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ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an online approval from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need before traveling to the United States by air or sea for up to 90 days.

Written by the NorthAmericans Editorial TeamLast verified: Expert review in progress
On this page
  1. Key facts
  2. Frequently asked questions
  3. Official sources

Key facts

  • Cost: $40 as of September 2026 (raised from $21 on September 30, 2025).
  • Validity: usually 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
  • When to apply: CBP recommends at least 72 hours before travel. Use only the official site; many look-alike sites charge extra.

An ESTA is not a visa. It lets you board; a CBP officer decides admission. If ESTA is denied, you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa using DS-160. Canada has a similar system called the eTA.

See the Visa Waiver Program and our ESTA page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does ESTA cost?

$40 as of September 2026 on the official CBP site.

Can I work on an ESTA?

No. ESTA travelers can only do tourism or limited business activities.

Do Canadians need an ESTA?

No. Canadian citizens are visa-exempt and do not use ESTA.

Official sources

  1. CBP: ESTAesta.cbp.dhs.gov
  2. State Department: Visa Waiver Programtravel.state.gov

General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.