ESTA is the United States travel authorization for eligible Visa Waiver Program travelers. It is not a visa. Apply on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
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Run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Last verified August 17, 2026.
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1. Is ESTA free?
No. An approved application costs USD $40.27. See the official fee split, validity rules, and application deadline. → Read the ESTA overview
2. Every field, in order
Passport, name, contact, employer, U.S. contact, and optional social media details. → Field-by-field guide
The fast facts
- Official total if approved: USD $40.27. CBP charges a $4.00 processing fee, then $36.27 after approval. If the application is refused, only the $4.00 processing fee is charged.
- Price change: the total rose from $21.00 to $40.27 on September 30, 2025.
- Who needs it: eligible VWP passport holders traveling to the United States by air, sea, or land.
- When to apply: no later than 72 hours before departure.
- Validity: generally 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. ESTA for Brunei passport holders is limited to 1 year.
- What it is not: ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission at the border.
Check whether your passport is covered by the Visa Waiver Program before applying.
Verified
Run by U.S. Department of State. Last verified July 14, 2026.
Who we are
We are not U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the U.S. Department of State. We do not collect passport data, submit ESTA applications, or charge application fees.