ESTA fee 2026 US cost vs Canada eTA: side by side comparison — this guide puts the 2026 ESTA and Canada eTA fees side by side for VWP travelers heading to both countries. Every figure aligns with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules and Canadian IRCC guidance. These are two separate programs. Visit both countries by air and you need both.
TL;DR — the 2026 fees at a glance: US ESTA $40.27 vs Canada eTA C$7 (~$5.10). ESTA: 90 days max, 2 years validity. eTA: 6 months max, 5 years validity.
Side-by-side fee comparison: ESTA vs Canada eTA
The numbers are stark. ESTA costs $40.27 USD against the Canadian eTA at C$7 (about $5.10) — Canada is roughly 8x cheaper. The validity windows differ too: ESTA runs 2 years, the eTA 5 years.
| Feature | US ESTA | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $40.27 USD | C$7 (~$5.10 USD) |
| Processing | 72 hours | 72 hours |
| Max stay per entry | 90 days | 6 months |
| Validity | 2 years | 5 years |
| Eligible countries | 42 VWP | ~50 visa-exempt |
| Authority | CBP/DHS | IRCC |
| Portal | esta.cbp.dhs.gov | canada.ca/eta |
Both programs apply only to air arrivals; the Canada eTA exempts land and sea entry. Our esta cost page tracks every change.
Why the Canada eTA is cheaper than ESTA
The eTA is cheaper for one reason: it charges only an operational processing fee. There is no equivalent of the $17 Travel Promotion Act surcharge that funds Brand USA marketing. Canada leans on tax-funded tourism promotion instead of applicant fees.
Specifically, the U.S. Travel Promotion Act of 2010 mandates the $17 surcharge under 22 USC §2131. Consequently, every ESTA applicant funds Brand USA. As a result, the difference is structural, not operational. However, both programs deliver similar electronic authorization functions at the airline gate.
Notably, the U.S. program covers 42 VWP countries (State Department, 2025). In addition, see esta application guide.
Combined trip cost analysis
For a combined US+Canada trip, the total electronic authorization cost is $40.27 + $5.10 = $45.37 per traveler. That still lands well below the $185 B1/B2 visa fee ineligible travelers face.
- US ESTA: $40.27 once.
- Canada eTA: ~$5.10 once.
- Combined: $45.37 per traveler.
- Family of 4: $181.48 combined.
- vs B1/B2: $185 each — even more expensive.
Indeed, both programs are non-refundable except partial ESTA denial. Therefore, see esta cost for full breakdown.
Who is eligible for each program
Eligibility overlaps heavily. Most VWP nationals (UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, etc.) qualify for both programs. Both require electronic passports.
- Passport: Electronic e-passport with biometric chip.
- Trip purpose: Tourism, short business.
- Stay (US): 90 days; (Canada): 6 months.
- Country list: See esta requirements.
- Prior travel flags: HR.158 disqualifies for ESTA.
However, ineligibility for ESTA does not block eTA eligibility. Therefore, denied ESTA applicants can still travel to Canada. Indeed, see U.S. State Department for VWP details.
How to apply for both
To apply for both, file ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov ($40.27) and the eTA through the Canadian portal (C$7) separately. Each authorization stands on its own.
- ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
- Provide passport data.
- Answer eligibility.
- Pay $40.27.
- eTA: canada.ca/eta separately.
- Pay C$7.
In addition, see esta vs us visa.
Common pitfalls when applying for both
Most problems stem from confusing the two systems, applying for the wrong country, mistyped passport numbers, and last-minute applications. Name mismatches trigger manual review in both.
- Wrong portal: ESTA runs through the official CBP site; the eTA through the Canadian government portal.
- Mistyped passport: O vs zero.
- Late application: Apply 72 hours ahead of each.
- Currency confusion: ESTA USD; eTA CAD.
- Reseller scams: Both authorities have official-only fees.
However, errors discovered after submission can sometimes be fixed. Notably, only address, email, phone and flight data may be edited in ESTA. Consequently, identity errors require a fresh application — see esta denied what to do.
What changed in 2026 for both programs
Three changes stand out for 2026. The ESTA fee took full effect at $40.27, both programs added social media identifiers, and the ESTA mobile app launched. The Canada eTA fee stayed put at C$7.
- ESTA Fee: $40.27 since 30 May 2025.
- Canada eTA: Steady at C$7.
- ESTA mobile app: Launched.
- Social media: Required for both.
The 90-day ESTA limit and the 6-month eTA limit are unchanged. Our fee changes guide watches every announcement.
FAQ — ESTA vs Canada eTA
How much is ESTA vs eTA?
ESTA $40.27 USD; eTA C$7 (~$5.10).
Why is ESTA more expensive?
$17 Travel Promotion Act surcharge funds Brand USA marketing.
Can I use ESTA to enter Canada?
No — separate authorizations required.
Are both required?
Yes if visiting both countries by air.
How long is each valid?
ESTA 2 years; eTA 5 years.
What if denied for ESTA?
Pursue a B1/B2 visa; eTA may still work.
Where official info?
Always start at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The CBP publishes the fee schedule. The DHS oversees ESTA. Canada eTA: canada.ca/eta.
Documents to gather for both
Before you start either application, gather your passport, contact details, U.S. and Canadian addresses, employer information and travel history. Both forms expire after 20 minutes of inactivity.
- Passport: Biometric e-passport with 6+ months validity.
- Contact info: Email and phone.
- U.S. point of contact: Hotel or host.
- Canadian point of contact: If visiting.
- Employer: Company name, address.
- Travel history: Disqualifying-country visits since 2011 (ESTA only).
Notably, lying is grounds for permanent denial under 8 USC §1182 (US) or IRPA (Canada). Therefore, when in doubt, disclose. In addition, see USA.gov visitor information.
Related reading
Last updated: 7 May 2026.
Practical scenarios for travellers visiting the United States 2026
ESTA for families travelling to the US: Every family member, including infants and children, requires their own separate ESTA authorisation. Applications for minors are submitted by a parent or guardian using the child’s passport. The fee is $40 per person, identical for adults and children. Processing time is not reduced for family groups — apply for all members simultaneously at least 14 days before flying into JFK, LAX, ORD, Miami or any other US port of entry. If a child needs a new passport, allow 4-8 weeks for issuance — US Customs and Border Protection is strict on passport validity, requiring at least 6 months beyond intended departure for most countries.
ESTA for business travellers: ESTA covers business visits under the Visa Waiver Program — meetings, conferences, negotiations, short training paid by a foreign employer, attending trade shows. It does NOT cover paid work for US employers, salaried positions, freelance contracts with US clients, or B2C sales activities. For these, a B-1/B-2 visa or work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1) is required from a US Consulate. Frequent business travellers should note ESTA allows stays up to 90 days per visit, but US Customs officers can deny entry if travel patterns suggest de facto residency or unauthorised work.
Students with short US programmes: ESTA covers participation in non-credit, short-duration academic conferences and unpaid student exchange visits under 90 days. For credit-bearing study or programmes exceeding 90 days, an F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) student visa is mandatory. The SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) and visa application ($185) are separate from any university charges. Useful documents on arrival: I-20 form (for F/M visas), acceptance letter, evidence of financial support, return ticket.
Comparison: ESTA vs other US travel authorisations 2026
| Authorisation | Purpose | Cost | Validity | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA | VWP tourism + business | $40 | 2 years / multi-entry | 90 days per visit |
| B-1/B-2 Visa | Tourism + business (non-VWP) | $185 | Up to 10 years | 6 months typically |
| F-1 Student Visa | Academic study | $185 + $350 SEVIS | Duration of programme | Programme length |
| H-1B Work Visa | Specialty occupation | $460-$2.500 | Up to 6 years | Employment duration |
| TSA PreCheck | Expedited security (not entry) | $78-$85 | 5 years | N/A — security only |
ESTA is the fastest and cheapest option for eligible Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country citizens. Check VWP eligibility — 41 countries including most EU, UK, Japan, Australia, South Korea. If your country is not in VWP, you need a B-1/B-2 visa from a US Consulate. TSA PreCheck is a domestic US security program (faster airport security), unrelated to entry authorisation.
Common ESTA application mistakes
- Misspelling names: Type names exactly as they appear on the passport biographic page — including middle names if present. Even minor discrepancies (missing hyphen, transposed letter) trigger manual review.
- Outdated passport details: Use the current passport number — if you renew your passport between ESTA approval and travel, you must reapply.
- Wrong arrival address: If you don’t know your hotel yet, enter the first night’s booking. „TBD” or „Unknown” triggers refusal.
- Omitting prior visa refusals: Disclose any past US visa denials honestly. Omission triggers automatic refusal and permanent record flag.
- Incorrect criminal history: Even minor offences must be declared if they meet the „moral turpitude” threshold. Consult an immigration attorney if uncertain.
- Card declined for $40: Inform your bank about the international transaction in USD. Some cards reject small international charges as suspicious.
What if I miss my flight with approved ESTA?
ESTA remains valid for 2 years regardless of missed flights — it is not consumed on first use. Rebook your flight within the same validity period without reapplying. Situations that invalidate ESTA: passport expiry or replacement, change of name (marriage, legal change), change of gender designation, or criminal arrest/conviction since last application.
Can I cross to Canada or Mexico with ESTA?
ESTA covers entry to the United States only. Brief same-day excursions to Canada or Mexico are generally permitted under ESTA — the 90-day clock continues as if you never left. However, longer absences or onward travel to other countries may reset entry conditions. Always verify with US CBP and the destination country before crossing.
Can I work or earn freelance income from US clients with ESTA?
No. ESTA strictly prohibits paid work for US-based employers or clients. Remote work for non-US employers during a short ESTA visit is a gray area — generally tolerated for brief periods, but Customs officers can deny entry if they suspect unauthorised work. For sustained freelance work or US-based clients, an O-1 or H-1B work visa is required.
Final tips for international travellers visiting the US in 2026
Before departure: download the Mobile Passport Control app (free, used at JFK, LAX, ORD and 30+ airports — speeds up entry by 30-45 minutes), save emergency numbers (911 for police/fire/ambulance), note your country’s embassy address in Washington DC. Verify with your bank international transaction limits — many cards have daily caps insufficient for US hotels (often $300-$500/night in major cities) or car rentals. Activate SMS notifications. Keep digital copies of all documents — passport, ESTA approval, tickets, hotel reservations, return flight — in cloud storage. The US has strict tipping culture — budget 15-20% on restaurants, $2-5 per service. Sales tax (5-10%) is added at checkout, not included in displayed prices.