Check eligibility and apply for ESTA
Eligible travelers need approved ESTA to travel under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Prepare your application
Check VWP eligibility before applying and wait for approval before travel.
Submit through the official channel
Use the official ESTA service. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your trip dates
Count your travel days and compare your passport expiry with the entry rule.
What to prepare for your trip
Check each item as you prepare it. Labels show which documents are required, conditional, or recommended.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Costs & timing
Visa fees and decision times for this route. Check the official service for your final amount.
Government fees
- Per person
- USD 40.27
Decision time
Up to 3 calendar days
Allow up to 72 hours for a response. Apply before travel and wait for approval.
A processing estimate is not a guaranteed travel date.
Permission validity
2 years
Or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Validity is separate from how long you can stay on each visit.
Details that can change your plans
Travel history or dual nationality can change ESTA eligibility
Cuba travel from 12 January 2021, or travel to North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen from 1 March 2011, can require a visa. Certain dual nationalities are also excluded. Check the official exceptions.
Official guidanceA short side trip does not restart the 90 days
Short visits to Canada, Mexico or nearby islands generally count within the original VWP admission period.
Official guidanceA prior U.S. visa refusal can affect ESTA
A recent U.S. visa refusal may lead to an ESTA denial, additional review at the port of entry or refusal of admission. Check your eligibility before travel and apply for a visa if the official guidance says the Visa Waiver Program does not fit your case.
Official guidanceA Visa Waiver Program visit cannot normally be extended
VWP visitors cannot extend their admission period or change to another immigration status in the United States. Leave on or before the admit-until date recorded by CBP; contact USCIS immediately if an emergency prevents departure.
Official guidancePractical tips for United States
Small preparation steps to keep your travel information within reach.
Keep your ESTA application number
Save the application number with your travel records so you can return to the official service to check the decision.
United States at a glance
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Currency
- USD
- Calling code
- +1
Questions for this route
Do travelers with an ordinary passport from Japan need a visa for the United States?
For tourism in the United States, travelers using an ordinary passport from Japan should apply for ESTA and receive approval before travel. Check VWP eligibility before applying and wait for approval before travel. The published short-visit limit is 90 days per visit; follow any shorter period on your granted permission.
How long can I stay in United States?
The short-visit limit is 90 days per visit. Your actual permission can be shorter; check the dates and conditions you receive.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
USD 40.27 per person. Check the official payment page for exemptions and any additional charges.
How long does a decision take?
Up to 3 calendar days. Allow up to 72 hours for a response. Apply before travel and wait for approval.
How long is the authorisation valid?
2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This is different from the permitted length of each visit.
Can I extend my stay in United States?
VWP visitors cannot extend their admission period or change to another immigration status in the United States. Leave on or before the admit-until date recorded by CBP; contact USCIS immediately if an emergency prevents departure.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official websites
Use these government websites to confirm requirements and complete any application.
About this guide
This guide covers short tourist visits on an ordinary passport. Your nationality, residence, travel document and purpose can affect the entry conditions. Check the linked official guidance before travel; the border authority decides admission and your permitted stay.
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