The US entry system works differently from the Schengen countries or Thailand elsewhere in this guide \u2014 it’s a two-tier system (visa-free for some nationalities, a visa application required for others), and there’s a real, current policy change worth knowing about regardless of which tier applies to you.<\/p>\n
Citizens of the 41 countries in the US Visa Waiver Program \u2014 including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, Japan, and South Korea \u2014 don’t need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. Instead, they apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before departure.<\/p>\n
If your country isn’t in the Visa Waiver Program, you’ll need to apply for a US tourist visa (typically a B-2 visa) in advance through a US embassy or consulate \u2014 a longer, more involved process than ESTA, worth starting well ahead of your planned travel dates.<\/p>\n
This is worth stating plainly rather than glossing over: entry policy for some nationalities changed materially at the start of 2026, with expanded restrictions affecting travelers from a number of countries. This isn’t the kind of detail we’re going to get right for every nationality in an article like this one, and it’s exactly the kind of fast-moving policy area where a travel guide should point you to the authoritative source rather than guess. Check your specific nationality’s current status directly at travel.state.gov<\/a><\/strong> before booking \u2014 this is the one visa article in our guide where that step matters more than usual.<\/p>\n Once entry is sorted, the next planning questions are usually is the USA safe<\/a> and when to go<\/a> \u2014 or start from our full USA Travel Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n How much does ESTA cost in 2026?<\/strong> How long is ESTA valid for?<\/strong> Do all nationalities qualify for visa-free US entry?<\/strong> Planning a trip elsewhere too? See Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Japan?<\/a> or our Schengen Visa Guide<\/a> for Europe.<\/em><\/p>\nWhat to actually do before you go<\/h2>\n
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Related reading<\/h2>\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
$40.27 per person, up significantly from $21 before September 2025.<\/p>\n
Generally 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner, covering multiple visits within that window.<\/p>\n
No \u2014 only the 41 Visa Waiver Program countries. Everyone else needs a traditional visa, and given recent policy changes, it’s worth checking your specific nationality’s current status directly at travel.state.gov rather than assuming.<\/p>\n