PASSPORTOFFICES
Electronic travel authorization · United States

ESTA under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

Citizens of the roughly 40 Visa Waiver Program countries can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA instead of a visa.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the U.S. ESTA?

Passport holders of Visa Waiver Program countries arriving by air or sea on an approved carrier. Everyone else needs a visa.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $21. Application processing charge plus an authorization fee, payable to CBP.
  • Typical processing: Apply at least 72 hours before departure; most decisions are near-immediate.
  • Maximum stay: 90 days per entry; it cannot be extended and cannot be changed to another status.
  • Passport validity: Valid for the duration of your stay for most VWP nationals; an e-Passport is required.
  • When to apply: As soon as travel is planned.

Forms and official links

Step by step

  1. 1

    Confirm VWP eligibility

    Travel to certain countries after 2011 disqualifies you from ESTA — you would need a B-1/B-2 visa.

  2. 2

    Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov

    Answer every question accurately; errors are hard to correct.

  3. 3

    Check the status

    Approval is normally instant but can take up to 72 hours.

  4. 4

    Travel

    ESTA authorizes boarding, not entry — CBP decides admission at the port.

What to have ready

  • An electronic (chip) passport from a VWP country
  • Payment card
  • U.S. contact address
  • Employment and travel history details

Watch out for

  • ESTA cannot be extended or converted to a student or work status inside the U.S.
  • A prior visa refusal or certain travel history makes you ineligible; apply for a visa instead.

Also in United States