US ESTA 2026: the fee is now US$40, read this before you apply
Taiwan passport holders traveling to or transiting through the US can, if eligible, enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but they must first get ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval online. This post covers the latest 2026 fee, validity and application steps.
- Fee: US$40.27 (from January 1, 2026; previously US$21), paid online by card
- Validity: 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first), with multiple entries
- For: tourism, business and transit of up to 90 days (no work, study or long-term residence)
- Review: most results within 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours ahead, ideally earlier
- Official website: esta.cbp.dhs.gov (U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP)
- What you need: an e-passport, contact and trip details, and a card for online payment
※ Fees and rules are subject to official US CBP announcements.
Why did the ESTA get more expensive?
From January 1, 2026, the ESTA fee changed from US$21 to US$40.27, broken down as follows:
- Processing fee US$10.27
- Travel authorization fee US$17
- Travel promotion fund US$13 (new in 2026)
Since one ESTA approval is valid for 2 years, that works out to about US$20 a year, still reasonable if you visit the US several times in those two years, but clearly more expensive than before.
ESTA validity and scope
An approved ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first). You can enter the US multiple times during that period, staying up to 90 days each time. It covers tourism, business and transit; it does not cover work, study, long-term residence, journalism and so on, which require the corresponding US visa.
Application steps
- Go to the official website esta.cbp.dhs.gov (beware of copycat agency sites; make sure the domain ends in .gov).
- Fill in your passport details, personal and contact information, US contact and itinerary, and a set of yes/no questions (health, criminal record, previous visas, etc.).
- Pay US$40.27 online by card.
- Wait for the review; most results come within 72 hours: Authorization Approved, Pending, or Travel Not Authorized.
- Once approved, print or save the result for reference (airlines / CBP check it at boarding and entry).
ESTA: FAQ
What if my ESTA says "Travel Not Authorized"?
It means you can't enter visa-free and need to apply to the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) for the corresponding US visa (e.g. B1/B2). An ESTA refusal doesn't mean the visa will be refused, but answer truthfully and prepare for the interview.
I renewed my passport. Can I still use my old ESTA?
No. The ESTA is tied to your passport; if your passport number changes, you have to apply and pay again.
Do I need an ESTA just to transit in the US?
Yes. Transit under the Visa Waiver Program (even just changing planes without entering) also requires a valid ESTA.
Can a travel agency apply for my ESTA?
Yes, iTour can help with the answers and submission; but note that you can apply yourself on the official website, and using an agency means paying a service fee in exchange for convenience and a check of your application.
Further reading: Vietnam e-Visa 2026 ・ Philippines visa 2026
This post is adapted from an iTour Pixnet article and updated with the latest 2026 information (ESTA fee increase).