ESTA USA Visa Application Guide 2026: Fees & Steps

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Photos & Written by ⓒMinimanimo

Hey there, fellow adventurers!

I'm Mini, and I'm here to bring you my handpicked tips for your dream US West Coast trip!

If you're planning a journey to the United States, there's one crucial step you absolutely cannot skip.

That is applying for the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

During my trip to the States five years ago, I accidentally used a third-party agency website

and got hit with unnecessary extra fees.

So this time, I made sure to apply directly through the official site!

Today, I'm going to give you a complete, stress-free guide on the US ESTA application process, validity period, and costs.

Let's get right into it!

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

is an automated system operated by the US Department of Homeland Security

to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States.

It allows citizens from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries

to travel to the US without a visa

by obtaining an authorization online before departure.

- Validity: 2 years from the date of approval

- Max Stay: Up to 90 days per visit

- Multiple Entries: Allowed within the validity period

ESTA Eligibility

You must meet all of the following conditions to apply for ESTA:

- Citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country (including South Korea)

- Traveling for tourism, business, or transit

- Planning to stay for 90 days or less

- Holder of a valid electronic passport (e-passport)

- Traveling via a VWP signatory carrier (airline or cruise)

How to Apply for ESTA (Mobile App)

📌 Official Website

⚠️ Beware of lookalike scam websites! They may charge excessive service fees.

Official ESTA Application Website - Home

✅ Steps for Applying via the Mobile App

1. Download the App

Set your preferred language, tap 'Continue', and accept the Security Notification.

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2. Biometric Authentication

Enable biometric authentication and tap 'Get Started'.

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3. Waiver of Rights

Agree to the terms and proceed to the next step.

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4. Scan Passport

Scan the bio-data page of your passport using your camera.

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5. Read Passport Chip

Place the back of your phone on top of your passport

to scan and read the built-in passport chip.

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6. Photo Submission

Just align your face inside the oval frame and snap the photo.

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7. Filling Out the ESTA Application

You might feel a bit overwhelmed as everything switches to English from this screen onward,

but don't worry! Just follow along with me step-by-step 😊

8. Email Verification

If you can't find the verification code sent to your inbox,

make sure to check your spam or junk folder!

9. Entering Personal Information

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10. If you are currently employed, enter your employment details.

If not, simply select "No".

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11. Travel Information

For your U.S. Point of Contact, enter the address of the hotel where you'll be staying.

For your contact information outside the U.S., enter your emergency contact's details from back home.

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12. Answer the Eligibility Questions (Health & Criminal Record)

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13. Reviewing Your Application

You can download, print, update, or preview your completed form.

Once you've double-checked everything, click CONFIRM & CONTINUE.

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14. Making the Payment

You can pay using either PayPal or a credit card.

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15. Entering Payment Information

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16. Once the payment is complete,

it will display as 'Authorization Pending.'

The approval decision is usually made within 72 hours.

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ESTA Fee & Validity Period

- ESTA Fee: $21

- Validity: 2 years

(However, if your passport expires sooner, it is only valid until your passport's expiration date)

- Length of stay: Up to 90 days per visit

💡 Even though the validity period is 2 years,

it doesn't mean you can stay in the US for 2 straight years.

You can only stay for up to 90 days per entry.

If you plan on staying longer, you'll need to apply for a regular visa.

When Do You Need to Reapply for an ESTA?

If you get a new passport

If you change your name or nationality

If your answers to any of the eligibility questions change

Applying for your ESTA is an absolute must when prepping for your trip to the US.

By applying directly through the official website instead of third-party agencies,

you can save both time and money!

We hope this step-by-step guide on how to apply for a US ESTA helps you

breeze through your pre-travel checklist.

Have an absolutely amazing and safe trip to the US!

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