Good news for travellers to United States: an e-Visa lets you apply online without visiting an embassy. This guide walks through the online application step by step in 2026 — fees, documents, processing and common mistakes.
United States visa at a glance
| Visa required? | Yes, for many nationalities |
|---|---|
| Main visa type | ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) |
| Government fee | US$40 |
| Processing time | Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours |
| Validity | 2 years or until passport expiry, multiple entry |
| Permitted stay | Up to 90 days per visit |
| Where to apply | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official) at least 72 h before travel |
| HolidaySG assistance fee | S$65 per applicant (usually S$100) |
United States e-Visa at a glance
- Fee: USD 185 (MRV application fee, non-refundable, per applicant)
- Processing: Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing)
- Validity: Visa validity varies by nationality/reciprocity (commonly up to 10 years multiple-entry for Indian nationals); admission period set by CBP at entry (typically up to 6 months)
- Permitted stay: 180 days
- Where to apply: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
The US has no visa-on-arrival. Visa Waiver Program nationals (including Singapore) travel on an ESTA e-authorization for up to 90 days; Indian passport holders are NOT in the VWP and must obtain a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
How to apply for the United States e-Visa online
- Open the official e-Visa portal (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html) and start a new application.
- Fill in your passport and travel details exactly as they appear in your passport.
- Upload a scan of your passport bio page and a compliant photo.
- Pay the fee (USD 185 (MRV application fee, non-refundable, per applicant)) by card.
- Wait for the emailed approval (Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing)), then print or save it to show on arrival.
Documents you upload
- Valid passport (valid 6 months beyond stay, unless exempt)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Interview appointment confirmation
- Photo per specifications
- Supporting documents (ties to home country, funds, travel purpose)
Common mistakes, delays and rejection reasons
From handling United States visa applications, these are the issues that most often cause delays or refusals. Avoiding them is the single biggest thing you can control:
- Passport validity: many countries require at least six months' validity beyond your travel dates — renew early if yours is close.
- Insufficient proof of funds: bank statements that are too thin, too new, or not in your name are a common reason for delays. Show a stable balance over the last 3–6 months.
- Photo specification errors: wrong size, background colour, glasses or a smile can bounce an application. Follow the exact spec for United States.
- Applying too late: submit well before departure — allow the full processing window plus a buffer, not the minimum.
- Mismatched documents: names, dates and passport numbers must match exactly across your form, flight and hotel bookings.
- Weak ties to your home country: employment letters, leave approval and return bookings help show you intend to return.
- Prior overstays or refusals: declare them honestly; hiding history causes more problems than the history itself.
- Forgetting the arrival card: None (electronic I-94) — complete it in the correct window or you can be delayed at the border.
Before you travel to United States
- Arrival card / declaration: None (electronic I-94)
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof — airlines and immigration can ask for it.
- Funds: have evidence of enough money for your stay (card and some USD (US Dollar)).
- Travel insurance: strongly recommended, and mandatory for some destinations.
- Copies: keep a digital and paper copy of your visa/approval and passport photo page.
Official sources
- US Customs and Border Protection — verified 16 August 2026
- US Department of State — verified 19 August 2026
- Official government source — verified 19 August 2026
Last updated 20 August 2026. Written and reviewed by the HolidaySG visa team and checked against the official sources above (facts verified 19 August 2026). Visa rules change and depend on your passport, residence and purpose of travel — always confirm with the official source before booking, or use our visa checker. HolidaySG re-confirms current requirements at the time of your application.