The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is due to its most significant revision in almost 10 years as the travel industry changes its face in the new year. Although the program still enables citizens of 42 specified countries to visit the United States up to 90 days without a classic visa to conduct business or tourism, there are new security requirements that will be implemented in 2026 that alter the process of entry. These modifications aim at the improved digital vetting and the shift towards mobile-only authorizations to provide the security of travelers and American borders.
Extended Security Checking and Social Media Verification
One of the significant changes that will be introduced in 2026 is the introduction of a social media screening as a mandatory process of all ESTA applicants. According to new rules by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the travelers will be required to include their social media handles during the last five years in their electronic application. The purpose of this review on digital footprint is to establish security risks during the preflight stage of a traveler before he ever gets on board a plane. The IRS and CBP have also added more-improved biometrics, such as having a high-resolution photo of a selfie which should be uploaded using the official mobile application to authenticate against a biometric e-passport.
Switch to ESTA Mobile App
The U.S. government has also declared the shutdown of the ESTA desktop site where new applications are being made with a view of complete digitalization. Beginning in 2026, all first-time authorizations will have to be done via the official ESTA Mobile app (supported on iOS and Android). Although the site is still there to be checked on status and information resources, the application itself now involves the application of mobile-only features, including NFC-reading passport chips. This change will help to minimize fraudulent applications and make sure that the biometric data obtained is correct and encrypted.
Revised List of Eligible Countries
It has not changed the list of eligible countries in 2026, with the number of eligible countries at 42 but a number of potential countries are being reviewed on the road map. The program covers the majority of the European Union, and the major partners of Middle East and Asia-Pacific. It is worth mentioning that Qatar and Israel are some of the latest joiners to the program. Nevertheless, passengers must also note the problem of dual nationality; citizens of VWP countries also nationals of or who have travelled to restricted countries (i.e. Iran, Iraq, North Korea, or Cuba) are not usually eligible to receive a waiver and instead would have to apply to be issued with a regular B1/B2 visa.
Passport validity and Entry Rules
In the year 2026, the VWP will require travelers to have a valid e-passport that will have an electronic chip embedded in it. One of the most frequent misunderstandings is the rule of the six-month validity of a passport; in general, most travelers must have a passport that is valid 6 months after the time of departure, but most countries under the VWP have agreements with the U.S. that do not require this program to be followed. Moreover, an approved ESTA usually lasts two years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first, and can be used many times within two years.
New Departure Checking System
Another innovation suggested by the 2026 update is the optional yet strongly promoted Digital Departure Record. With the CBP Home mobile application, foreigners can now prove that they left the United States because the app employs geolocation and facial recognition. This new feature is included in an attempt to properly monitor the rate of overstay which directly influences the continuity of a country into the Visa Waiver Program. You can save your position as a low risk traveller by ensuring you carefully make a note of your exit so that you avoid the inconvenience of delay or rejection on subsequent applications to be given travelling permission.
VWP 2026 Quick Data
| Category | Requirement / Status |
| Max Stay | 90 Days (No extension) |
| Primary Tool | ESTA Mobile App (Mandatory) |
| Authorization Fee | $21.00 USD |
| New Requirement | 5-Year Social Media History |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will my current ESTA be still effective in 2026?
Yes. In case you possess an ESTA that was issued in 2025, the ESTA will be valid until the date on which it was issued (typically two years) or until your passport expires.
2. Is the $21 fee changing in 2026?
Although increase in fee has been suggested to accommodate new biometric technologies, up to the start of 2026, the standard fee is still 21 (including 4 processing and 17 authorization fee).
3. What is to be done in case ESTA is refused?
In case your ESTA was denied, you will have to seek a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Denial does not imply that you are not allowed to the U.S., but it implies that you will be subjected to a more rigorous screening.
Disclaimer
The information is meant to be informative. You need to have a look at the official sources; we want to give all the users correct information.
