ESTA Application 2026: Complete Guide to the US Travel Authorization

Planning a trip to the United States? If you hold a passport from one of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries, you do not need a traditional visa. Instead, you need an ESTA application — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the ESTA application process in 2026, including the updated fee, eligibility requirements, processing times, and step-by-step instructions for applying.

What Is ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is an automated online system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

An approved ESTA is not a visa. It is a pre-screening authorization that allows eligible travelers from VWP countries to board a plane or ship bound for the United States without first obtaining a U.S. visa. The ESTA was introduced in 2009 as part of the 9/11 Act to strengthen border security while facilitating legitimate travel.

When you submit an ESTA application, CBP evaluates your biographical information and travel eligibility against law enforcement and immigration databases. If approved, the authorization is electronically linked to your passport number. There is no physical document to print or carry — airlines and border officers verify your ESTA status digitally.

What Does ESTA Allow You to Do?

• Travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit
• Stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit
• Enter the US multiple times during the two-year validity period
• Board US-bound flights and cruise ships without a visa

An ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. A CBP officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on whether to admit you.

Who Needs an ESTA?

You need an approved ESTA if you meet all of the following criteria:

1. You are a citizen or national of a Visa Waiver Program country
2. You plan to travel to the United States by air or sea
3. Your trip is for tourism, business, or transit
4. You intend to stay for 90 days or fewer

If you are traveling to the US by land from Canada or Mexico, you do not need an ESTA. However, you may need an I-94 form at the border.

Complete List of the 42 Visa Waiver Program Countries (2026)

Citizens and nationals of the following 42 countries are eligible for the ESTA application:

Note: Qatar was the most recent country added to the VWP, joining in late 2024. The list is subject to change. Always verify your country’s eligibility on the official CBP ESTA website before applying.

Who Does NOT Need an ESTA?

• US citizens — You do not need any travel authorization to enter your own country
• US Green Card holders — Lawful permanent residents enter using their Green Card
• Travelers with a valid US visa — If you hold any type of valid US visa (B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, etc.), you do not need an ESTA
• Canadian citizens — Canada is not part of the VWP, but Canadian citizens are generally exempt from the visa requirement for short visits
• Land border travelers — ESTA is required only for air and sea arrivals

ESTA Requirements: What You Need to Apply

Before you start your ESTA application, make sure you have all the required information and documents ready.

Required Documents and Information

• Platný cestovní pas from a VWP country — must be an e-Passport (machine-readable passport with an electronic chip) for most countries
• Email address — for application confirmation and status notifications
• Payment method — credit card or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or PayPal)
• Contact information in the US — address where you will be staying (hotel, friend’s address, etc.)
• Employment information — current employer name, address, and phone number

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a machine-readable passport or an e-Passport with an electronic chip
• Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the US
• Must be issued by a VWP-participating country
• Must not be damaged or altered

Eligibility Questions

The ESTA application includes several eligibility questions. You may be ineligible if:

• You have been arrested or convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or a controlled substance violation
• You have previously been denied a US visa or entry to the United States
• You have traveled to certain designated countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen) after March 2011
• You have a communicable disease of public health significance
• You have been previously deported or removed from the United States
• You hold dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria

Answering “yes” to any of these questions does not automatically disqualify you, but it may result in a denial.

How to Apply for ESTA: Step-by-Step Guide

The ESTA application is completed entirely online. The process is straightforward and typically takes about 20 minutes.

Step 1: Visit the Official ESTA Website

Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov. This is the only official website for ESTA applications.

Step 2: Select Your Application Type

Choose between an individual application or a group application. Each person needs their own separate ESTA, even children and infants.

Step 3: Complete the Security Disclaimer

Read and acknowledge the security disclaimer and privacy statement.

Step 4: Enter Your Passport Information

Enter your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport. Double-check every entry — errors in passport information are one of the most common reasons for ESTA problems.

Step 5: Provide Personal Information

Fill in your personal details, including date of birth, city of birth, email address, phone number, and parents’ names.

Step 6: Enter Your US Contact Information

Provide the address where you will be staying in the United States. If you do not yet have specific plans, you can enter “Unknown.”

Step 7: Answer Eligibility Questions

Answer the series of yes/no questions about your health, criminal history, and travel background truthfully.

Step 8: Review and Submit

Carefully review all information. Verify your passport number, name spelling, and date of birth before submitting.

Step 9: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the ESTA application fee of $40.27 USD using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.

Step 10: Save Your Application Number

After submitting, save your application number. You will need it to check your status and for future reference.

ESTA Cost in 2026

The total ESTA application fee in 2026 is $40.27 USD per person. This fee applies to every applicant, including children and infants, and is non-refundable for approved applications.

ESTA Fee Breakdown

ESTA Fee History

The ESTA fee has increased several times since the program’s inception:

• 2009-2010: Free (ESTA was introduced without a fee)
• 2010-2024: $14 ($4 processing + $10 travel promotion)
• 2024-September 2025: $21 ($4 processing + $10 travel promotion + $7 increase)
• September 2025-present: $40+ ($17 travel promotion + $10 CBP operational + $13 Treasury, with annual inflation adjustments)

The significant increase in September 2025 was mandated by the HR-1 legislation, which restructured the fee components and introduced an annual inflation adjustment mechanism. The FY2026 inflation adjustment added $0.27 to the CBP operational fee based on the Consumer Price Index.

What Happens If Your ESTA Is Denied?

If your ESTA application is denied, you are only charged the CBP operational fee of $10.27. The travel promotion fee and Treasury contribution are not charged for denied applications.

ESTA Processing Time

One of the most common questions about the ESTA application is how long it takes to get approved. Here is what you can expect.

Standard Processing Time

The vast majority of ESTA applications are processed and approved within minutes of submission. CBP states that applicants should receive a response within 72 hours. In practice, most travelers receive their ESTA approval almost immediately after completing the payment.

Possible ESTA Responses

When Should You Apply?

CBP recommends submitting your ESTA application at least 72 hours before your departure. However, applying well in advance — ideally as soon as you start planning your trip — is strongly recommended. While most applications are approved within minutes, pending cases can take up to 72 hours.

You can apply for an ESTA at any time, even months before your planned travel date. Since the authorization is valid for two years, there is no downside to applying early.

ESTA Validity and Renewal

Understanding how long your ESTA lasts and when you need to renew it is essential for smooth travel planning.

How Long Is an ESTA Valid?

An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this two-year period, you can travel to the United States multiple times without reapplying.

Each visit to the US must still be 90 days or fewer. The two-year validity period refers to the travel authorization itself, not the length of a single stay.

When Does an ESTA Expire Early?

Your ESTA will expire before the two-year mark if:

• Your passport expires — the ESTA is linked to your passport, so getting a new passport means getting a new ESTA
• You change your name — if you legally change your name (for example, through marriage), you need a new ESTA with your new passport
• You change your gender on official documents
• You change your citizenship or country of passport
• Your answers to the eligibility questions change — for example, if you receive a criminal conviction after your ESTA was approved

How to Renew Your ESTA

There is no formal “renewal” process for ESTA. When your ESTA expires, you simply submit a new application and pay the full fee again. The process is identical to applying for the first time.

You can submit a new ESTA application before your current one expires. The new ESTA will replace the old one, so there is no issue with overlapping authorizations.

Tip: Set a reminder to check your ESTA expiration date before booking any US travel. You can verify your ESTA status on the official CBP website using your passport number and application number.

ESTA vs US Visa: What Is the Difference?

Many travelers confuse an ESTA with a US visa. While both allow you to travel to the United States, they are fundamentally different. Here is a detailed comparison.

When Should You Apply for a Visa Instead of ESTA?

You should apply for a US visa rather than an ESTA in the following situations:

• You plan to stay longer than 90 days
• You want to work or study in the United States
• Your ESTA application was denied
• You are not a citizen of a VWP country
• You want the option to extend your stay or change your immigration status while in the US
• You have previously overstayed on a VWP visit

Common Reasons an ESTA Gets Denied

While most ESTA applications are approved, some are denied. Understanding the common reasons for denial can help you avoid problems and decide whether to apply for an ESTA or go straight to a visa application.

Top Reasons for ESTA Denial

1. Criminal history — Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude (theft, fraud, assault) or any drug-related offenses can lead to denial
2. Previous immigration violations — Overstaying on a previous US visit, being deported, or having been denied entry at a US border
3. Travel to designated countries — Traveling to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions)
4. Dual nationality with designated countries — Holding citizenship of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria in addition to your VWP country citizenship
5. Previous visa denial — Having been previously refused a US visa may affect your ESTA eligibility
6. Inaccurate application information — Errors in passport number, name, date of birth, or other personal details
7. Incomplete application — Failing to fill in all required fields or providing vague responses
8. Health-related grounds — Certain communicable diseases of public health significance
9. Security concerns — Being flagged in law enforcement or security databases

What to Do If Your ESTA Is Denied

If your ESTA application is denied, you cannot appeal the decision. However, you have the following options:

• Apply for a US visa — Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate to schedule a visa interview. This is the recommended next step.
• Reapply for ESTA — You can submit a new ESTA application, but if your circumstances have not changed, the result is likely to be the same. CBP recommends waiting at least 10 days before reapplying.
• Contact the DHS Traveler Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) — If you believe your denial was due to incorrect information in government records, you can submit an inquiry through the DHS TRIP program at dhs.gov/dhs-trip.

ESTA for Transit and Layovers

If your flight to another country has a connection or layover in the United States, you still need an approved ESTA — even if you do not plan to leave the airport.

Unlike many countries, the United States does not have a sterile international transit zone. All passengers arriving at US airports must clear US immigration and customs, even if they are simply catching a connecting flight to another destination.

Key Points for Transit Travelers

• You must have an approved ESTA or valid US visa before boarding any flight that transits through the US
• You will go through full US immigration and customs at your first US airport
• You must collect your luggage and re-check it for your connecting flight
• The 90-day maximum stay applies, though your transit will typically last only a few hours
• When filling in your ESTA application, you can indicate that you are “In Transit” and provide your final destination

Tip: If you want to avoid the ESTA requirement and US immigration procedures, consider booking a route that does not transit through the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA

Can I work in the US with an ESTA?

No. An ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program only permits travel for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or transit. It does not authorize employment. “Business” in this context means attending meetings, negotiations, or conferences — not working for a US employer or receiving payment from a US source. To work in the US, you need an appropriate work visa (such as an H-1B, L-1, or O-1).

Do children and infants need an ESTA?

Yes. Every traveler needs their own ESTA, regardless of age. This includes newborns and infants. Each child must have their own passport, and a separate ESTA application must be submitted and paid for each child.

Can I apply for ESTA if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the nature of the offense. Minor traffic violations (excluding DUI/DWI) typically do not affect ESTA eligibility. However, convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude or any drug-related offenses will likely result in a denial. If you have a criminal record, applying for a regular US visa at a US embassy may be a better option, as you can explain your circumstances during the interview.

What happens if my ESTA expires while I am in the US?

Your ESTA only needs to be valid on the date you enter the United States. If your ESTA expires during your stay, it does not affect your current visit. You will still be permitted to remain for the duration granted at entry (up to 90 days). However, you will need a new ESTA before your next trip to the US.

Can I extend my 90-day stay with ESTA?

No. The 90-day limit for VWP travelers cannot be extended. Unlike visitors on a B-1/B-2 visa, VWP travelers cannot apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. You must leave the United States within 90 days. Overstaying can result in being barred from future VWP travel and from using ESTA.

Does a trip to Canada or Mexico reset the 90-day clock?

No. A short trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean islands does not reset the 90-day clock. The 90-day period is calculated from your initial date of entry into the United States. If you entered on January 1, you must leave the US (and its neighboring countries do not reset the count) by March 31, regardless of side trips.

Can I apply for ESTA on behalf of someone else?

Yes. You can submit an ESTA application on behalf of another person, such as a family member or friend. You will need their passport information, personal details, and answers to the eligibility questions. The group application feature on the official ESTA website makes it easy to submit multiple applications at once.

I changed my passport. Do I need a new ESTA?

Yes. Your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport number. If you receive a new passport for any reason — whether it expired, was lost, or you changed your name — you must apply for a new ESTA using your new passport details.

What is the difference between ESTA and I-94?

The ESTA is a pre-travel authorization that determines whether you are eligible to board a flight or ship to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. The I-94 is the arrival/departure record that is created when you actually enter the United States. The I-94 records the date of your entry and the date by which you must leave. For VWP travelers arriving by air or sea, the I-94 is now electronic and created automatically.

Are there websites other than the official CBP site where I can apply?

The only official ESTA website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Numerous third-party websites offer to process ESTA applications for you, but they charge significantly higher fees — sometimes $80 to $150 or more. These sites submit the same application on your behalf at a markup. While not all third-party services are scams, the official site is straightforward and costs only $40.27.

Key Takeaways