United States
United States: ESTA – official link, fee and who needs it
Key facts
- Form
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- Official link
- esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
- Official fee
- US$40.62 per application, shown on the official ESTA website on 13 Nov 2026.
Source: CBP – Official ESTA application website — Last verified 2026-11-13
- When to apply
- Apply any time before travel; CBP recommends applying as soon as you start planning or before buying tickets. A decision can take up to 72 hours.
Source: CBP – Electronic System for Travel Authorization · USAGov – Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application — Last verified 2026-11-13
- Validity
- Usually valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first; stays of up to 90 days.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Singapore – ESTA · CBP – Electronic System for Travel Authorization — Last verified 2026-11-13
How to apply
Apply on the official ESTA website or the official ESTA mobile app. You need an e-passport from a Visa Waiver Program country.
Source: CBP – Official ESTA application website · U.S. Embassy in Singapore – ESTA · DHS – Visa Waiver Program travel document requirements — Last verified 2026-11-13
Who needs it (by passport)
| UK – British citizen | You need this before you travel GOV.UK: to enter or transit through the US you need either an ESTA or a visa. ESTA is for Visa Waiver Program travellers. |
|---|---|
| British National (Overseas) – BN(O) | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| Hong Kong SAR passport | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| China (mainland) passport | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| Taiwan passport | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| Malaysia | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| Singapore | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
| USA | No advance visa or e-authorisation needed This is your own country – no ESTA needed. |
| EU or other passport | Check the official site for your passport ESTA is only for citizens or eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries; others need a visa. Check the official programme list. |
Rules for passports not listed, and anything not stated by the official source: check the official site. Official eligibility checker / list
⚠ Fake-site warning
The U.S. Embassy in Singapore advises applying through the official ESTA website or app to avoid phishing scams and excess fees charged by third-party websites.
Source: U.S. Embassy in Singapore – ESTA — Last verified 2026-11-13
Good to know
- ESTA is not a visa and does not guarantee admission; CBP officers decide on arrival.
Source: CBP – Electronic System for Travel Authorization — Last verified 2026-11-13
Official sources
- CBP – Official ESTA application website
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ - CBP – Electronic System for Travel Authorization
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta - USAGov – Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application
https://www.usa.gov/visa-waiver-esta - U.S. Embassy in Singapore – ESTA
https://sg.usembassy.gov/esta/ - DHS – Visa Waiver Program travel document requirements
https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program-requirements - GOV.UK – USA travel advice: entry requirements
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements
Last verified 2026-11-13