Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Travelers planning to visit the US from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries need to prepare for significant changes regarding the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application fee. Recent legislation by the US Congress will soon raise the fee from the current $21 to $40.
What is ESTA?
The program is administered by (CBP). ESTA allows visitors from visa-waiver countries to enter the US for tourism, business or transit for 90 days or fewer without a visa.
ESTA vs ETIAS Comparison
These systems serve the same purpose, yet they are for different regions: ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for the United States and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for Europe. The U.S.-administered ETSA allows travelers from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries—including the UK, Australia, Japan, and European Union member states—to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a Visa Waiver Program news. In contrast, ETIAS is the European Union’s new system, targeting visa-exempt US, UK, Canadian, and Australian visitors, which is intended to improve EU border control and monitor traveler arrivals. ETIAS, which is planned to go into effect in 2024, will allow travelers to visit any Schengen-zone country for a short stay of 90 days within 180 days. Both ESTA and ETIAS focus on improving overall security and increased screening of travellers, however, their application procedures, service fees and nationality entitlements don’t match, which makes it important for travellers to know the guidelines relevant to each.
Countries Eligible for ESTA:
- United Kingdom
- European Union member states
- Australia
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Chile
- And other VWP eligible countries
Current ESTA Fees, Validity and Travel to USA cost
Currently, ESTA applicants pay:
- $4 processing fee
- $17 authorization fee
The ESTA approval is valid for:
- Two years, or
- Untill The traveller’s passport Expires first
Why is the ESTA Fee Going Up?
The increased fee will support:
- Enhanced border security measures
- Passenger flow efficiency and a more pleasant airport experience
- Crucial upgrades to airport infrastructure
Preparation for major international events:
- 2026 FIFA World Cup
- 2028 Olympic Games Los Angeles
It would also create $3.8 billion in net revenue from 2025 to 2034, after a reduction for the federal deficit.
WHEN DOES THE ESTA FEE INCREASE START?
It’s been confirmed that date when the cost increase will come into effect is yet to be confirmed but it will be before 2025. If you are a traveler, you should continue to monitor official U.S. government sites.
Who Will Be Impacted?
And it won’t just be tourism, with any visitor coming from the 42 countries that are part of the VWP, even repeat travelers or those visiting family, willing to bet the high fees don’t make their travel too expensive and therefore prohibitive.
Reactions from the Travel Industry
Supporters Highlight:
- Security enhancements and capital requirements when appropriate
- Better rider experience, faster and safer rides
Critics Warn:
- Prospective dissuasion of foreign travellers
- Potential shift of tourism businesses to low-cost destinations
- Potential negative cost to tourism-related sectors
- Practical Advice for Travelers
To get it right, travelers need to:
- Apply in advance: Be sure to apply for your ESTA at least a week before you go in case of any hiccups in processing time.
- Safe ESTA application: Avoid scams Get to the main ESTA’s official website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection when applying for ESTA to avoid being scammed and pay no additional fees outside of what the official site requires.
- Check Twice Before Applying: Re-checking your passport details, personal details, and confirmation info might save you from rejection of application.
Keep Up With the News Review rules and restrictions about travel, as well as any news that might change where in the world you can go based on either where have you travelled to in the past, or where you have been recently.
What to Expect on Arrival
Upon arrival in the US, all travelers will experience the following:
- Opportunity for additional vetting by CBP Officers (interview).
- Open strove to be as open (no pun intended) about his itinerary, where he lived and what he would be doing in general.
- Preparation of the right papers to expedite the process when you finally get to the border.
Latest Updates and Expert Opinions
Showing on-the-ground impact Industry analysts say that committed travelers, those determined to attend major events or to take a very special holiday, will be willing to pay the higher tax by mid-2025, but travelers on a budget may rethink or scale back trips.
For years now, officials have called for this fee to be used to pay for security and infrastructure needs to ensure that international travel was safe. Trade groups like the US Travel Association suggest that, to avoid scaring off international visitors, carriers should adopt their “calmest” fee policies.
Planning Your Travel Budget
Visangers should note that the fees must be factored in when planning a holiday. Tweaking the travel itinerary when necessary means that time and money will be well spent and enjoyed.
Final Considerations
This next hike in the ESTA fee once again emphasizes the tension between strong security and still being open for business for tourists visiting America. Many of the changes need proactive planning, and a smart traveler will be able to make changes that offer a clear entry to the United States as easily and enjoyable a time in the country as possible.
