<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="visitor-visas" data-vt-code="VWP / ESTA"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/visitor-visas">Visit & tourism</a><span>›</span><span>VWP / ESTA</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Program</span><span>No visa needed</span><span>ESTA required</span><span>90-day limit</span><span>42 countries</span><span>No extension</span></div> <h1><span>VWP / ESTA</span> Visa Waiver Program</h1> <p class="vt-lede">Lets citizens of 42 designated countries visit the U.S. for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa, after getting an approved ESTA travel authorization.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: DHS · State Department · CBP</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/vwp">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Maximum stay</dt><dd><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90 days</a> per admission; no extensions</dd></div><div><dt>Participating countries</dt><dd><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">42</a> (DHS list)</dd></div><div><dt>ESTA fee</dt><dd><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40.27</a>; <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40.62</a> from Oct. 16, 2026</dd></div><div><dt>ESTA validity</dt><dd><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/enhancements-to-esta-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Generally 2 years</a>, or until the passport expires if sooner</dd></div><div><dt>Passport</dt><dd><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">E-passport</a> (with embedded chip) required</dd></div><div><dt>Change of status</dt><dd><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-248.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not permitted</a>; adjustment barred except immediate relatives</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>ESTA fee rises on Oct. 16, 2026; new application rules proposed.</strong> CBP’s <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FY 2027 inflation notice</a> (published Oct. 1, 2026) raises the ESTA fee from $40.27 to $40.62, and the fee for a denied application from $10.27 to $10.62, starting Oct. 16, 2026. Separately, a <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dec. 10, 2025 CBP notice</a> proposed making five years of social-media history a mandatory ESTA question, adding further data fields, and accepting new applications only through the ESTA Mobile app; the comment period ran to Feb. 9, 2026. Check the <a href="https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official ESTA site</a> for the questions currently asked.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the State Department, <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permits citizens of designated countries</a> to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Each traveler must hold an approved <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)</a> before boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier; since <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-expands-esta-requirements-visa-waiver-program-travelers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oct. 1, 2022</a> the same ESTA requirement applies to VWP travelers entering by land.</p> <p class="b">Travelers are admitted in the classes <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WB (Visa Waiver, Business) or WT (Visa Waiver, Tourist)</a>. Permitted activities mirror the visitor (B) visa: business meetings, conferences, contract negotiation, tourism, visiting family, medical treatment and short recreational courses. Study for credit, employment, work as foreign media and permanent residence are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not permitted</a>. Transit through the United States is generally allowed.</p> <p class="b">The trade-off for visa-free travel is flexibility. By law a VWP traveler <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waives the right</a> to review or appeal an officer’s admissibility decision at the port of entry and to contest removal, other than by applying for asylum. Stays cannot be extended, status cannot be changed, and <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partV-sec1255.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adjustment to permanent residence is barred</a> except for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. An approved ESTA allows travel to a port of entry but does not guarantee admission.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">To travel under the VWP, a traveler must</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Be a citizen or national of a designated country and travel on that country’s passport (<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DHS list</a>).</li><li>Hold an <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">e-passport</a> with an embedded electronic chip, including for emergency or temporary passports.</li><li>Have an approved ESTA before travel (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 217.2(b)</a>).</li><li>Be traveling for a purpose permitted on a visitor (B) visa, for <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90 days or less</a>.</li><li>If arriving by air or sea: arrive on a carrier that has signed a VWP agreement and hold a <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">round-trip or onward ticket</a> (a trip ending in Canada, Mexico or an adjacent island only counts if the traveler lives there).</li><li>If arriving by land: show evidence of financial solvency and a domicile abroad (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 217.2(c)(2)</a>).</li><li>Have complied with the conditions of any <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previous VWP admission</a>.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">A visa is required instead if the traveler</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Has been <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/visa-waiver-program-improvement-and-terrorist-travel-prevention-act-faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">present in</a> Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.</li><li>Has been present in Cuba on or after <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/visa-waiver-program-improvement-and-terrorist-travel-prevention-act-faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jan. 12, 2021</a>.</li><li>Is also a national of Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan or Syria (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department</a>); this applies even without any travel there.</li><li>Was previously deported or removed from the United States (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 217.2(b)(2)</a>).</li><li>Plans to stay more than 90 days, or will arrive on a private aircraft or a carrier that is not VWP-approved (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department</a>).</li><li>Limited exceptions apply to presence in the listed countries for military service or official duties as a full-time government employee of a VWP country; DHS may also grant case-by-case waivers (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 217(a)(12)</a>).</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The 42 designated countries (DHS, as of Oct. 1, 2026)</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.</li><li>United Kingdom: only British citizens with the unrestricted right of permanent abode. Taiwan: only holders of an e-passport bearing a household registration number. Passports of Curaçao, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten do not qualify (<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DHS notes</a>).</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Admission</th><td>Up to <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">90 days</a> per entry, as WB or WT.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extension</th><td><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not available</a>. If an emergency prevents departure, DHS may grant up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 days of “satisfactory departure”</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Side trips to Canada, Mexico or nearby islands</th><td>Readmission generally only for the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">balance of the original admission</a>; the whole trip must fit within 90 days.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">ESTA validity</th><td><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/enhancements-to-esta-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Generally two years</a>, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first; multiple trips allowed.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Change of status</th><td><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-248.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Not permitted</a> (8 CFR 248.2).</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">ESTA fees are set by INA 217(h)(3)(B) as amended by Public Law 119-21, and are adjusted for inflation each fiscal year by Federal Register notice.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>ESTA travel authorization (approved)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40.27</a></td><td>Traveler</td><td>Current FY 2026 amount (since Jan. 1, 2026): $17 + $10.27 cost-recovery + $13. Rises to <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40.62</a> on Oct. 16, 2026.</td></tr> <tr><td>ESTA application denied</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$10.27</a></td><td>Traveler</td><td>Cost-recovery portion only; rises to $10.62 on Oct. 16, 2026.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application fee</td><td class="amt">None</td><td>—</td><td>No visa is issued. A traveler who is not eligible applies for a visitor (B) visa instead (<a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$185</a>).</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Pay only through the official <a href="https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESTA website</a> or the ESTA Mobile app; CBP has <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">described</a> third-party websites that charge travelers extra fees. Before Sept. 30, 2025 the ESTA fee was $21.</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>When to apply</dt><dd>Any time before travel</dd><dd class="n">CBP <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recommends</a> applying as soon as travel plans begin, ideally before buying tickets.</dd></div><div><dt>Fee change</dt><dd>Oct. 16, 2026</dd><dd class="n">FY 2027 ESTA fee of $40.62 takes effect.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">No official processing time is published on the CBP pages reviewed. An approved ESTA allows travel to a port of entry; CBP officers decide admission on arrival.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Confirm eligibility</div><div class="tx">Check citizenship against the DHS country list, confirm the passport is an e-passport, and review the travel-history and dual-nationality restrictions.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for ESTA</div><div class="tx">Complete the application on the official ESTA website or the ESTA Mobile app and pay the fee by card.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">Check the result</div><div class="tx">If the ESTA is denied, the traveler can apply for a visitor (B) visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Book travel</div><div class="tx">Fly or sail with a VWP-signatory carrier and hold a return or onward ticket; land travelers need proof of funds and a home abroad.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Inspection on arrival</div><div class="tx">A CBP officer decides whether to admit the traveler as WB or WT, for up to 90 days.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Depart on time</div><div class="tx">Leave by the end of the admission period; failing to comply with a VWP admission bars later VWP use.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>For the trip</h3><ul><li><span>E-passport from a VWP country, valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure unless a <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">country-specific agreement</a> exempts it.</span></li><li><span>Approved ESTA (linked to the passport used to apply).</span></li><li><span>Return or onward ticket (air and sea arrivals).</span></li><li><span>Evidence of the trip’s purpose and of funds, which officers may ask for; land arrivals must show financial solvency and a domicile abroad.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">There is no dependent category. Each family member, including infants and children, needs <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their own passport</a> and their own approved ESTA.</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">The VWP is not a route to permanent residence. Under <a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partV-sec1255.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 245(c)(4)</a>, a person admitted without a visa under the VWP cannot adjust status in the United States unless they are an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of an adult citizen).</p> <p class="b">Anyone seeking to immigrate generally does so through an immigrant visa processed abroad. VWP entrants also waive most rights to contest removal (<a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">INA 217(b)</a>).</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/b-2"><div class="c">B-2</div><div class="n">Tourist visitor visa</div><div class="tx">For travelers who are not VWP-eligible or need more than 90 days.</div></a><a href="/visa/b-1"><div class="c">B-1</div><div class="n">Business visitor visa</div><div class="tx">Visa-based alternative for business trips.</div></a><a href="/visa/c-1"><div class="c">C-1</div><div class="n">Transit visa</div><div class="tx">Transit through the U.S. for those who cannot use the VWP.</div></a><a href="/visa/bcc"><div class="c">BCC</div><div class="n">Border Crossing Card</div><div class="tx">Visitor document for citizens of Mexico.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>How much does ESTA cost?</summary><p>$40.27 through Oct. 15, 2026 and <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$40.62 from Oct. 16, 2026</a>. If the application is denied, only the cost-recovery portion is charged ($10.27, then $10.62). Before Sept. 30, 2025 the fee was $21.</p></details><details><summary>I visited Cuba after January 2021. Can I still use ESTA?</summary><p>Generally no. Presence in Cuba on or after Jan. 12, 2021 makes a traveler <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/visa-waiver-program-improvement-and-terrorist-travel-prevention-act-faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ineligible for the VWP</a>, apart from limited military or official-duty exceptions, so a visitor visa is needed.</p></details><details><summary>Can a VWP stay be extended beyond 90 days?</summary><p>No. Extensions and changes of status are <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not permitted</a>. Only in an emergency may DHS grant up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">30 days of satisfactory departure</a>.</p></details><details><summary>How long is an approved ESTA valid?</summary><p><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/enhancements-to-esta-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Generally two years</a>, or until the passport expires if that is sooner. It can be used for multiple trips, each limited to 90 days.</p></details><details><summary>Is a social-media question mandatory on ESTA?</summary><p>CBP <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed on Dec. 10, 2025</a> to make five years of social-media history mandatory and to move applications to the mobile app. Check the official ESTA site for the questions currently asked.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>DHS</strong> · U.S. Visa Waiver Program</span><span>dhs.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>State Department</strong> · Visa Waiver Program</span><span>travel.state.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/visa-waiver-program-improvement-and-terrorist-travel-prevention-act-faq" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>CBP</strong> · Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act FAQ</span><span>cbp.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/enhancements-to-esta-faqs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>CBP</strong> · Strengthening Security of the VWP through Enhancements to ESTA (FAQ)</span><span>cbp.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Federal Register</strong> · Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1: FY 2027 Adjustments for Inflation</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>Federal Register</strong> · Revision: Form I-94 and ESTA information collection (Dec. 10, 2025)</span><span>federalregister.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2023-title8/html/USCODE-2023-title8-chap12-subchapII-partII-sec1187.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>U.S. Code (GovInfo)</strong> · 8 U.S.C. 1187 — Visa waiver program</span><span>govinfo.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-217.2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 217.2 — Eligibility</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Oct 1, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>FY 2027 ESTA fee set at $40.62.</strong> Inflation notice raises the ESTA fee from $40.27 to $40.62, and the denied-application fee from $10.27 to $10.62, effective Oct. 16, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/01/2026-20185/certain-dhs-immigration-related-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2027-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 10, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed: mandatory social media, mobile-only ESTA.</strong> 60-day notice proposing a mandatory five-year social-media question, additional “high value” data fields and mobile-app-only applications; comments were due Feb. 9, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/10/2025-22461/agency-information-collection-activities-revision-arrival-and-departure-record-form-i-94-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Nov 19, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>FY 2026 ESTA fee set at $40.27.</strong> Inflation adjustment to the HR-1 ESTA fee, collected from Jan. 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/11/19/2025-20304/certain-dhs-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-fiscal-year-2026-adjustments-for-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 28, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>ESTA fee rises from $21 to $40.</strong> Implements Public Law 119-21 sec. 100014; CBP began charging $40 on Sept. 30, 2025. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/28/2025-16453/cbp-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-for-fiscal-year-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">May 2, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Romania’s VWP designation rescinded.</strong> Romania was designated on Jan. 9, 2025, but the designation was rescinded on May 2, 2025 before it was implemented. <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 20, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Cuba terrorism-sponsor rescission reversed.</strong> Executive Order 14148 revoked the Jan. 14, 2025 memorandum certifying rescission of Cuba’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation; presence in Cuba on or after Jan. 12, 2021 still bars VWP use. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/28/2025-01901/initial-rescissions-of-harmful-executive-orders-and-actions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Nov 21, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>Qatar joins the VWP.</strong> VWP travel for eligible Qatari citizens began Nov. 21, 2024. <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 29, 2023</span><div class="x"><strong>Israel joins the VWP.</strong> Israel designated; VWP travel began Sept. 29, 2023. <a href="https://www.dhs.gov/visa-waiver-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/vwp">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Visit & tourism", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visitor-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "VWP / ESTA", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/vwp"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "How much does ESTA cost?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "$40.27 through Oct. 15, 2026 and $40.62 from Oct. 16, 2026. If the application is denied, only the cost-recovery portion is charged ($10.27, then $10.62). 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