How to apply for ESTA · US entry requirements
South Korean passport holders visiting the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before boarding. The official fee is US$40.27 (US$10.27 processing charged to everyone, plus US$30 if approved). An approved ESTA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Arriving by air, your I-94 record is created electronically; there is nothing extra to file.
RequiredTravel authorisation
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- Who
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including South Korea, travelling to the US (including transit) by air or sea for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a US visa.
- When
- CBP recommends applying as soon as you make travel plans. Most applications get an immediate answer, but some go to 'Authorization Pending', so do not leave it to the last day.
- Fee
- $40.27
- Validity
- 2 years from approval or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple trips allowed; each stay up to 90 days.
- Processing
- Usually an immediate decision. If the status is 'Authorization Pending', check back on the official site until a decision is made.
Steps
- Check that your passport is an e-passport (chip symbol on the cover); an e-passport is required under the Visa Waiver Program.
- Open the official ESTA site (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or the official ESTA Mobile app from CBP.
- Start an individual application (or a group application for family members).
- Enter passport details, contact details, employer information and answer the eligibility questions truthfully.
- Pay US$40.27 by card or PayPal; US$10.27 is kept even if the application is denied.
- Note the application number and check the status until it shows 'Authorization Approved'.
Have ready
- E-passport from a VWP country
- Email address
- Credit/debit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover/JCB/Diners) or PayPal
- Contact and employer details
- US address or first hotel ('In Transit' if only transiting)
Watch out
- Many look-alike sites charge far more than US$40.27; only esta.cbp.dhs.gov and CBP's ESTA Mobile app are official.
- A new passport, a name change or a changed answer to any yes/no eligibility question requires a new ESTA.
- False answers (e.g. about arrests, overstays or travel history) can lead to revocation or penalties; if you are not eligible, apply for a visa instead.
- ESTA does not guarantee entry; the CBP officer at the airport makes the final decision.
Get an eSIM · United States
FAQ
How much is ESTA in 2026?
US$40.27 per person since 1 January 2026 (US$17 + US$10.27 + US$13). It rose from US$21 to US$40 on 30 September 2025, then to US$40.27 with the inflation adjustment. If denied, you pay US$10.27.
Do I need to fill in an I-94?
Not when arriving by air or sea; CBP creates the I-94 record electronically. Only travellers crossing a land border apply for an I-94, which costs US$30 in FY2026 (US$6 + US$24).
My ESTA is still valid but I renewed my passport. Is it still OK?
No. ESTA is linked to the passport; with a new passport you must submit a new ESTA application.
Do I need ESTA for Guam or Saipan?
Not necessarily. Koreans can instead use the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program with a G-CNMI ETA (stay up to 45 days, Guam/CNMI only). With ESTA you can stay up to 90 days.