What counts as a mental disorder for ESTA?

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Accepted answer

The text you've found can be found in the official FAQ from the US government under "Can you provide guidance and clarification for some of the Eligibility questions?"

Physical or Mental Disorders With regard to physical or mental disorders, answer "Yes" to this question if:

  • You currently have a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or
  • You had a physical or mental disorder and a history of behavior associated with the disorder that has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others and the behavior is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior. Answer "No" if:
  • You currently have no physical or mental disorders; or
  • You have or had a physical or mental disorder without associated behavior that may pose or has posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare of that of others; or
  • You currently have a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior, but that behavior has not posed, does not currently pose nor will pose a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others; or
  • You had a physical or mental disorder with associated behavior that posed a threat to your property, safety or welfare or that of others, but that behavior is unlikely to recur.

For the vast majority of people with mental illness, and even more so for those fit to travel, the answer will be No to this question, and incorrectly answering Yes out of an abundance of caution is likely to lead to delay and inconvenience (at best, you may be able to reapply, while at worst, you'd need to apply for a visa at a US consulate and address any concerns they may have).

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