ETAApply Global Travel Authorisation Guide
Menu

Destination guide · United States

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

ESTA is the active pre-travel authorisation system for eligible travellers using the Visa Waiver Program. It is not a visa and does not decide admission at the border.

Apply on the official U.S. Government website Review verified information
  • Completely free information
  • No account, payment details or passport upload required
  • Facts linked to official government sources

Verified programme information

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Each fact below records the official source and the date on which ETAApply checked it.

Status: Active

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Apply on the official U.S. Government website

Programme overview

An automated travel-authorisation system for eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers

Holding a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country does not by itself guarantee eligibility.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Official fee

US $40.27 official ESTA fee

CBP describes a US $10.27 processing charge plus a US $30 authorization charge when approved.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 27 October 2026

Validity

Generally 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner

Some passports or circumstances can have a shorter validity period.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Permitted stay

Visa Waiver Program visits are limited to 90 days or less for permitted business or pleasure travel

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Processing guidance

Apply when booking travel; a status update usually takes no more than 72 hours

Do not treat the timeframe as a guaranteed approval.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Passport and documents

Use a valid passport from a Visa Waiver Program country and obtain a new ESTA after a new passport is issued

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Transit

Visa Waiver Program travellers generally need ESTA when transiting through the United States

Check the official FAQ for the circumstances of the journey.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Exemptions and other routes

Travellers using a valid U.S. visa do not also need ESTA for that visa journey

Other immigration and nationality-specific rules may apply.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Important conditions

ESTA is not a visa and an approval does not guarantee admission to the United States

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 26 October 2026

Apply on the official U.S. Government website

Practical preparation

Common mistakes to avoid

These checks are based on the official sources cited with each item.

Reusing ESTA after a passport change

CBP says a new ESTA is required when a new passport is issued and in several other changed circumstances.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 27 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

United States travel-authorisation questions

Is ESTA a visa?

No. It supports eligible travel under the Visa Waiver Program and does not replace a visa where one is required.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 27 October 2026

How long can a Visa Waiver Program visit last?

The usual limit is 90 days or less for permitted business or pleasure travel.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 27 October 2026

Does an approved ESTA guarantee admission?

No. CBP makes the admission decision at the border.

Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Customs and Border Protection · verified 27 October 2026

Practical traveller library

Guides for United States

Scenario-led planning guides, checked against the official sources listed on each page.

Official source registry

Sources used for this destination

ETAApply stores source references and verified facts, not copies of government pages.

Independent information

Official sources, clearly identified

ETAApply is an independent travel-information website and is not affiliated with any government.

Apply on the official U.S. Government website

Other destinations

Explore travel-authorisation information

Australia

Australia visitor authorisation and visa options

New Zealand

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Europe

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)