British holidaymakers and business travellers heading to the United States are set to pay more for entry, following a quiet but significant change to the popular ESTA scheme.
President Joe Biden has signed into law a new fee structure that adds an additional $21 to the cost of an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) application. This brings the total cost for the visa-waiver document to a combined $70.
What is the New ESTA Fee For?
The increase isn't just for border security. The new legislation, known as the ‘ESTA Authorization Fee’, breaks down the new $21 charge into two distinct parts:
- $10 is earmarked for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to fund the ‘7(a) Overseas Travel Promotion, Facilitation, and Enhancement Act’ – essentially, programmes to encourage and smooth travel to the U.S.
- $11 is a direct contribution to the U.S. Treasury, specifically for the prevention and treatment of child trafficking and exploitation.
This new charge is applied on top of the existing $21 ‘processing fee’ and the $4 ‘authorisation fee’, which remain unchanged.
What Does This Mean for UK Travellers?
For British citizens, the practical effect is a noticeable jump in the cost of permission to visit the USA. The total ESTA application fee now stands at approximately £60, up from around £43.
Renowned travel correspondent Simon Calder clarified the situation, stating, "This is a fee, not a tax, and it is levied by the Department of Homeland Security." He confirmed that the new rules are now officially in effect.
ESTA vs. Tourist Visa: What You Need to Know
It is crucial to understand that an ESTA is not a visa. It is an authorisation to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- ESTA: Costs $70, is valid for two years (or until your passport expires), and allows for multiple visits of up to 90 days each for tourism, business, or transit.
- Tourist Visa: Costs $185, requires an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy, and is a more complex process but is valid for 10 years.
Despite the price increase, the ESTA remains the far quicker, cheaper, and more convenient option for the vast majority of UK travellers eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
Before you book your flights to New York, Los Angeles, or Orlando, be sure to factor in this new mandatory cost for your ESTA application.
