ESTA (USA) 2026: cost, who needs it, how to apply

In forceNot separately checked Partly verified

Fee raised to $40 on 30 Sep 2025; CBP site shows $40.62, embassy/usa.gov show $40.27 (from 1 Jan 2026). Proposed social-media requirement not finalised (press).

Type: ETA · Last checked 2026-10-21

Key facts

Who needs itOfficial (snippet)

Visa Waiver Program nationals incl. UK, most EU, Australia, NZ, Japan, S. Korea (<=90 days)

Who is exemptNot confirmed

Not confirmed, check the official site

Our unconfirmed note: Canadian citizens (standard rule, not re-checked); visa holders

FeeOfficial (snippet)

USD 40.62 (USD 10.27 if denied)

Approx. USD

$40.62 (approximate; exchange rate not verified)

ValidityOfficial (snippet)

2 years or until passport expires

Max stay per visitOfficial (snippet)

90 days per visit

Processing timeOfficial (snippet)

usually within 72 hours

When to applyNot separately checked

any time before travel; no less than 72h before boarding

Badges: Official ✓ = read on an official government page · Official (snippet) = official page text seen in a search result because the page blocked our checker · Not confirmed = we could not confirm it, so check the official site.

Do I need it? Quick check by passport

• United States: Not needed
• United Kingdom: Needed
• EU country: Needed Most EU states are in the Visa Waiver Program; a few are not.
• Canada: Not needed
• Australia: Needed

A starting point only, based on the official pages below. Dual nationals, residents and other passports: check the official site.

Official sources

• https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
• https://www.usa.gov/visa-waiver-esta
• https://uk.usembassy.gov/cbps-electronic-system-for-travel-authorization-esta/
• https://sg.usembassy.gov/esta/

What the sources say

• Feehttps://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

  Payment method: Fee for application is $40.62 USD.

• Feehttps://sg.usembassy.gov/esta/

  Effective on January 1, 2026, the fee for an approved ESTA is $40.27 USD. If your ESTA is denied, you are only charged $10.27

• validity+stayhttps://www.usa.gov/visa-waiver-esta

  Each approved ESTA application is generally valid for two years ... you may stay up to 90 days per visit.

• Processinghttps://sg.usembassy.gov/esta/

  General determination for a decision on a pending ESTA is usually available within 72 hours.

• Scam warninghttps://uk.usembassy.gov/cbps-electronic-system-for-travel-authorization-esta/

  BE AWARE OF THIRD PARTY WEBSITES! The site listed here is the ONLY official ESTA website.

Last checked 2026-10-21. Rules change: always confirm on the official site before you travel.