Electronic travel authorization for United States: documents, fees and steps

Good to know

• Length of stayConditions and details

  ESTA authorization allows stays of 90 days at most under the visa waiver program, even if it remains valid for two years. For a longer stay, you must obtain a visa from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Validity of the authorizationConditions and details

  Unless revoked, the authorization is valid for two years from its approval, or until the passport expires if that occurs earlier, for multiple trips. New authorizations for citizens of Brunei are valid for one year at most since 6 July 2023. It is enough that it is valid on arrival: its expiration during the stay does not hinder departure.
• New application requiredConditions and details

  A new authorization is required in the event of a new passport, a change of name or citizenship, or if the answer to any of the eligibility questions changes; the fee is then due again.
• Neither extension nor change of statusConditions and details

  A person admitted under the program may neither extend their stay nor change nonimmigrant status. They have no recourse against a refusal of admission, nor against a removal measure, except for an asylum request.
• ESTA is not a visaAn ESTA authorization does not replace a visa when the law requires one. The holder of a valid B1/B2 visitor visa travels with that visa and does not need ESTA.
• Entry not guaranteedConditions and details

  The authorization establishes only eligibility to travel. On arrival, a CBP officer may declare the traveler inadmissible; the traveler is then sent back to their country of origin, or to a third country for which they hold a round-trip ticket, on board the carrier that brought them.
• Stays in certain countries and dual nationalityConditions and details

  Unless an exemption applies, nationals who have traveled to Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since 1 March 2011, and those who also hold the nationality of Iraq, Syria, Iran, North Korea or Sudan, may not travel with an ESTA. An exception applies to military service or official duties for a participating country. These travelers must apply for a visa.
• Stay in CubaConditions and details

  Unless limited exceptions apply, a traveler who has been to Cuba since 12 January 2021, or who also holds Cuban nationality, may not travel with an ESTA and must apply for a visa; an authorization already granted is revoked.
• British citizens and Taiwan passportsConditions and details

  Only British passports stating British citizenship (“British Citizen”) give access to the program. Holders of a Taiwan passport provide their passport number and their personal identification number.
• Entry via the land borderConditions and details

  An approved ESTA authorization is also required to enter via the land border and must be obtained before arriving there. CBP invites these travelers to request their I-94 form in advance on its website or with the CBP Link application.
• Unofficial websitesConditions and details

  Using a private service does not speed up approval. Third-party websites that offer to submit the application are neither approved by the Department of Homeland Security nor associated with the United States government.
• Keep a record of the responseNo printout is required to travel, but it is recommended to print the response to keep the application number and the status confirmation.
• In the event of a refusalConditions and details

  A refusal only prohibits travel under the program and does not prejudge eligibility for a visa; no court may review the decision. Without a change of circumstances, a new application would be refused, and an application containing false information makes the traveler permanently ineligible for the program.
• Visa or ESTA authorizationConditions and details

  A visa may be valid for up to 10 years and allows a stay of up to six months at a time, compared with 90 days under the program; it also generally allows the stay to be extended or the category to be changed in place, which the program excludes.
• One authorization per travelerEach traveler, including children, must have their own authorization and their own valid passport; children registered on a parent's passport are not admitted to the program.
• ESTA fees applicable from 16 October 2026Conditions and details

  Since 16 October 2026, the fee is 10.62 USD for processing, plus 30 USD if authorization is granted, for a total of 40.62 USD. If the application is denied, only the processing fee is due. Check the amount displayed on the official website at the time of payment.