You Can’t Apply for ESTA USA

If you’re among those who cannot apply for ESTA USA, don’t worry—you still have options.

✅ You can apply for a nonimmigrant visa (typically a B1/B2 visa) at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This process involves:

• Filling out the DS-160 visa form

• Paying a visa fee

• Scheduling and attending an in-person interview

• Submitting your passport and supporting documents

This route takes longer than ESTA but grants you permission to stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months or longer, depending on your visa type.

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Final Thoughts: Who Cannot Apply for ESTA USA?

Knowing who cannot apply for ESTA USA is essential for anyone planning a trip to the United States. Whether it's due to nationality, criminal history, previous travel to restricted countries, or passport issues, certain restrictions apply even to VWP citizens.

If you don’t meet ESTA eligibility, plan ahead and apply for a traditional visa in advance to ensure your travel goes smoothly.

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✅ Apply for Your U.S. Visa Online Today

Whether you qualify for ESTA or need a traditional visa, the process starts with one easy step—applying online. Avoid delays and secure your travel documents early.

👉 CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA or U.S. visa online now!

When you want to apply for ESTA for USA from UK, the first step is understanding the process. You can visit this guide for a detailed breakdown of how to apply for ESTA. The process is straightforward, and by following the instructions carefully, you can apply for ESTA for the USA from the UK in a matter of minutes. Make sure you meet all the requirements before submitting your application, which will be assessed by the U.S. government. The ESTA application website provides a secure platform to apply for ESTA to the USA.

The cost to apply for ESTA for the USA from the UK is something you need to be aware of. If you’re wondering about the US ESTA application price, it includes the processing fee that you must pay when submitting your application. The total cost can vary depending on additional services you may choose to add, such as expedited processing. If you are asking, how much ESTA visa to USA from UK, the price is determined at the time of application submission. Keep in mind that the fee is non-refundable, so be sure to double-check your details before payment.

If you are unsure about how much ESTA visa to USA from UK, it's essential to check how much is ESTA visa to USA from UK for a clear understanding. This will give you the breakdown of all costs involved and any other fees that might apply to your application. Staying updated on the latest charges can ensure you're fully prepared and avoid any surprises while applying.

Before applying for an ESTA, make sure you know the ESTA application requirements. These requirements include having a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and not having previously been denied entry to the USA. Ensure you meet all these criteria to ensure your application is successful. For a thorough understanding, check out the apply for ESTA to USA page where you can find detailed instructions on how to apply, what to prepare, and additional tips.

To apply for ESTA for USA from the UK, the easiest and most secure way is through the official ESTA application website. This website is maintained by the U.S. government and is the only authorized platform for ESTA applications. Avoid third-party sites to ensure your personal information remains safe.

If you're thinking about when to apply for ESTA USA, it's crucial to apply well in advance of your travel date. The recommended time to apply is at least 72 hours before departure. However, when to apply for ESTA USA will give you a better sense of when to start the process to avoid any last-minute issues.

The USA ESTA application website is the place to go for all your questions and answers related to ESTA applications. Whether you are applying for ESTA USA or simply need more details about the process, you will find reliable information that can guide you every step of the way.

For anyone curious about the ESTA USA, it's a crucial travel authorization for UK citizens who wish to visit the United States without a visa. The ESTA is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and offers a streamlined way for UK citizens to travel to the USA for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

To get ESTA for USA, it is important to be familiar with the how to get ESTA for USA process. This includes filling out an online application form and paying the required fees. Once approved, you’ll receive your ESTA authorization, which allows you to travel to the USA for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa.

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

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