Table of Contents
United States Visa Requirements 2026: Complete Guide by Nationality
US uses Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — 40 countries get ESTA ($21) for 90-day visits. All others need B1/B2 visitor visa.
Quick Summary
US uses Visa Waiver Program (VWP) — 40 countries get ESTA ($21) for 90-day visits. All others need B1/B2 visitor visa.
Visa Requirements by Nationality
| Passport | Type | Duration | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | ESTA required | 90 days | $21 | VWP via ESTA |
| EU passports (most) | ESTA required | 90 days | $21 | VWP via ESTA |
| Australia | ESTA required | 90 days | $21 | VWP via ESTA |
| Japan | ESTA required | 90 days | $21 | VWP via ESTA |
| South Korea | ESTA required | 90 days | $21 | VWP via ESTA |
| Canada | No visa or ESTA needed | 6 months | $0 | Land/air entry on passport |
| Mexico | BCC for border zone | Border zone (75mi/30 days) | varies | Tourist visa for further travel |
| India | B1/B2 visa required | Up to 10 years multi-entry | $185 | In-person interview |
| China | B1/B2 visa required | Up to 10 years multi-entry | $185 | In-person interview |
| Brazil | B1/B2 visa required | Up to 10 years multi-entry | $185 | In-person interview |
What You Need to Enter United States
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond stay
- ESTA approved (apply 72+ hours before, ideally days)
- Return/onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Ties to home country (employment, family)
Planning your trip? See our complete United States travel guide, the destinations index, or the Ultimate Bucket List for inspiration.
United States Visa FAQ
Do you need a visa for the USA?
40 VWP countries — ESTA ($21, online). All others — B1/B2 visa ($185, in-person interview).
How early do you apply for ESTA?
Minimum 72 hours before travel; recommended 1-2 weeks. ESTA valid 2 years or until passport expires.
What countries qualify for ESTA?
Visa Waiver Program countries — most EU, UK, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan. Full list at US State Dept.
How long does a US B1/B2 visa take?
Wait times vary 2-12+ months by consulate. Indians + Chinese have longest waits.
Can you extend a US tourist visa?
Yes — file I-539 before 90 days expires. Approval not guaranteed.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.