Who ESTA covers, how it works, and the key ESTA restrictions if you’ve travelled to certain countries
If you run or join trips to unusual destinations, understanding the ESTA visa rules is essential.
This guide breaks down what ESTA is, who can use it, how to apply, and the specific ESTA restrictions that apply if you’ve been to, or are a dual national of, particular countries.
For each country that can affect eligibility, you’ll also find a short, practical travel overview drawing on Koryo Tours’ destination guides and other reputable sources.
What is ESTA?
Who can use ESTA?
How ESTA works, step by step
ESTA Restrictions: Travel History and Dual Nationality
If You’re Ineligible for ESTA: What to do
How each Destination Affects ESTA
Are there any exceptions to the ESTA Restrictions?
Key ESTA US Tips
ESTA FAQs
ESTA stands for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation.
It is an online pre-screening that allows eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa in advance.
ESTA is obtained before you board a flight or ship bound for the U.S. and is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Important to note: Approval to board does not guarantee admission; final entry is decided by a U.S. officer on arrival. Visit official channels at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for more info.
You must be a national of a Visa Waiver Program country and meet all programme rules.
The VWP is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the State Department.
You apply online through the official CBP website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) and receive a decision electronically. If ESTA is refused, you may still apply for a B-category visitor visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Current list of countries eligible for ESTA
List of Nationalities Eligible for ESTA (VWP Countries)
As of the latest published lists (September 2025), citizens of the following countries can use ESTA (subject to meeting all other requirements) under the Visa Waiver Program:
1. Check your passport is biometric and valid for your travel dates.
2. Apply online via the official CBP portal, complete the questions, and pay the fee.
3. Receive a decision. Most decisions are quick (or even instant), but you may be told to check back later.
4. Travel to the U.S!
If approved, you can board; the admission period on arrival is normally up to 90 days under VWP rules.
Apply for a visitor visa instead.
Depenfing on where you're applying from, your local US embassy or consulate may have long wait times. Be sure to plan your US visa well in advance of travel to the US.
Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 and subsequent DHS/CBP policy updates, some travellers are not eligible to use ESTA. You must therefore apply for a visa instead.
There are two main triggers:
1. Recent presence in specific countries
2. Dual nationality with certain countries.
Nationals of VWP countries who have travelled to or been present in any of the following on or after 1 March 2011 are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.
*Because Cuba was designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism on 12 January 2021, if you have visited Cuba on or after that date are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.
Nationals of VWP countries who also hold nationality of Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria are not eligible to travel under the VWP and must apply for a visa.
There are narrow exceptions for travellers whose presence in a listed country was to perform official government duties or military service for a VWP country.
Don't count on this to work for you.
Being ineligible for ESTA does not bar travel to the U.S.
You can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa instead.
Visas have some advantages, such as longer validity (normally up to 10 years) and the possibility of longer stays than 90 days. Subject to the officer’s decision.
If you have urgent business, medical, or humanitarian travel, you can request an expedited visa appointment.
We take a look at how a visit affects ESTA, as well as a look at what each of these destinations has on offer if you do decide to visit.
Remember, if you've visited just one of these destinations you are now ineligible for an ESTA. So, you don't need to worry about visiting the others, too..!
Iran offers world-class heritage, from Isfahan’s mosques to Persepolis. Everyone who visits Iran speaks incredibly highly of the country.
Americans, Brits, Australians and recently other nationalities must join an organised tour or travel with an approved private guide.
ESTA impact: Any visit on or after 1 March 2011 makes VWP travel ineligible; you must apply for a U.S. visa.
Iraq is a destination you could spend months and still not visit everything there is to see. Must-sees are often Baghdad, Babylon, Ur, Samarra and Kurdistan. And of course key sites like the National Museum and the Ziggurat of Ur.
ESTA impact: Presence in Iraq on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA.
Travel to Libya is less free than most as you must travel with local security. There is a certain lack of freedom regardless where you go. Nevertheless, there's a lot to see in this fabulous country and you will feel safe when there.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 triggers ESTA ineligibility.
For non-U.S. nationals, DPRK travel is highly managed and typically arranged through specialists. Koryo Tours are long-standing DPRK experts with detailed North Korea travel guides that cover Pyongyang, the DMZ, Wonsan, Rason and more, including practical FAQs and site notes. Those travelling on US passports are not permitted to enter the DPRK due to the US-imposed travel ban to North Korea.
Feel free to browse through our extensive North Korea Travel Guide section or browse our North Korea tours.
Read more on North Korea and ESTA here.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA; you’ll need a visa for U.S. trips.
Security dynamics are serious and fluid. The FCDO issues strong warnings; specialist operators with rigorous protocols are required, and many travellers restrict activity to tightly-controlled missions.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA.
Ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns mean government advisories frequently warn against travel. Journeys, if undertaken, require high-end security planning and contingency arrangements.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA.
Since the change of government in 2024, Syria has been gaining stability and has the potential to become what it once was before the conflict - one of the most popular destinations to travel in the region. And for a good reason! Syria has a lot on offer. Damascus, Aleppo, Bosra, Maaloula, to name a few selected highlights! You can travel without a tour company but due to lack of infrastructure for tourism it is difficult to get to different areas without having your own transportation.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA.
Security risks are severe and widespread, and the FCDO advises against all travel. Some tour companies run tours to select locations but due to ongoing conflict these areas are highly restricted.
ESTA impact: Presence on or after 1 March 2011 makes you ineligible for ESTA.
Tourism infrastructure is well-established, but you should check entry requirements such as tourist cards and insurance, and keep current on logistics.
ESTA impact: Visited Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 or are a dual national of Cuba and a VWP country? You are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a visa.
Official duty or military service
If your presence in a listed country was to carry out official government duties or military service for a VWP country, ESTA ineligibility may not apply. Carry documentation.
Journalism, humanitarian, or business travel
DHS has limited case-by-case waiver authority when in the U.S. interest, but you should assume you will need a visa and plan accordingly.
The bottom line is, if you have travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen since 1 March 2011, or to Cuba since 12 January 2021, or hold dual nationality with Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or Cuba (per CBP’s Cuba FAQ), you should plan on applying for a visa rather than relying on ESTA US authorisation.
For everyone else, applying for an ESTA visa is usually straightforward, fast, and valid for two years.
No. An arrest or conviction does not automatically bar VWP use, though it can complicate admissibility. When in doubt, apply for a visa.
VWP membership evolves over time. For example, new members have been added in recent years. Always consult the official DHS/State sources for the current list before advising clients.
CBP’s Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act FAQ explains the rules, countries, exceptions and waivers, and the ESTA Cuba FAQ clarifies the Cuba-specific date and dual nationality point.
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