United States Visa Requirements
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my stay in United States once I'm there?
No. This permission cannot be extended from inside United States, so plan to leave before it expires. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) entrants are admitted for a fixed 90 days that cannot be extended, and cannot change to another status from inside the United States except in very narrow cases such as the immediate relative of a US citizen. $420 filing online, $470 by mail, plus $85 for biometrics where required. There is no form to file. The 90 days is the ceiling, and it counts against the whole VWP stay including any onward trip to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. If you know you will need longer than 90 days, apply for a B-2 visa at a US consulate before travelling — a B-2 admission can be extended by Form I-539, a VWP admission cannot.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to United States — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your visa application process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Budget for the entry fee (US$40.27) and check whether it needs to be paid in a specific currency or method.
- Note this specific requirement for United States: Valid 2 years; VWP travel-history restrictions (Iran/Iraq/etc.) apply.
- Check whether United States requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to United States, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.