ESTA USA Visa Application Guide 2026: Fees & Steps
A complete guide to applying for ESTA on the official site: eligibility, step-by-step application, fees, and validity — plus how to avoid overpaying through third-party agencies.
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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!
Table of Contents |
What is ESTA? |
ESTA Eligibility |
How to Apply for ESTA (Mobile App) |
ESTA Fees & Validity |
When Do You Need to Reapply for ESTA? |
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.
2. Biometric Authentication
Enable biometric authentication and tap 'Get Started'.
3. Waiver of Rights
Agree to the terms and proceed to the next step.
4. Scan Passport
Scan the bio-data page of your passport using your camera.
5. Read Passport Chip
Place the back of your phone on top of your passport
to scan and read the built-in passport chip.
6. Photo Submission
Just align your face inside the oval frame and snap the photo.
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
10. If you are currently employed, enter your employment details.
If not, simply select "No".
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.
12. Answer the Eligibility Questions (Health & Criminal Record)
13. Reviewing Your Application
You can download, print, update, or preview your completed form.
Once you've double-checked everything, click CONFIRM & CONTINUE.
14. Making the Payment
You can pay using either PayPal or a credit card.
15. Entering Payment Information
16. Once the payment is complete,
it will display as 'Authorization Pending.'
The approval decision is usually made within 72 hours.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost and validity period of a US ESTA application?
The ESTA application fee is $21, and it is valid for two years from the date of approval. However, if your passport's validity is less than two years, the ESTA is only valid until the passport's expiration date.
If the ESTA is valid for two years, can I stay in the US continuously for two years?
No. You can re-enter multiple times within the validity period, but you can only stay for a maximum of 90 days per entry. If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you must obtain a separate visa.
When applying via the ESTA mobile app, what information should I enter for the in-US contact and the non-US contact?
For the in-US contact, you can enter the address of the hotel you will be staying at during your trip to the US. For the non-US contact, you must enter the information of a guardian or emergency contact in South Korea.
How long does it take to get approved after completing the ESTA payment, and when do I need to reapply?
Approval is determined within up to 72 hours after the payment is completed. You must reapply for an ESTA if you are issued a new passport, or if there is a change in your name, nationality, or answers to the eligibility questions.
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