United States ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): fee, stay and who needs it
Needs an e-passport. Not available to anyone present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after 1 Mar 2011, or Cuba on or after 12 Jan 2021 (limited exceptions for military/government duty), or to dual nationals of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria or Cuba. Those people need a B1/B2 visa. FY2027 amount from 16 Oct 2026 ($17 + $10.62 + $13). $10.62 if denied. Was $21 until 29 Sep 2025, $40 from 30 Sep 2025, $40.27 from 1 Jan 2026.
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
ETA- Official fee
- $40.62
- Stay
- up to 90 days per visit, no extension
- Processing
- apply before booking; CBP gives no fixed time
- Interview
- No
Who uses it
Questions
How much is the United States ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)?
The official fee is $40.62. FY2027 amount from 16 Oct 2026 ($17 + $10.62 + $13). $10.62 if denied. Was $21 until 29 Sep 2025, $40 from 30 Sep 2025, $40.27 from 1 Jan 2026.
How long can I stay on the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)?
up to 90 days per visit, no extension. Validity: generally 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is first (Brunei: 1 year).
What can I do on the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)?
It is for tourism, business, family visit, medical, transit.
Official sources
Checked on November 4, 2026
- DHS Visa Waiver Program country list (updated 28 Oct 2026)
- CBP Visa Waiver Program
- CBP VWP Improvement Act FAQ (travel and dual nationality limits)
- Federal Register 2026-20185, FY2027 ESTA/EVUS/I-94 fees
- Federal Register 2025-16453, ESTA fee to $40 from 30 Sep 2025
- State Dept fees for visa services
- Interview Waiver Update 18 Sep 2025 (effective 1 Oct 2025)
- Proclamation 10998 (White House)
- State Dept: Suspension of visa issuance (2 Feb 2026)
- State Dept: Countries subject to visa bonds (2 Oct 2026)
- US Embassy in Azerbaijan, visas
Sroky is a private company and is not part of any government. The destination decides on every entry. Rules change: the official source always applies.