US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- Official website
- https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov 1
- Fee in force from
- 16 October 2026 2
- Valid for
- Two years or until the passport expires 1
- Stay per visit
- 90 days or less 1
- When to apply
- DHS recommends applying when you make travel plans 1
- Children
- Even non-ticketed infants need one 1
Who needs an ESTA
Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries can visit the United States without a visa, but must get an approved travel authorization first 1. Everyone travelling under the program needs one, including non-ticketed infants who do not have a US visa 1.
You are eligible if you plan to stay 90 days or less for business, pleasure or transit, hold a valid passport from a VWP country, arrive on a VWP signatory carrier and have a return or onward ticket 1.
Who cannot use ESTA
Apply for a visa instead if you plan to stay more than 90 days, travel for something other than short tourism or business, or arrive on a non-signatory air carrier 1.
The State Department says VWP nationals who have been in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 are not eligible. Nor are those who have been in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011 3. Dual nationals of Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria must get a visa 3.
Cost
The ESTA fee is US$40.62 1. It is made up of a US$10.62 processing charge, a US$17 travel promotion fee and a US$13 Treasury fee 1. If your application is denied, you pay only the US$10.62 processing charge 1.
A Federal Register notice of 1 October 2026 set the fiscal year 2027 amounts. CBP began charging US$40.62 on 16 October 2026, up from US$40.27 2.
When to apply
The Department of Homeland Security recommends applying when you make travel plans 1. You must have an approved ESTA before boarding a US-bound air or sea carrier 3. Someone else can submit the application for you 1.
How long it lasts
An ESTA is valid for two years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips 1. Since 6 July 2023 new ESTAs for citizens of Brunei have a maximum validity of one year 1.
You need a new ESTA if you get a new passport, change your name, change citizenship or change any yes or no answer on the form 1. Existing authorizations cannot be extended 1.
Third-party sites charge more
CBP says a number of third parties run websites that charge a fee for submitting your application. If you used one, CBP suggests checking with your application number on the official site that your ESTA is in its system 1. CBP has no way of knowing whether a third-party site passed on your details correctly 1. Use https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov 1.
Common questions
How much is ESTA in 2026?
US$40.62, charged from 16 October 2026 2. A denied application costs US$10.62 1.
How long is an ESTA valid?
Two years from approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first 1.
How long can I stay in the US on ESTA?
90 days or less per visit 1.
Does my baby need an ESTA?
Yes. Even non-ticketed infants need one if they have no US visa 1.
Why was I charged more than US$40.62?
You probably used a third-party site that adds its own fee 1.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email hello@entryrulesexplained.com with the official link.
Sources
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Official ESTA application website, frequently asked questions (accessed 19 October 2026)
- Federal Register: Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (1 October 2026)
- U.S. Department of State: Visa Waiver Program (accessed 19 October 2026)
Related
- Advance passenger information: what API and PNR mean
What airlines send before a flight, how API differs from PNR, why states collect it, and the international rules behind the systems.
- Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Canada's eTA costs CAN$7 and lasts up to five years. Who needs it when flying in, who is exempt, processing times and the official site.
- UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
A UK ETA costs £20 and lasts 2 years or until your passport expires. Who needs one, who is exempt, how to apply and how to avoid paying extra.
- ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
ETIAS is not yet running. It will cost €20, last 3 years and cover 30 European countries. Who will need it, who is exempt and the official site.