ESTA for the US Visa Waiver Program

The program covers 42 countries, including most EU states, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Israel, Qatar, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Their citizens may visit for 90 days or less without a visa, but only with an approved ESTA, which is also required at land borders. Romania’s designation of January 2025 was rescinded before taking effect. Citizens of other countries apply for a B-1/B-2 or C-1 visa; someone who also holds a member country’s passport can apply for ESTA on that passport.

You need an electronic passport with a chip, required since 1 April 2016. Presence in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after 1 March 2011, or in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, makes you ineligible unless it was military service or official duty for a member country’s government. Dual nationals of Iran, Iraq, Syria, North Korea, Sudan or Cuba are excluded without exception. DHS may grant waivers case by case during the ESTA check.

Under the HR-1 law the fee rose to $40 in 2025 and is adjusted for inflation each year. From 16 October 2026 it is $40.62, or $10.62 if the application is denied. It is paid by credit card, cannot be waived and is charged again for every new application.

Apply only on esta.cbp.dhs.gov or CBP’s app, ideally as soon as you start planning and before buying tickets; look-alike sites add their own charges. A relative or travel agent may submit it for you, and every child needs an own ESTA. For transit, write “In Transit” and the final destination as your US address. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry: CBP officers decide on arrival.

An approval normally lasts two years or until the passport expires. Apply and pay again after a new passport, a change of name or citizenship, or a changed answer to any eligibility question. ESTA stays cannot be extended with USCIS or changed to another status, so anyone planning to stay over 90 days, study or work needs a visa from the start.

There is no appeal, and US embassies cannot explain or reverse a denial. Apply for a visa instead; for urgent business, medical or humanitarian travel you may ask for an expedited appointment, keeping a copy of the denial. DHS TRIP is available if you think you were wrongly flagged, without a guaranteed outcome.