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United States · Travel authorisation

ESTA: who needs one for the US and how to apply

By the Visa Almanac editorial teamChange logUpdated 5 Nov 2026

In brief

Everyone travelling under the Visa Waiver Program needs an approved ESTA before travelling to the United States, including infants without their own ticket, unless they hold a U.S. visa.1 The ESTA costs US $40.62 per application, paid online by MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB, Diners Club) or PayPal.2 In most cases ESTA applicants get a real-time decision on their application.3

Apply only on the official site: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Other websites are not the government's.

Checked 5 Nov 2026Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)Report a change

Independent reference, not a government website. We don't issue visas or sell visa services.

ContentsIn brief
  1. In brief
  2. At a glance
  3. Who needs an ESTA
  4. Who doesn't need one
  5. Official website
  6. Fee
  7. Fee history
  8. Validity and stay
  9. How to apply
  10. Warnings about other sites
  11. Processing time
  12. Transit
  13. Visa instead
  14. Recent changes
  15. ESTA for UK citizens
  16. ESTA for Canadians
  17. ESTA for Indian citizens
  18. ESTA for UAE citizens
  19. FAQ
  20. Sources
  21. About this page

ESTA at a glance

Who can get itDHS lists 42 participants currently designated for the Visa Waiver Program (page last updated 28 October 2026); their citizens or nationals can apply for an ESTA, subject to the VWP conditions.3
FeeThe ESTA costs US $40.62 per application, paid online by MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB, Diners Club) or PayPal.2
Valid forAn approved ESTA is valid for two years from approval or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, unless revoked.1
Stay per visitESTA does not allow a two-year stay: under the Visa Waiver Program each stay is limited to 90 days or less; longer stays need a visa.1
Where to applyBesides the website esta.cbp.dhs.gov, the official ESTA site promotes the official ESTA Mobile app and links to it on Apple's App Store (apps.apple.com/us/app/esta-mobile/id1529604353) and Google Play (gov.dhs.cbp.esta).2
Official websiteesta.cbp.dhs.gov1
Official appESTA Mobile app2
DecisionIn most cases ESTA applicants get a real-time decision on their application.3

Who needs an ESTA

  • Everyone travelling under the Visa Waiver Program needs an approved ESTA before travelling to the United States, including infants without their own ticket, unless they hold a U.S. visa.

    All persons traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are required to have an approved travel authorization prior to traveling to the United States. Even non-ticketed infants are required to have an approved travel authorization, if they do not have a visa for travel to the United States.U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website · checked

  • CBP's VWP/ESTA FAQ says VWP travellers must get an ESTA before boarding a U.S.-bound plane or ship, or before presenting themselves at a U.S. land border port of entry.

    All eligible nationals or citizens of VWP countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under VWP are required to receive an authorization through ESTA prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or vessel or presenting themselves for admission at a United States land border port of entry.U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

  • Children need their own ESTA approval whatever their age, whether or not they travel with an adult.

    Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, are also required to obtain an independent ESTA approval.U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

  • DHS lists 42 participants currently designated for the Visa Waiver Program (page last updated 28 October 2026); their citizens or nationals can apply for an ESTA, subject to the VWP conditions.

    The following countries are currently designated for participation in the VWP.U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

    Show the list: 42 countries and territories
    • Andorra
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Brunei
    • Chile
    • Croatia
    • Czechia
    • Denmark
    • Estonia
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Iceland
    • Ireland
    • Israel
    • Italy
    • Japan
    • Latvia
    • Liechtenstein
    • Lithuania
    • Luxembourg
    • Malta
    • Monaco
    • Netherlands
    • New Zealand
    • Norway
    • Poland
    • Portugal
    • Qatar
    • San Marino
    • Singapore
    • Slovakia
    • Slovenia
    • South Korea
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • Taiwan
    • United Kingdom

  • Taiwan passport holders qualify only with the unrestricted right of permanent abode on Taiwan and an electronic passport that bears a personal identification (household registration) number.

    Taiwan refers only to individuals who have unrestricted right of permanent abode on Taiwan and are in possession of an electronic passport bearing a personal identification (household registration) number.U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

  • Passports of Curaçao, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba and St Maarten (the former Netherlands Antilles) cannot be used for the VWP.

    Citizens of Curacao, Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba and St Maarten (the former Netherlands Antilles) are not eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP if they are applying for admission with passports from these countries.U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

  • Romania is not in the VWP: it was designated on 9 January 2025, but the designation was rescinded on 2 May 2025 before it took effect.

    Romania was designated on January 9, 2025 but that designation was not implemented before rescission on May 2, 2025.U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

Who doesn't need an ESTA

Official website and app

How much an ESTA costs

ESTA fee history

Each amount with the act or notice that set it, newest first.

  1. From 16 October 2026 the ESTA fee is USD 40.62 per travel authorization (USD 17 + USD 10.62 + USD 13); a denied application costs USD 10.62. Set by: DHS notice “Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation”, 91 FR 62534 (1 October 2026). U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked
  2. From 1 January 2026 the ESTA fee was USD 40.27 per travel authorization (USD 17 + USD 10.27 + USD 13); a denied application cost USD 10.27. Set by: DHS notice “Certain DHS Immigration Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2026 Adjustments for Inflation”, 90 FR 52085 (19 November 2025). U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked
  3. From 30 September 2025 the ESTA fee rose from USD 21 to USD 40 under section 100014 of Public Law 119-21 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, HR-1). Set by: One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21, section 100014 (amending INA section 217(h)(3)(B)); applied from 30 September 2025 by CBP notice “CBP Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 for Fiscal Year 2025”, 90 FR 42025 (28 August 2025). U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked
  4. A final rule effective 20 May 2022 set the fee for an approved ESTA at USD 21 after the travel promotion fee rose from USD 10 to USD 17 (plus the USD 4 operational fee); CBP was to begin collecting it after the effective date. Set by: Final rule “Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Fee Increase”, 87 FR 30769 (20 May 2022), implementing section 806 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-94). U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked
  5. From 8 September 2010 ESTA applicants paid USD 14: a USD 10 travel promotion fee for an approved ESTA plus a USD 4 operational fee. Set by: Interim final rule “Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): Travel Promotion Fee and Fee for Use of the System”, 75 FR 47701 (9 August 2010). U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

How long an ESTA lasts and how long you can stay

How to apply for an ESTA

Apply only on the official site: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Other websites are not the government's.

Official warnings about other sites

Only what governments, regulators and courts have published, quoted word for word. We don't label any website ourselves.

  • The FTC warns that ESTA lookalike sites try to trick people into overpaying, that copycat websites will likely overcharge and might not even submit the application, that the official website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov, and that lookalike sites often have similar names.

    To help them avoid a scam, be sure to let them know that they might come across ESTA lookalike sites trying to trick people into overpaying for the application. ... Scammers have copycat websites that will likely overcharge you and might not even submit your paperwork, leaving you without the travel documents you need to enter the United States. Apply through the official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Lookalike sites often have similar names, so look closely at the URL.Published U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer alert · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

  • The FTC says any website that charges you more to apply for an ESTA, or says you can get a refund, is not the real site.

    Any website that charges you more to apply — or says you can get a refund — isn’t the real site.Published U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer alert · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026

  • Private ESTA services do not speed up approval, and third-party ESTA websites are not endorsed by or affiliated with DHS or the U.S. government.

    No. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite approval. Third party websites that provide information about ESTA submit ESTA applications for VWP travelers are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the U.S. government.U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

  • Some third-party websites charge a fee to submit an ESTA; CBP cannot refund money paid to them, and advises checking the application on the official site.

    There are a number of third parties that have established websites that charge a fee for submitting your application on your behalf. ... CBP cannot refund the money you paid to a third party website.U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website · checked

  • CBP says using a private service will not speed up ESTA approval, and third-party ESTA websites are not endorsed by, associated with or affiliated in any way with DHS or the U.S. government.

    I have seen other websites that are assisting travelers in applying for their ESTA application. Is there a benefit to using one of these other sites? No. Use of a private service to apply for travel authorization via ESTA will not expedite approval. Third party websites that provide information about ESTA submit ESTA applications for VWP travelers are not endorsed by, associated with, or affiliated in any way with DHS or the U.S. government.U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

  • CBP says some third-party websites charge a fee to submit ESTA applications, strongly suggests that anyone who used one checks with the official U.S. government site that the ESTA is in the system, and says it cannot refund money paid to a third-party website.

    I've been charged more than US $40.62 for ESTA, why? ... There are a number of third parties that have established websites that charge a fee for submitting your application on your behalf. If you have used one of these third party sites, we strongly suggest you use your application number to confirm with the official U.S. government site to ensure that your ESTA is in our system. ... CBP cannot refund the money you paid to a third party website.U.S. Customs and Border Protection · checked

How long an ESTA takes

Transit through the US

When you need a US visa instead

  • VWP nationals who have been to North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 cannot use ESTA and must apply for a visa (limited diplomatic or military exceptions). Source page read from the Wayback capture of 12 July 2026.

    U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs · checked · read from an archived copy of 12 Jul 2026

  • VWP nationals who have been to Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 cannot use ESTA and must apply for a visa (limited diplomatic or military exceptions). Source page read from the Wayback capture of 12 July 2026.

    U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs · checked · read from an archived copy of 12 Jul 2026

  • VWP nationals who also hold the nationality of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria cannot use ESTA and must apply for a visa. Source page read from the Wayback capture of 12 July 2026.

    U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs · checked · read from an archived copy of 12 Jul 2026

  • A visa is needed instead of ESTA when arriving on a non-signatory air carrier or staying more than 90 days.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website · checked

Recent changes

  1. CBP raised the ESTA fee from $40.27 to $40.62; the system change to collect the new fee was scheduled to take effect on 16 October 2026. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website · checked

ESTA for UK citizens

ETA, 90 days E-passport required.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

  • The UK is on DHS's list of Visa Waiver Program countries. DHS lists 42 participants currently designated for the Visa Waiver Program (page last updated 28 October 2026); their citizens or nationals can apply for an ESTA, subject to the VWP conditions.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

  • For the VWP, the United Kingdom means only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode; British overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens and Commonwealth citizens are not covered.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

Everything for this trip: United States visa for British citizens.

ESTA for Canadians

Visa-free

Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 212.1 · checked

Everything for this trip: United States visa for Canadians.

ESTA for Indian citizens

Visa required

Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 212.1 · checked

  • India is not on DHS's list of Visa Waiver Program countries. DHS lists 42 participants currently designated for the Visa Waiver Program (page last updated 28 October 2026); their citizens or nationals can apply for an ESTA, subject to the VWP conditions.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

Everything for this trip: United States visa for Indian citizens. US visitor visa (B1/B2): who needs one and how to apply

ESTA for UAE citizens

Visa required

Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 212.1 · checked

  • The UAE is not on DHS's list of Visa Waiver Program countries. DHS lists 42 participants currently designated for the Visa Waiver Program (page last updated 28 October 2026); their citizens or nationals can apply for an ESTA, subject to the VWP conditions.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security · checked

Every destination for this passport: United Arab Emirates passport. US visitor visa (B1/B2): who needs one and how to apply

FAQ

How long does an ESTA take?

In most cases ESTA applicants get a real-time decision on their application. If no immediate decision can be made, the status shows 'Authorization Pending'; this is not a negative finding, and the applicant is notified once a decision is made. CBP recommends applying as soon as travel planning starts or before buying tickets; applications may be submitted at any time before travel.

How much does an ESTA cost?

The ESTA costs US $40.62 per application, paid online by MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover (JCB, Diners Club) or PayPal. The fee has two charges: US $10.62 for processing, charged to every applicant, and US $30.00 more if the ESTA is approved ($17 travel promotion fee plus $13 General Fund fee). A refused applicant pays only the processing charge. CBP raised the ESTA fee from $40.27 to $40.62; the system change to collect the new fee was scheduled to take effect on 16 October 2026.

Can I travel to the US without an ESTA?

Everyone travelling under the Visa Waiver Program needs an approved ESTA before travelling to the United States, including infants without their own ticket, unless they hold a U.S. visa. Travellers with a valid U.S. visa travel on that visa and do not need an ESTA.

Do UK citizens need an ESTA?

UK citizens: ETA, 90 days (e-passport required), according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security, checked 31 Oct 2026. The UK is on DHS's list of Visa Waiver Program countries. For the VWP, the United Kingdom means only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode; British overseas citizens, British dependent territories' citizens and Commonwealth citizens are not covered. See ESTA for UK citizens.

Do Canadians need an ESTA?

Canadian citizens: visa-free, according to Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 212.1, checked 31 Oct 2026. Canadian citizens travelling on a Canadian passport do not need an ESTA. See ESTA for Canadians.

How long is an ESTA valid?

An approved ESTA is valid for two years from approval or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, unless revoked. ESTA does not allow a two-year stay: under the Visa Waiver Program each stay is limited to 90 days or less; longer stays need a visa.

Do I need an ESTA to transit through the US?

VWP nationals need either an ESTA or a visa even to transit the United States; in the ESTA form they answer 'Yes' to the transit question.

Sources

Official sources only. Each was checked on the date shown.

  1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website: who needs an ESTA, official website, fee, validity and stay, how to apply, warnings about other sites, processing time, transit, visa instead, recent changes and by nationalityesta.cbp.dhs.gov · checked
  2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), official ESTA website: official website, fee and how to applyesta.cbp.dhs.gov · checked
  3. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): who needs an ESTA, processing time, entry rules and by nationalitydhs.gov · checked
  4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): who needs an ESTA, who doesn't need one, validity and stay and warnings about other sitescbp.gov · checked
  5. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Federal Register): fee historyfederalregister.gov · checked
  6. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Federal Register): fee historyfederalregister.gov · checked
  7. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Federal Register): fee historyfederalregister.gov · checked
  8. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Federal Register): fee historyfederalregister.gov · checked
  9. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Federal Register): fee historyfederalregister.gov · checked
  10. U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs: validity and stay and visa insteadtravel.state.gov · checked · read from an archived copy of 12 Jul 2026
  11. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): how to apply and processing timecbp.gov · checked
  12. U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumer alert: warnings about other sitesconsumer.ftc.gov · checked · read from an archived copy of 19 Oct 2026
  13. Code of Federal Regulations, 8 CFR 212.1 (DHS): entry rulesecfr.gov · checked

More: United States entry rules by nationality · US visitor visa (B1/B2) · US transit visa · all visa guides.

About this page

By the Visa Almanac editorial team. Every rule, fee and date on this page comes from the official sources listed above, each read on the day shown; where they are silent, we say so. Editorial policy · Change log

Updated
5 Nov 2026
Last checked
Official sources
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Rules change without notice. Always confirm with the official source linked on each page before you travel.