Quick answer
The official ESTA fee is $40.62: a $10.62 processing fee charged for every application, plus a $30.00 authorization fee charged only if you are approved. An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips of up to 90 days each.
On this page
What the fee is made of
| Part | Amount | When it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | $10.62 | Every application, approved or not |
| Authorization fee | $30.00 | Only if the application is approved |
| Total when approved | $40.62 |
The official ESTA website states that systems for collecting the new fee amount were scheduled to take effect on 16 October 2026. If your application is denied you pay only the $10.62 processing fee. CBP is not responsible for extra charges made by your card issuer.
How you can pay
By MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover (JCB, Diners Club) or PayPal. You can pay straight away or within 7 days of submitting the application.
How long ESTA is valid
- two years from the date of authorization, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first (Brunei passports: one year at most)
- multiple trips in that period, each for 90 days or less
- it must be valid on the day you arrive; it may expire while you are in the United States
Check your dates
Renewal and changes
An ESTA cannot be extended or renewed. When it is about to expire CBP sends a notice to the email address in your application, and you submit a new application. You also need a new application, and pay again, if you get a new passport, change your name or country of citizenship, or if your answer to any eligibility question changes.
A short trip to Canada, Mexico or a nearby island does not restart the clock. You are generally readmitted for the rest of the original 90 days.
Sources
Checked on 13 November 2026. Rules can change; the official pages below always take priority.