ESTA for Qatari Passport Holders 2026-How to Apply

ESTA Fees and Validity

• Application fee: $21 USD — charged as $4 processing plus $17 authorization, only on approval
• Validity: 2 years from approval date or until passport expiry, whichever is sooner
• Maximum stay per visit: 90 days
• Processing time: Typically within 72 hours, often instant

One ESTA covers multiple trips to the US within its validity period. If you plan to attend more than one World Cup match across different weeks, your single ESTA covers all visits within the 90-day window.

ESTA vs US Visa: Key Differences

• ESTA: Online, $21, no interview, approved within 72 hours — for Qatari passport holders
• US Visa (B1/B2): Embassy visit required, $185 fee, interview needed, 4 to 8 weeks processing — for most other nationalities

If you hold a Qatari passport, ESTA is the correct route. If you are a non-Qatari expat living in Qatar, you likely need a full US B1/B2 visa — see our separate guide on US visa applications for Qatar residents.