ESTA ($21), Visa Waiver Program, B1/B2 Visas & U.S. Customs (CBP) Entry Guide

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.

Official ESTA ($21) vs. Third-Party Imposter Websites

Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can visit the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa by obtaining an approved ESTA. Only apply at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov or via the official 'ESTA Mobile' app—the official fee is exactly $21 USD ($4 processing + $17 authorization). Never pay $80–$120 to commercial lookalike domains.

E-Passport Rules, 90-Day Clock & Canada/Mexico/Caribbean Side Trips

Your passport must be an electronic passport (e-Passport with a digital chip symbol on the cover) valid for the duration of your stay. Important: under VWP rules, short side trips to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent Caribbean islands do NOT reset the 90-day ESTA clock—those days count toward your original 90-day admission.

Clearing U.S. Customs (CBP) & Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

At your first U.S. port of entry, you will clear CBP immigration before re-checking any bags for a domestic connection (allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for international-to-domestic layovers). Returning ESTA travelers, U.S. citizens, and Canadian B1/B2 visitors can download the free official CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to use dedicated express lanes.

Key Takeaways & US Travel Tips

• Verify current entry rules on official U.S. government portals (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, nps.gov, recreation.gov).
• Use our interactive US Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($), National Parks Pass Calculator ($80), and Amtrak Rail Calculator.
• Save offline maps and our printable American English & Dietary Allergy Show-Cards before departure.