United States (ESTA) Visa
US ESTA for VWP Travelers — 2 Years, Multiple Entries, Apply Online in Minutes
The United States offers unmatched variety for international travelers: the skylines of New York City and Chicago, the national parks of the American West, the sun-drenched beaches of Florida and California, the cultural richness of New Orleans, and world-class theme parks in Orlando. If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country, you don't need a full US visa — you need an ESTA. Apply online, receive approval within minutes to 72 hours, and travel freely for up to 90 days per visit across the validity period.
How it works
- 1Select your passport country and confirm it appears in the Visa Waiver Program list, then fill in your passport and travel details through our secure form — takes about 5–10 minutes.
- 2Our team reviews your information for accuracy and completeness, then prepares your ESTA application for submission through the official CBP portal.
- 3Most ESTA decisions arrive within minutes; some take up to 72 hours. You receive a confirmation email with your authorization status — no printout is required, as your ESTA is linked electronically to your passport.
FAQs
What is ESTA and how is it different from a US visa?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an automated pre-screening system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is not a visa — it is a travel authorization that grants eligible Visa Waiver Program nationals permission to board a carrier to the United States and to seek admission at a US port of entry. Unlike a visa, ESTA is applied for entirely online with no embassy appointment, no interview, and no passport submission required. However, ESTA only applies to VWP-country passport holders; travelers from non-VWP countries must apply for a full US visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Who needs an ESTA — and who does NOT need one?
ESTA is required for citizens of the 43 Visa Waiver Program countries (such as the UK, Germany, France, Japan, and Australia) who are traveling to the United States for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days. US citizens and US nationals do not need ESTA — they enter on their US passport. Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) also do not need ESTA. If you hold a passport from a non-VWP country (for example, Mexico, China, India, or Brazil), you do not qualify for ESTA and must obtain a US visa instead.
How much does ESTA cost and what does the $40.27 fee cover?
The total ESTA government fee is $40.27, split into two components: a non-refundable $10.27 application processing fee charged when you submit the application (regardless of outcome), and a $30.00 authorization fee charged only if your application is approved. Both amounts are paid to the US government via the CBP portal. Neither fee is refundable. In addition to the government fee, eGovRush charges a service fee for document review, submission assistance, and support.
How long is ESTA valid and can I use it for multiple trips?
An approved ESTA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this 2-year window you may make multiple trips to the United States, and each stay can last up to 90 days. You do not need to apply for a new ESTA for every visit. However, if you renew or replace your passport, your ESTA becomes invalid and you must apply for a new one linked to your new passport.
My country is not in the Visa Waiver Program — what are my options?
If your country is not among the 43 VWP member nations, you cannot apply for ESTA. You will need to apply for a US nonimmigrant visa (typically a B-1/B-2 tourist/business visa) at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country. The process involves completing the DS-160 form online, paying a visa application fee (currently $185 for most B-1/B-2 applicants), attending an in-person interview at the consulate, and waiting for visa processing, which can take several weeks depending on the consulate's workload. Contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for appointment scheduling and specific requirements.
Can ESTA be used for work, study, or long-term stays?
No. ESTA (and the Visa Waiver Program generally) is strictly for tourism, business meetings, and transit visits of up to 90 days per stay. It does not authorize employment with a US employer, studying beyond a short recreational course, or staying longer than 90 days. Overstaying your VWP admission period will void your ESTA, make you ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program in the future, and may result in deportation. For work, study, or extended stays, a specific US visa category (H-1B, F-1, J-1, etc.) is required.