How long is ESTA valid?

Two years and multiple entries, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay is up to 90 days.

Does ESTA guarantee entry?

No. ESTA approval lets you board the plane; the final entry decision is made by a CBP officer at the US port of entry.

At least 72 hours before departure. Most decisions arrive within minutes but can take up to 72 hours.

Do ESTA travelers pay the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee?

No. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to certain nonimmigrant visa holders; Visa Waiver Program travelers using ESTA are exempt. ESTA still costs the $40.27 government fee.

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미국 ESTA 완전 해부 · 1

What Is US ESTA? 2026 Application, Fees & Rejections

Part 1 · 41 visa-waiver countries, the $40.27 pre-entry approval

FitTrip Editor · 2026.06.13 · Updated 2026.07.01

US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a pre-arrival approval required for citizens of the 41 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries before short trips to the United States. As of June 2026 the government fee is $40.27, valid for two years and multiple entries with stays up to 90 days. ESTA approval allows boarding but does not guarantee entry, which is decided by a CBP officer at the port of entry.

US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the pre-travel approval that citizens of the 41 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must obtain before short visits to the United States Fact. Introduced in 2008, ESTA became the model for electronic travel authorizations worldwide Fact.

Fee and validity

The government fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 application + $36.27 authorization). Once approved, ESTA is valid for two years and multiple entries, with stays of up to 90 days Fact.

Approval is not entry

ESTA approval is boarding eligibility, not a guarantee of entry. The final decision is made by a CBP officer at the US port of entry, which is why an accurate application matters Fact.

FAQ

How much is the US ESTA fee?: As of June 2026 the government fee is US$40.27 ($4.00 application + $36.27 authorization).
How long is ESTA valid?: Two years and multiple entries, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay is up to 90 days.
Does ESTA guarantee entry?: No. ESTA approval lets you board the plane; the final entry decision is made by a CBP officer at the US port of entry.
When should I apply?: At least 72 hours before departure. Most decisions arrive within minutes but can take up to 72 hours.
Do ESTA travelers pay the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee?: No. The $250 Visa Integrity Fee applies to certain nonimmigrant visa holders; Visa Waiver Program travelers using ESTA are exempt. ESTA still costs the $40.27 government fee.

Checklist

Confirm you hold a Visa Waiver Program passport
Check ESTA validity (2 years, or until your passport expires)
Apply at least 72 hours before departure
Remember: approval is boarding eligibility, not guaranteed entry
Keep your ESTA approval saved throughout your trip

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