🇺🇸 United States · Visa policy

United States Visa Requirements 2026

ETA 90 days $21 (ESTA)

Visa requirements for United States: electronic travel authorisation for up to 90 days, $21 (ESTA). Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.

Last updated 30 May 2026 · Source: Warnely editorial team + official government source

United States visa at a glance

Policy: Electronic travel authorisation
Length of stay: 90 days
Cost: $21 (ESTA)
Passport: Valid for duration of stay.
Official source: esta.cbp.dhs.gov

ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, EU, Australia, NZ, etc.) – 90 days, valid 2 years. Other nationalities need B1/B2 visa.

ESTA ($21, 90 days) for Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, EU, AU, JP). Others need B-1/B-2 visa.

Customs allowances

200 cigarettes, 1L alcohol, $800 goods.

Prohibited items

Kinder Surprise eggs. Cuban cigars restricted. Agricultural products regulated. Firearms laws vary by state.

This is editorial summary, not legal advice. Visa rules change frequently. Always verify with the destination country's official immigration website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or your nearest embassy before travel. Requirements vary by passport — the rules above reflect the most common cases for US/UK/EU/Canada/Australia/NZ visitors.

Frequently asked questions about United States visas

Do I need a visa to visit United States?

Electronic travel authorisation applies for United States: ESTA required for Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, EU, Australia, NZ, etc.) – 90 days, valid 2 years. Other nationalities need B1/B2 visa.

How much does a United States visa cost?

The United States visa costs $21 (ESTA). This is the published fee on the official application channel (esta.cbp.dhs.gov/). Third-party visa agents charge extra; apply directly via the official site to avoid markup.

How long can I stay in United States?

The standard electronic travel authorisation allows 90 days per entry. Most policies are extendable in-country at an immigration office for an additional fee — check the official source for current extension rules. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.

What passport validity does United States require?

Valid for duration of stay.

Where do I apply for a United States visa?

Apply directly at the official government source: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same form. Always check the URL ends in a government domain (.gov, .gov.<country>, or the country's official immigration domain) before paying.