The short answer
ESTA is for eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers who plan to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for 90 days or less and do not already have a visitor visa.
Official CBP guidance says each traveller, regardless of age, needs an approved travel authorisation or a visa before travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
Before you apply: traveller checklist
- Confirm your passport country: ESTA is for eligible nationals or citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries.
- Use the official site: the correct application website is `esta.cbp.dhs.gov`. Avoid paid copycat sites.
- Prepare details: CBP Help lists passport details, email verification, employer/address information, U.S. point of contact and payment information.
- Check risky travel history: some prior travel or dual-nationality situations can require a visa instead of ESTA.
Who usually needs ESTA?
ESTA is normally required if you are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country, do not have a visitor visa, plan to travel for 90 days or less, and are travelling to the United States for business or pleasure under VWP rules.
It is not a visa and it does not guarantee admission. It authorises you to travel to a U.S. port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection officers make the final entry decision.
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| Tourism, business meeting or transit under 90 days | ESTA may be the right route if your passport is VWP eligible. |
| You already have a valid visitor visa | You may not need ESTA for that trip, but confirm your visa class and purpose. |
| You want to work, study long term or stay over 90 days | ESTA is not the correct route. Check visa options. |
| New passport after approval | Apply again because ESTA validity is tied to passport details. |
Cost, validity and timing
The official ESTA application website currently shows the application fee as $40.27 USD. CBP advises travellers to use the official site and warns that ESTA is not affiliated with third-party websites.
CBP says approved ESTA authorisations are generally valid for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first. They can be used for multiple entries, but each stay under the Visa Waiver Program is limited to 90 days or less.
Common mistakes to avoid
Use only the official ESTA site or official app. Third-party sites may charge extra or confuse travellers.
ESTA is not for work, immigration, long study or staying over 90 days.
If passport details change, the old ESTA may not work for travel.
ESTA vs visa
ESTA is a travel authorisation for eligible Visa Waiver Program travellers. A visa is a separate document issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate for travellers who need or choose a visa route. If you are not eligible for ESTA, or your travel purpose does not fit VWP rules, check visa requirements instead.
FAQ
Is ESTA a visa? No. It is a travel authorisation for eligible VWP travellers.
Does every child need ESTA? CBP says each traveller needs an approved travel authorisation or visa, regardless of age.
How long should I apply before travel? CBP recommends submitting ESTA at least 72 hours before travel.