British holidaymakers and business travellers are facing a steep increase in the cost of visiting the United States, as the price of the essential travel authorisation is set to double.
The US Department of Homeland Security has confirmed a significant fee hike for its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the mandatory visa waiver programme for citizens of the UK and other VWP (Visa Waiver Program) countries. The change is part of a broader update to application costs designed to bolster the country's tourism infrastructure.
What Are The New ESTA Fees?
The current fee structure will be replaced with a new, two-part cost:
- A $21 application fee, up from the current $4.
- A $25 approval fee, if your ESTA is successfully granted.
This brings the total cost of an approved ESTA to a substantial $46, more than double the current total of $21. The new fees are scheduled to come into effect from May 2024.
Why Is The Price Increasing?
Officials state that the increased revenue is necessary to promote tourism to the United States and to cover the costs of enhancing the vital VWP system. The funds will be used to support projects that improve the experience for international visitors and maintain the security and efficiency of the application platform.
How Can You Avoid The Price Hike?
There is a crucial window of opportunity for savvy travellers. The new fees will only apply to new applications submitted after the rule change in May.
An ESTA is typically valid for two years. Therefore, any traveller considering a trip to the USA within that timeframe can apply now at the current, lower rate. Once granted, your authorisation will remain valid even after the new, more expensive fees are implemented.
This strategy offers a significant saving for families or frequent travellers, potentially cutting the total cost of travel authorisations in half.
What Is The ESTA?
The ESTA is not a visa but an authorisation to travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program. It is a mandatory requirement for all British citizens entering the country for tourism, business, or transit for stays of up to 90 days. Applications are made online through the official US government website, and approvals are usually granted quickly.
Prospective travellers are urged to act promptly to secure their ESTA at the current price, ensuring a cheaper and smoother journey to the United States for the next two years.
