ESTA and Visa Waiver: frequently asked questions

No. It is an electronic travel authorisation allowing you to board for the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. It does not guarantee entry: the final decision rests with the CBP officer at the port of entry, exactly as with a visa.

US$40.27 as of 1 January 2026. It rose from US$21 to US$40 on 30 September 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and is adjusted annually for inflation since. The amount combines a processing fee and an authorisation surcharge.

Denials have risen since late 2023, lengthening waits for a stamped visa. The most common causes are travel to countries flagged by CBP, criminal or immigration history, inconsistent application data, and previous stays close to the 90-day limit.

Up to 90 days per entry, with no extension and no change of status inside the United States. If you need longer, or expect your purpose to change once there, the correct route is a consular visa rather than ESTA.

You cannot work. You may carry out limited business activity equivalent to B-1: meetings, conferences, negotiations. Short recreational study is accepted, but not an academic programme leading to a degree, which requires an F or M visa.

Generally yes. Having been in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 bars use of the Visa Waiver, as does travel to other designated countries. In that case you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the consulate, which is not in itself a denial.

There is no appeal. The route is to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the consulate, with the DS-160 form, the US$185 MRV fee and an interview. Prepare the file carefully, because the prior ESTA denial will form part of the context the consular officer reviews.

It is a recurring public concern in Chile, tied to denial rates and overstay figures. Continued participation is reviewed periodically against security and compliance criteria. As of the date on this page, Chile remains in the programme.