Planning a trip to United States? This guide covers exactly who needs a visa, what it costs, how long it takes and where to apply — using figures from United States's official immigration authorities.
Quick answer
Most visitors to United States need esta (visa waiver program), with an official government fee of US$40.
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) |
Who needs a visa for United States?
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Visa Waiver Program nationals: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, UK, Ireland, EU/Schengen states, Australia, NZ, Chile, Israel, Qatar; e-passport required.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa: Nationals of non-VWP countries, including Indian passport holders, travelling for tourism, visiting family, or business.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): Citizens/nationals of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program countries (includes Singapore). NOT available to Indian passport holders. For tourism, business or transit up to 90 days.
United States visa options, fees and processing times
| Option | Official fee | Max stay | Processing | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | US$40 | Up to 90 days per visit | Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours | esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official) at least 72 h before travel |
| B1/B2 Visitor Visa | USD 185 (MRV application fee, non-refundable, per applicant) | 180 days | Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing) | https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html |
| ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) | USD 40.00 (USD 40.27 as of the Jan 2026 CPI adjustment) | 90 days | Usually within 72 hours (often minutes); CBP advises applying at least 72 hours before travel | https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ |
Documents required
For the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program):
- e-Passport from a VWP country
- Contact & employment info
- US address
- Card payment
How to apply
- Check your requirement by nationality (table below) or use our checker.
- ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official) at least 72 h before travel — allow Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours.
- B1/B2 Visitor Visa: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html — allow Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing).
- ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ — allow Usually within 72 hours (often minutes); CBP advises applying at least 72 hours before travel.
- Arrival formalities: None (electronic I-94)
- Keep your approval/receipt with your passport; carry proof of accommodation, onward travel and funds.
United States visa for children and families
Children usually need their own visa or entry authorisation, even infants. For family applications, prepare each traveller's passport and photo, and add birth certificates for minors and, where a child travels with one parent or a guardian, a consent letter. Applying for the whole family together keeps travel dates and reference numbers consistent.
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.
Practical timeline: application → approval → travel
- 6–8 weeks before travel: check your passport validity, confirm your requirement, and start gathering documents.
- 3–4 weeks before: book refundable flights and accommodation (immigration may ask for these), then submit your United States application.
- Processing: allow Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours. Do not make non-refundable bookings until approved.
- On approval: print/save the approval, keep it with your passport, and complete any arrival card before you fly.
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.
Good to know
- Prior travel to Iran/Iraq/Syria/etc. or dual nationality may make you ineligible for ESTA.
- Singapore residents interview at US Embassy Singapore.
United States visa requirements by nationality
| Passport | Requirement | Max stay |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
How much is a United States visa?
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): US$40. HolidaySG's assistance fee is a separate flat S$65.
How long does it take?
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program): Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours.
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.