US ESTA 2026: the fee is now US$40.27 — validity, the five steps, and what gets refused
The ESTA fee changed on 1 January 2026 and now sits at US$40.27 per application. This guide covers what that figure is made of, how the two-year validity actually works, when to apply, and the handful of fields that cause most refusals.
What is a US ESTA, and how is it different from a visa?
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. It is the online clearance used by travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. Taiwan joined the VWP in 2012, so a Taiwan passport holder travelling for tourism or business applies for an ESTA online instead of a B1/B2 visa.
Taiwan's Bureau of Consular Affairs lists the United States as visa-free for up to 90 days for Taiwan passport holders, counted from the day of entry, with ESTA authorization required in advance (list updated 23 July 2026).
One distinction matters more than any other: an ESTA authorizes you to board a flight. It does not guarantee admission. The officer at the port of entry decides whether you enter and for how long, up to a 90-day maximum.
| ESTA | B1/B2 visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Visa Waiver Program passports | Any nationality |
| How to apply | Online form on the official site | Form, fee and in-person interview |
| Turnaround | Usually minutes; allow 72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Validity | 2 years, or until the passport expires | Up to 10 years, as issued |
| Stay per entry | Up to 90 days | Set by the officer |
US ESTA fee 2026: where the US$40.27 comes from
Under the Federal Register notice setting fiscal-year 2026 amounts, every ESTA application has cost US$40.27 since 1 January 2026.
- US$17 travel authorization fee required by HR-1.
- US$10.27 inflation-adjusted cost-recovery component.
- A further US$13 statutory charge.
- Applications that are refused are billed only US$10.27.
The same notice set the EVUS fee, which applies to Chinese passport holders, at US$30.75 from the same date. Payment is by card on the official site only — the authority never asks for a top-up by phone or text message.
- ・The device settles on whichever network is stronger as you cross state lines
- ・No SIM swap — install at home in Taiwan, then switch on data roaming after landing
- ・Refund guaranteed if the signal is unstable or the plan goes completely unused
How to apply for a US ESTA: five steps
Four things that commonly derail a US ESTA
- A renewed passport. The authorization is tied to the passport number, so a new passport voids the old ESTA and a fresh application is required.
- Name spelling. Hyphens, compound surnames and English given names all need to follow the passport page exactly.
- A purpose the VWP does not cover. Study, paid employment, or any stay beyond 90 days needs a visa instead.
- Leaving it late. You can apply as soon as the trip is booked; the official guidance is to allow at least 72 hours.
Planning connectivity for a US trip
Distances in the United States make network reliability more noticeable than in a compact destination. A navigation app that drops out on an interstate leaves you guessing at the next exit.
| Option | Suits | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Most travellers; working the moment you land | The handset must support eSIM — install before you fly |
| Local physical SIM | Longer stays that need a US number | Airport queues, and keeping your original SIM safe |
| International roaming | Very short business trips | Higher rates; confirm the daily cap with your carrier first |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Groups sharing one connection | An extra device to charge, and nobody has data once the group splits up |
If you are unsure how much data to buy, the usage table in how much eSIM data do you need is a good starting point; US itineraries tend to run navigation and streaming all day, so one tier up is usually the comfortable choice. Plan-by-plan comparisons are in our US eSIM guide.
US ESTA: frequently asked questions
How much does ESTA cost in 2026?
US$40.27 per application, effective 1 January 2026. The amount is made up of a US$17 travel authorization fee under HR-1, an inflation-adjusted operating cost of US$10.27, and a further US$13. Applications that are not approved are charged only the US$10.27 portion. (US Federal Register FY2026 fee adjustment, checked October 2026.)
How long is an ESTA valid?
Two years from approval, with unlimited trips during that window. If your passport expires sooner, the authorization expires with it. A new passport always means a new ESTA application.
How long can I stay in the United States on an ESTA?
Up to 90 days per entry for tourism or business. The actual admission period is set by the officer at the port of entry, not by the ESTA itself.
How far ahead should I apply?
At least 72 hours before departure, as officially recommended. Most applications are decided within minutes, but some are routed to manual review, so applying as soon as your trip is confirmed costs nothing and removes the risk.
What happens if my ESTA is refused?
You can still travel, but you will need a B1/B2 visa from the American Institute in Taiwan, which involves a form, a fee and an interview. Because a refusal still costs part of the fee, it is worth checking that your passport number, name spelling and date of birth match your passport exactly before you submit.
What is the easiest way to get online in the United States?
Install an eSIM before you fly and switch on data roaming when you land. The Peanutmo US eSIM moves automatically between the AT&T and Verizon networks, picking whichever has the stronger signal as you travel between states.
- ・QR code emailed within about 10 minutes, so you can install before you leave Taiwan
- ・Refund guaranteed if the signal is unstable or the plan goes completely unused
- ・LINE support at @peanutmo, 10:00–17:00 (UTC+8)
Installation takes about three minutes using our step-by-step eSIM setup guide.
Related reading
Coverage differences between the two major carriers, plus how to pick days and data.
Data roaming on your home number, default line and iMessage — a five-minute check.
Why the bill runs higher than expected, and the cases where roaming still wins.
When to install, how days are counted, and what hotspot sharing really does.
