Ireland ESTA visa

ESTA Application Process for Irish Travelers

As an Irish citizen, you are eligible to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to visit the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Go to the official ESTA website
2. Select “English” as your preferred language
3. Click on “Apply” to start a new application
4. Complete the application form with your personal information, passport details, and travel plans
5. Answer all security questions honestly and accurately
6. Review your application carefully for any errors before submitting
7. Pay the ESTA fee (approximately 14 USD) using a credit or debit card
8. Wait for approval (typically within 72 hours, often much quicker)

Local Considerations for Irish Applicants

• Your Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the US
• Ensure your passport is an e-passport with a digital chip
• If you’ve visited Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 1, 2011, you may not be eligible for ESTA and should apply for a regular visa instead
• Irish dual citizens must use their Irish passport for ESTA application and travel
• Be aware that if you’re eligible for US citizenship through Irish ancestry, you should enter the US on a US passport

Travel Information

Flight durations from Ireland to the United States vary depending on your destination:

• Dublin to New York: Approximately 7-8 hours
• Dublin to Boston: About 7 hours
• Dublin to Chicago: Around 8-9 hours
• Dublin to Los Angeles: Typically 11-12 hours

Popular routes and attractions for Irish travelers:

1. New York City: Experience the vibrant metropolis, visit Central Park, and enjoy Broadway shows
2. Boston: Explore its Irish heritage, historical sites, and prestigious universities
3. Chicago: Discover the architecture, deep-dish pizza, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations
4. California: Visit San Francisco, Los Angeles, and national parks like Yosemite
5. Florida: Enjoy theme parks in Orlando and beaches in Miami

Important Reminders

• Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your planned travel
• An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
• ESTA allows multiple entries to the US within its validity period
• Carry a printed copy of your ESTA approval and have electronic access to it
• Be prepared to show proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay
• Consider the time difference between Ireland and the US when planning your trip (Ireland is typically 5-8 hours ahead, depending on the US time zone)

Cultural Tips

• Tipping is expected in the US, more so than in Ireland. Budget for 15-20% tips in restaurants
• Americans generally have a positive view of Irish culture and may be curious about your home country
• Distances in the US are much larger than in Ireland – plan accordingly when traveling between cities
• The drinking age in the US is 21, which is higher than in Ireland

Irish-American Connections

You might be interested in visiting areas with strong Irish-American communities:

• Boston, Massachusetts: Known for its large Irish-American population and annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
• Chicago, Illinois: Famous for dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick’s Day
• New York City: Home to a significant Irish-American community, especially in neighborhoods like Woodlawn
• Savannah, Georgia: Hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the US

Remember to check the official ESTA website and the US Embassy in Ireland for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip. Stay informed about any changes or updates to the ESTA process for Irish citizens, especially in light of global events that may affect international travel.