What is ESTA and how much does it cost?
The short answer
ESTA is the online system CBP uses to check eligibility to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. The official FAQ lists a fee of $40.62. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
What ESTA is
CBP says ESTA is an automated system that decides whether a visitor is eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. It does not decide admissibility. CBP officers do that when you arrive.
All persons traveling under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved travel authorization before they travel. CBP says even non-ticketed infants need one if they do not have a visa. A third party can submit an application for you.
Fee and validity
The ESTA FAQ says the fee rose from $40.27 to $40.62. It has two parts: a $10.62 processing fee, charged to every applicant, and a $30.00 authorization fee, added only if you are approved. If you are denied you pay only the processing fee.
Unless revoked, an authorization is valid for two years from the date of authorization or until your passport expires, whichever is first. CBP estimates the application takes an average of 23 minutes to complete.
Official pages change, check the source before you pay.
Passport and where to apply
CBP says you must have an e-Passport, which has a chip and a symbol on the cover. The passport must also have a machine-readable zone.
The official ESTA site is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. CBP recommends you apply as soon as you begin preparing travel plans or before you buy airline tickets.
Sources: ESTA: Official FAQ, CBP: ESTA. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much is ESTA?
The CBP FAQ says $40.62: $10.62 processing plus a $30.00 authorization fee if approved.
How long is ESTA valid?
Two years from authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, unless revoked.
Does a child need ESTA?
Yes. CBP says accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, who are citizens of visa waiver countries need one.
Does approval guarantee entry?
No. CBP says a CBP officer at the port of entry makes the final decision.
Do I get a refund if denied?
The FAQ says a denied applicant is charged only the processing fee.