Can prospective travelers apply for an ESTA without specific travel plans if they want to be able to travel to the United States later on short notice?

Yes. VWP travelers are not required to have specific plans to travel to the United States before they apply for an ESTA. VWP travelers are not required to complete the travel itinerary and destination details before submitting an ESTA application. If a traveler’s destination address in the United States is unknown when he or she completes the ESTA application, the traveler may enter the name of the hotel or approximate location he or she intends to visit. Travelers may update this information when their plans are finalized, but they will not be required to update their destination addresses or itineraries should they change after their ESTA has been approved. DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as early as possible, as soon as, or even before travel is planned. ESTA will accept applications from last minute and emergency travelers – those VWP travelers that arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA.

Above is an official answer to a commonly asked question on ESTA USA Travel Registration. If you have another question, we suggest you contact your local US Embassy or ESTA directly.

ESTA Travel Registration for USA