Travel authorization · checked 3 Nov 2026

ESTA (United States): who needs it and how to apply

The short answerESTA is an online travel authorization that lets citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries board a flight or ship to the US without a visa. Go to the official site. Flying to the US? See the free CDC attestation.

The official link goes to esta.cbp.dhs.gov. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.

At a glance

The ESTA in brief.

Fee	US$40.62 per application, or US$10.62 if it’s denied
Valid for	Two years, or until your passport expires
Stay	90 days or less per visit
When to apply	When you start planning, and no less than 72 hours before boarding
Decision	Usually within 72 hours, sometimes longer

Who it’s for

Do you need it?

Citizens or nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for tourism or business, or transiting, for 90 days or less. Some travelers are excluded and must get a visa, including anyone who has been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

Before you fly

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Before you start

What to have ready.

An e-passport with a chip.
A passport valid at least six months after you leave, unless your country is exempt.
A face photo and a photo of your passport page.
A payment card.
A return or onward ticket.

Step by step

How to get the ESTA.

Check it applies to you. Citizens or nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for tourism or business, or transiting, for 90 days or less. Some travelers are excluded and must get a visa, including anyone who has been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
Pick your moment. When you start planning, and no less than 72 hours before boarding.
Get these ready. An e-passport with a chip; A passport valid at least six months after you leave, unless your country is exempt; A face photo and a photo of your passport page; A payment card; A return or onward ticket.
Apply on the official site only. That’s esta.cbp.dhs.gov. The government fee is US$40.62 per application, or US$10.62 if it’s denied.
Wait for the answer. Usually within 72 hours, sometimes longer. Don’t travel until it arrives.
Keep it with your passport. It’s valid for two years, or until your passport expires, for 90 days or less per visit.

Watch outThird-party sites charge extra fees that US Customs and Border Protection can’t refund. Apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or in the official ESTA Mobile app.

Not sure your passport needs the ESTA? See the full United States entry requirements for 33 passports, including passport validity and what to show at the border.

Questions

The short answers.

What is the best eVisa for the United States?

ESTA is an online travel authorization that lets citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries board a flight or ship to the US without a visa. Apply on the official site, unless you want to pay a private service for help.

Who needs the ESTA?

Citizens or nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting for tourism or business, or transiting, for 90 days or less. Some travelers are excluded and must get a visa, including anyone who has been in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.

How much does it cost?

US$40.62 per application, or US$10.62 if it’s denied. Fees change, so confirm it on the official site before you pay.

When should I apply?

When you start planning, and no less than 72 hours before boarding.

How long does the ESTA take?

Usually within 72 hours, sometimes longer.

How long is the ESTA valid?

Two years, or until your passport expires. Each visit: 90 days or less per visit.

Is the ESTA a visa?

No. It’s a travel authorization: permission to board and travel for people who don’t need a visa. If you need a visa, the ESTA doesn’t replace it.

What do I need to apply?

An e-passport with a chip; A passport valid at least six months after you leave, unless your country is exempt; A face photo and a photo of your passport page; A payment card; A return or onward ticket.

Does NUM issue the ESTA?

No. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service, and we don’t decide applications. We explain what’s needed and link to the official site.

The rest of the trip

Land connected.

Get your data ready before you fly with a United States eSIM. Need anything else? Text NUM.

Sources