United States entry requirements
Travellers on Australian, New Zealand, British, German and Japanese passports apply for an ESTA (US$40.27, rising to US$40.62 from 16 October 2026) before travelling to the United States. Each traveller needs their own, including children. Canadian citizens don't need an ESTA or a visa for most visits.
Photo: Bailey Zindel on Unsplash
At a glance, by passport
| Passport | Visa or travel authority | Arrival forms and levies | Coming home |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Nothing to do | Nothing to do | Not covered yet |
| United Kingdom (British citizen) | ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)) | Nothing to do | Not covered yet |
| Australia | ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)) | Nothing to do | Incoming Passenger Card |
| New Zealand | ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)) | Nothing to do | New Zealand Traveller Declaration |
| Canada | Not needed | Nothing to do | Not covered yet |
| Germany | ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)) | Nothing to do | Not covered yet |
| Japan | ESTA (US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026)) | Nothing to do | Visit Japan Web customs declaration |
Your the US checklist
Everything for one traveller. Add everyone on your booking in the WayReady app.
How WayReady gets the US sorted
You stay in control the whole way. We get it ready; you submit on the official site.
- 1
Your trip, built from your booking
Paste your confirmation and WayReady picks up your flights into LAX, your dates and where you're staying.
- 2
Every form found for every traveller
Each person's passport is checked against the official rules, including the declaration for coming home.
- 3
Plain questions for what only you know
Things like cash, food or goods are flagged for you to answer, never guessed. Everything else is ready to copy.
- 4
Submitted by you, on the official site
Open the government site from your trip, paste in your answers, pay any government fee directly, and submit.
Guides for this trip
- ESTA for families and childrenEach traveller needs their own ESTA, including children. What each traveller needs for the ESTA, and how to do it for your whole group.Read the guide
- How much is the ESTA? The official costThe ESTA costs US$40.27 (US$40.62 from 16 October 2026) on the official site. Where to apply, who needs it, and how to avoid paying a middleman.Read the guide
the US questions, answered
How much does an ESTA cost?
US$40.27 in fiscal year 2026, rising to US$40.62 from 16 October 2026, on the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
When should I apply for an ESTA?
As soon as you start planning, and ideally before you buy your tickets.
Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes. Each traveller needs their own ESTA, including children.
Do Canadians need an ESTA?
No. Canadian citizens don't need an ESTA or a visa for most visits to the United States.
Official sources
- esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- ESTA fee for fiscal year 2027 (Federal Register)
- Visa Waiver Program (U.S. Department of State)
Last checked 3 October 2026. Rules can change at short notice, so always confirm on the official site before you travel. WayReady is not a government agency.