How do you get a visa for the United States?
The government fee is USD 40.27. Official processing time: It may take up to 72 hours to find out whether you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
Key facts
| Fact | What it is |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)Checked 14 November 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection |
| Government fee | USD 40.27Checked 14 November 2026 against USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) |
| Official application site | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/Checked 14 November 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection |
| Earliest you can apply | At any time before travel.Checked 14 November 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection |
| Official processing time | It may take up to 72 hours to find out whether you can travel under the Visa Waiver Program.Checked 14 November 2026 against USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) |
| Validity | Typically two years, or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.Checked 14 November 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection |
| Permitted stay | Stays of 90 days or less under the Visa Waiver Program, without first obtaining a visa.Checked 14 November 2026 against US Customs and Border Protection |
| Who needs a visa | No visa for 1 passports; eVisa for 0; travel authorisation for 42; a visa in advance for every other passportChecked 14 November 2026 against U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
Related pages
Sources
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/12/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states/The White House, read 14 November 2026
- https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-programU.S. Department of Homeland Security, read 14 November 2026
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/estaUS Customs and Border Protection, read 14 November 2026
- https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/frequently-asked-questions-about-visa-waiver-program-vwp-and-electronic-system-travelUS Customs and Border Protection, read 14 November 2026
- https://www.usa.gov/visa-waiver-estaUSAGov (U.S. General Services Administration), read 14 November 2026
Changes to this page
No changes since this page was published on 14 November 2026.
Who checked this page
Facts checked by Imran AK. Reviewed by Manu KP. Last reviewed 14 November 2026.
Every fact comes from an official page and is checked by two people.