Deadline imminent to avoid US Esta fee rise for tourists
Cost of US Esta for travellers to almost double
- The cost of an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) for travel to the US will almost double from $21 (£16) to $40 (£30), effective from 30 September 2025.
- Travellers can save $19 (£14) by applying for an ESTA before 12.01am eastern daylight time (5.01am BST) on Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
- The price increase includes a $6 (£4.50) “operational fee”, an unchanged $17 (£12.50) “travel promotion fee” and a new $13 (£9.70) Treasury General Fund fee mandated by Congress.
- President Trump’s act stipulates that the fee will subsequently rise in line with US inflation, with an ESTA remaining valid for two years.
- Travellers are warned against unofficial third-party websites that charge significantly higher fees for ESTA applications and have no connection to the US government.