Your ESTA and Visa Guide: Visiting the US from Ireland

When exploring the USA make sure you have the right visa with our Visa Guide

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Flags of the USA and Ireland against the background of a building

Planning a trip to the United States? Whether you're heading to New York for a city break, exploring the Grand Canyon, or visiting family in Florida, you'll need the right travel documentation and travel insurance before you board that flight from Dublin or Shannon. This guide walks you through everything Irish travellers need to know about ESTA and US visas.

What is an ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It's an online screening system that allows Irish citizens to visit the United States for tourism, business, or short stays of up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. Think of it as a digital travel permission slip that you need to obtain before flying to America.

Ireland has been part of the US Visa Waiver Program since 1995, which means that as long as you meet the requirements, you can skip the lengthy visa application process and simply apply for an ESTA online.

"Having the correct travel documentation is absolutely fundamental," explains travel insurance expert Ian O'Reilly. "We see claims declined every year because travellers either don't have the proper authorisation to enter their destination, or they've provided incorrect information on their applications. If you're turned away at the US border due to documentation issues, your travel insurance won't cover the costs of cancelled accommodation, missed connections, or your return flight. It's worth taking the time to get it right the first time."

ESTA vs Visa: What's the Difference?

While both allow entry to the United States, there are significant differences between an ESTA and a visa:

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

  • Quick online application that typically receives approval within 72 hours
  • Valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
  • Allows multiple trips to the US during the validity period
  • Each visit limited to 90 days maximum
  • Only for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study
  • Your Irish passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay, thanks to a special agreement between Ireland and the US

US Visa

  • Requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Dublin
  • Processing can take weeks or months
  • Necessary for work, long-term study, or stays exceeding 90 days
  • Required if you're ineligible for ESTA
  • Requires passport validity of six months beyond your intended stay

Who Needs a Visa Instead of an ESTA?

You'll need to apply for a visa rather than an ESTA if:

  • You've travelled to North Korea, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 2011
  • Your ESTA application has been denied
  • You plan to work or study in the US
  • You're staying longer than 90 days
  • You hold dual nationality with one of the restricted countries
  • You have certain criminal convictions

For visa applications, you'll need to contact the US Embassy in Dublin and prepare for a more involved process including document submission and an interview.

How Much Does an ESTA Cost?

As of 30 September 2025, the official ESTA application fee is $40 (approximately €37).

The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. If you're approved, your ESTA remains valid for two years, allowing unlimited trips to the US during that period, which works out to excellent value if you're a frequent visitor.

How to Apply for an ESTA: Step by Step

Step 1: Use the Official Website Only

This is critically important: The only legitimate website for ESTA applications is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. You can also use the official ESTA Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.

US Customs and Border Protection has issued repeated warnings about third-party websites that charge inflated fees to process ESTA applications. These sites often charge between €70 and €150 for the exact same service you can get directly from the US government for €37.

These third-party companies prey on people's carelessness by creating websites that look remarkably similar to the official site. They often rank highly in Google search results for terms like "ESTA application" or "US visa Ireland". While these sites aren't technically illegal if they disclose their fees (usually buried in the fine print), they provide no additional value and charge several times the official rate.

Red flags to watch for:

  • URL is anything other than esta.cbp.dhs.gov
  • Fees significantly higher than $40
  • Promises of "faster processing" or "guaranteed approval"
  • Requests for unnecessary information
  • Poor grammar or spelling mistakes

Step 2: Gather Your Information

Before starting your application, have these details ready:

  • Your valid Irish passport (must be an electronic passport with a chip)
  • Email address for receiving your authorization
  • Credit or debit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover accepted)
  • Your travel itinerary, including your US accommodation address
  • Your employment information
  • Details of any previous US visits

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

The ESTA application contains 32 questions and typically takes about 10 minutes to complete. You'll need to provide:

  • Personal information (name, date of birth, citizenship)
  • Passport details
  • Contact information
  • Travel information
  • Eligibility questions (health, criminal history, previous visa denials)

Answer all questions truthfully and accurately. Previous convictions, misleading information, or even a slight previous overstay can have serious consequences for future US travel.

Step 4: Pay the Fee

Once you submit your application, you'll pay the $4 processing fee immediately. If approved, an additional $36 authorization fee is charged, bringing the total to $40.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Most applications receive a response within minutes to 72 hours. The US Department of Homeland Security recommends applying at least 72 hours before your departure date, though you can apply any time before travel.

You'll receive one of three responses:

  • Authorization Approved: You're cleared to travel
  • Authorization Pending: Additional processing needed (check back within 72 hours)
  • Travel Not Authorized: You must apply for a visa at the US Embassy

Step 6: Print Your Confirmation

While not strictly required (your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport), it's wise to print or save a copy of your approval for your records.

ESTA and US Visa FAQs

How long does my ESTA last?

Your ESTA is valid for two years from approval date, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips during this period, but each visit can't exceed 90 days.

Can I work in the US with an ESTA?

No. An ESTA only permits tourism, business meetings, conferences, and non-credit short courses. Any paid employment requires a work visa.

What if I'm just transiting through the US?

Even if you're only changing planes in the US en route to another country, you still need an ESTA.

Do children need an ESTA?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own individual ESTA authorization, including infants.

My ESTA was denied. What now?

If your ESTA application is unsuccessful, you'll need to apply for a visa through the US Embassy in Dublin. An ESTA denial doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting a visa.

Can I extend my stay once I'm in the US?

No. The Visa Waiver Program doesn't allow extensions. You must leave the US within 90 days.

Does ESTA guarantee entry to the US?

No. An ESTA approval only authorizes you to board a flight to the US. Final entry decisions are made by US Customs and Border Protection officers when you arrive.

What if my passport expires while my ESTA is still valid?

You'll need to apply for a new ESTA using your new passport details. Your old ESTA becomes invalid once your passport expires.

How much does an ESTA visa cost from Ireland?

The official cost is $40 (approximately €37) as of September 2025. Be extremely wary of any website charging significantly more than this amount.

Dublin Airport has US Preclearance. Do I still need an ESTA?

Yes. Dublin Airport's US Preclearance facility is a fantastic convenience that allows you to clear US immigration before you fly, but you still need an approved ESTA before you can use this service.

Travel Tips for Visiting the USA

Planning your American adventure involves getting your documentation sorted, understanding what insurance you need, and preparing for your trip. Here are some key considerations:

Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable

The United States has no public healthcare system like we have in Ireland. Medical costs can be astronomical - a simple emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars, while a serious illness or accident requiring hospitalization could leave you with bills exceeding €100,000.

Comprehensive travel insurance for the US should include:

  • Medical cover of at least €1 million (€2 million is better)
  • Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation and interruption cover
  • Lost or delayed baggage protection
  • 24-hour emergency assistance

At Chill Insurance, our travel insurance policies are designed with transparency in mind. We include comprehensive medical cover, trip cancellation protection, and baggage cover as standard, without the confusing add-ons that other insurers charge extra for. Get a travel insurance quote from Chill.

Know Before You Go

  • Emergency number in the US: 911 (different from Ireland's 999/112)
  • Check your mobile phone provider's roaming charges or consider a US SIM card
  • Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere; contactless payment is standard
  • Tipping is customary (15-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars)
  • Outlets use different plugs - bring an adapter for your electronics

For more detailed guidance on preparing for your US trip, including packing tips, cultural differences, and safety advice, read our essential travel tips for the USA.

Final Thoughts

Getting your ESTA sorted is straightforward as long as you use the official website and give yourself enough time before your trip. Remember these key points:

  • Use esta.cbp.dhs.gov only
  • Current cost is $40
  • Apply at least 72 hours before departure
  • Avoid third-party websites charging inflated fees
  • Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before you fly

With your documentation in order and proper insurance cover in place, you're all set to enjoy your American adventure. Safe travels!

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check the official US government websites for the most current entry requirements, and ensure your travel insurance policy meets your specific needs.

First published by Ian O'Reilly