The US entry system works differently from the Schengen countries or Thailand elsewhere in this guide — 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.
The short answer: ESTA for 41 countries, a visa for everyone else
Citizens of the 41 countries in the US Visa Waiver Program — including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, Japan, and South Korea — 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.
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 — a longer, more involved process than ESTA, worth starting well ahead of your planned travel dates.
ESTA specifics, as of 2026
- Cost: $40.27 per person (a significant increase from $21 before September 2025) — a $4.00 processing fee charged regardless of outcome, plus a $36.27 authorization fee charged only if approved.
- Validity: generally 2 years, or until your passport expires if that’s sooner — covering multiple visits within that window without reapplying each time.
- Requirements: an electronic passport (e-Passport) with a digital chip is required to use ESTA at all.
- Timing: most applications get an instant or near-instant decision; some show “Authorization Pending” for up to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure to avoid any risk of a last-minute delay.
- Only use the official site — esta.cbp.dhs.gov — directly through US Customs and Border Protection. Third-party sites charging extra “service fees” for the same application are a real and common way travelers overpay for something free to do directly.
A real change worth checking for your specific nationality
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 before booking — this is the one visa article in our guide where that step matters more than usual.
What to actually do before you go
- Check whether your country is currently in the Visa Waiver Program at travel.state.gov — program membership can change, so don’t rely on an older article (including one written a year ago) for this specific fact.
- If eligible for ESTA, apply directly at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours ahead, ideally further out.
- If a visa is required, start the embassy/consulate process well in advance — this is not a last-minute-friendly process the way ESTA is.
Related reading
Once entry is sorted, the next planning questions are usually is the USA safe and when to go — or start from our full USA Travel Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ESTA cost in 2026?
$40.27 per person, up significantly from $21 before September 2025.
How long is ESTA valid for?
Generally 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner, covering multiple visits within that window.
Do all nationalities qualify for visa-free US entry?
No — 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.
Planning a trip elsewhere too? See Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Japan? or our Schengen Visa Guide for Europe.
Destinations Editor at Travelcho, covering food culture, city guides, and budget travel across Asia and Europe.
