What is the ESTA travel authorization?

Planning a trip to the United States with a European passport? You'll need to apply for an ESTA before you go. Here's what you need to know.

Planning a trip to the United States or stopping over there? Before you go, you’ll need to get an ESTA authorization.

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for anyone planning to enter the United States by air, sea, or land for tourism, business, or transit for up to 90 days.
The system was introduced in 2007 to allow US authorities to screen travelers before they arrive by air or sea.
As of September 30, 2025, ESTA costs $40 per person.

ESTA is required for all citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program who plan to stay in the United States for up to 90 days or transit through the country. Participating countries include France, Monaco, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and most European nations.
ESTA is required regardless of age. If you’re traveling with children or babies, you’ll need to submit an ESTA application for each person.
Since October 1, 2022, ESTA is mandatory when entering the United States by land border, including when arriving from Canada by car. See our article on entry requirements to the USA from Canada.
IMPORTANT: If you plan to stay longer than 90 days in the United States or if you’re traveling to work or do an internship, ESTA is not valid and you must apply for a visa instead. The same applies if you’re not a citizen of a European country: you’ll need to apply for a visa at the US consulate in your country of residence.
You also cannot apply for ESTA if you’ve recently traveled to certain countries, including Iran and Cuba. See our article on countries that pose problems for US authorities. In that case, you’ll need to apply for a visa.

You must submit your ESTA application at least 72 hours before your departure to the United States. I recommend applying about a month in advance to avoid any surprises, such as discovering your passport is no longer valid.
ESTA applications are submitted online only, through the official US government website. The application process is available in multiple languages and costs $40 (as of September 30, 2025), payable online by credit card.
For help filling out the form, check out my step-by-step guide to completing ESTA correctly or watch our explanatory video below. You’ll also find plenty of tips and advice in my section on administrative requirements for traveling to the United States.
IMPORTANT: You’ll notice there are many fake websites that look almost identical to the official site and rank well in Google search results. Don’t be fooled—use only the official website. These fake sites charge outrageous amounts for ESTA, sometimes up to €139, when the real cost is just $40. If anyone asks you to pay more than $40, you’re not on the official site. Be careful!

Watch this video on YouTube

Once you’ve paid for your ESTA, your authorization will appear on screen immediately: print the document and bring it with you. If your application is placed “pending,” follow my tip for resolving a pending ESTA application.
One important thing to know: ESTA is NEVER sent by email. If you receive something by email, you’ve used a fake website.
Your ESTA travel authorization is valid for 2 years: if you return to the United States within that period with the same passport, you won’t need to apply for ESTA again. However, if you get a new passport during that time, you’ll need to reapply and pay another $40.

Do you have questions about ESTA? Feel free to ask them in the comments below and we’ll be happy to answer them.
You can also post your questions directly on the forum on my blog: our entire team and site members can help you. You’ll also find many questions already answered on the forum!