ESTA: official website, fee and validity
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorisation for visiting United States, issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Apply only on the official website below.
Official website (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) →- Fee
- US$40.62 per application. If you are refused, you pay only the US$10.62 processing part.
- How long it lasts
- 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, unless it is revoked.
- When to apply
- Any time before you travel. CBP recommends applying as soon as you start planning, or before you buy your ticket.
- How long you can stay
- Visa Waiver Program visits of up to 90 days, for business or tourism.
Use the official website. Some websites charge a fee to submit your application for you. CBP can't refund money you paid to them.
Which passports need what for United States
Our verified entry rule for each passport we cover. Not every passport uses the ESTA: open your passport's page to see exactly what you need.
- Argentina: Visa needed
- Australia: Travel authorisation
- Brazil: Visa needed
- Chile: Travel authorisation
- China: Visa needed
- France: Travel authorisation
- Germany: Travel authorisation
- India: Visa needed
- Israel: Travel authorisation
- Italy: Travel authorisation
- Japan: Travel authorisation
- Malaysia: Visa needed
- Mexico: Visa needed
- Netherlands: Travel authorisation
- New Zealand: Travel authorisation
- Singapore: Travel authorisation
- South Korea: Travel authorisation
- Spain: Travel authorisation
- Ukraine: Visa needed
- United Kingdom: Travel authorisation
Official sources
- Fee, validity, unofficial websites: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Official ESTA Application Website (FAQ)
- When to apply: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ESTA
- Length of stay: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Visa Waiver Program
Checked against the source on 2026-10-28
Informational only, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: check the official website before you apply. We are not affiliated with any government.