ESTA Fee Increase 2025: U.S. Travel Cost Doubles

The ESTA Application Fee Doubles 

Starting September 30, 2025, the ESTA fee will increase from $21 to $40 per traveler under the Visa Waiver Program. This new cost applies to all ESTA applications submitted on or after that date, regardless of when you plan to travel. 

Who Is Affected By The ESTA Fee Increase 2025

Under the Visa Waiver Program and through ESTA, citizens of 40+ eligible countries, including the UK, EU member countries, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, can visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, by obtaining an online Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Currently, travelers pay a $21 ESTA application fee when applying. 

However, effective September 30, 2025, the ESTA cost will increase for any new application paid on or after that date. This ESTA fee increase 2025 applies to all Visa Waiver travelers who submit an ESTA request for tourism, business, or transit. Any ESTA application fee paid on or after September 30, 2025 will be $40, whereas payments made before that cutoff remain at the old $21 rate.

If you qualify for visa-free travel under the program, you must have an approved ESTA before boarding a flight or ship to the U.S., and that comes with this increased cost. The fee is charged per traveler, so a family of four will pay $160 in ESTA fees for a U.S. trip. Clearly, the higher ESTA cost can add up for group travel, so it’s an important change for international visitors to consider.

ESTA $40 Fee Breakdown

The doubled ESTA application fee is made up of several components designated by U.S. law. Here’s a breakdown of the ESTA $40 fee:

• $17 – Travel Promotion: This portion funds U.S. tourism promotion efforts. Notably, this travel promotion fee remains unchanged at $17, the same as it was under the $21 fee. It continues to support initiatives to attract visitors to the U.S.
• $10 – Operational Fee: This part of the fee goes toward administering and upgrading the ESTA system and related border security operations. It has increased from a previous $4 to $10, reflecting an investment in modernizing the application system and covering rising processing costs. If your ESTA application is denied, you are charged only this $10 processing portion, not the full $40.
• $13 – Treasury Fee: A new $13 charge is being added, designated for the U.S. Treasury General Fund. This amount, introduced by recent legislation in 2025, is essentially a contribution to broader federal programs and resources. 

Why Is the ESTA Fee Increasing?

Congress approved the ESTA fee increase in July 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Reasons include:

• Strengthening border security & ESTA system upgrades
• Funding U.S. tourism promotion
• Adding a new Treasury contribution of $13

Impact of ESTA Fee Increase On Travelers

While aimed at security and modernization, critics like the U.S. Travel Association warn that the higher ESTA cost could discourage visitors during recovery years.

Impact on Visa Waiver Program Travelers

For those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program, the ESTA fee increase 2025 has a clear impact: higher entry costs and a bit more paperwork urgency. Here’s what it means for travelers:

• ESTA Requirement for Visa Waiver Travelers

If you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver country, you must apply for an ESTA online and pay the fee before traveling to the U.S. Airlines will not allow you to board a U.S.-bound flight without a valid ESTA, so the US travel authorization fee is an unavoidable part of your trip expenses.

• ESTA Validity Period Remains the Same

Each approved ESTA remains valid for two years, or until your passport expires. This validity period is unchanged by the fee increase. An ESTA lets you take multiple trips to the U.S. within those two years without reapplying, as long as each stay is 90 days or less. Despite the higher upfront cost, you can still maximize value by using the same ESTA for several trips.

• Current ESTA Holders Not Affected

If you already obtained an ESTA before the fee increase and it’s still valid, you do not have to pay anything extra or reapply due to this change. Your existing travel authorization remains valid until its normal expiration date. 

• Budgeting for Higher Costs and Timing Around The Change

Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program should account for the increased ESTA cost in their trip planning. While $40 may not be a barrier for many, it can be significant for tight budgets. If your trip is soon and you haven’t obtained ESTA yet, you could save money by applying before the fee hike. 

Can I Avoid Paying the Increased ESTA Fee?

If you travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program on or after September 30, 2025, the ESTA application fee will be $40, with no exceptions. The only way to pay the current $21 rate is to apply and complete payment before the deadline.

How Do I Apply for ESTA?

The application process for ESTA is entirely online and is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps to obtain your Visa Waiver Program ESTA authorization:

1. Ensure Eligibility: Confirm that you hold a passport from a Visa Waiver Program country and plan to travel to the U.S. for 90 days or less for business, tourism, or transit. You must have an electronic passport that is valid for your intended stay.
2. Go to the Official ESTA Website: Use the official U.S. government ESTA portal to apply. The application is available in multiple languages, but all applicants from VWP countries must apply through this U.S. government site.
3. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the online ESTA application by providing your personal information, travel details, and answering eligibility questions. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and matches your passport. Mistakes can lead to delays or denials.
4. Pay the ESTA Application Fee: During the application, you will be prompted to pay the fee. Make sure you receive a confirmation of payment.
5. Submit and Wait for Approval: Once you’ve completed the form and payment, submit your application. In many cases, ESTA approvals are granted within minutes. However, it can take up to 72 hours (3 days) for a final decision, so it’s recommended to apply at least a few days before your trip. 

Is The ESTA Linked To My Passport?

After approval, your ESTA is electronically linked to your passport. No physical document is required. When you check in for your flight or cruise, the airline will verify that you have a valid ESTA on file. Be aware that ESTA does not guarantee entry; it only pre-screens you for travel. U.S. Customs officers at the border will make the final determination upon your arrival. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ESTA fee in 2025?
For travelers using the Visa Waiver Program, the ESTA fee for 2025 is $40 per application, effective for any payments made on or after September 30, 2025. Before that date, the ESTA application will still cost $21. 

When does the new ESTA fee take effect?
The new ESTA fee takes effect on September 30, 2025. If you pay on September 30 or later, you’ll be charged $40. It’s important to note that it hinges on the payment date, not the travel date. Even if you are traveling in 2026 or 2027, you can still pay $21 as long as you submit payment before the cutoff in 2025. Conversely, any unpaid application in the system when the update happens will be subject to the new $40 fee.

Can I still pay $21 for ESTA?
Yes, but only by applying and paying before the fee hike takes effect. There are no exemptions or promo codes to bypass the higher cost once it’s in force. In short, applying early (up to 2 years in advance of your trip) is the only way to temporarily avoid paying $40. After the deadline passes, the increased fee is unavoidable for everyone.

How long is an ESTA valid?
An approved ESTA is valid for two years from the date of issue. If your passport expires in less than two years, the ESTA will expire along with it, and you’ll need to obtain a new ESTA on your new passport. Always ensure your ESTA will be valid on the dates you intend to enter the U.S.

Final Tips for Travelers

U.S. travel remains an attractive option for tourists and businesspeople worldwide, but the ESTA fee increase 2025 is one example of how travel authorization procedures are being adjusted to meet security and funding needs. To ensure smooth entry into the United States, stay informed on the latest rules and fees, and plan ahead:

• Apply early if you can, to save money and reduce last-minute stress. Even aside from the fee, early application is wise because it gives you time to resolve any issues if your ESTA is not immediately approved.
  
• Budget for the ESTA $40 fee as part of your trip expenses. Travel costs can add up with various visas, authorizations, or airline fees, so knowing about the ESTA cost in advance helps you avoid surprises.
  
• Use official resources for information and applications. Misinformation can circulate about immigration changes. Always double-check details on official U.S. government websites or trusted news sources.
• Keep documents up to date. Make sure your passport is valid well beyond your travel dates, and remember that a new passport will require a new ESTA regardless of the prior ESTA’s validity. It may be beneficial to renew an expiring passport before applying for ESTA, to maximize the two-year validity without paying the fee twice.
  

Traveling to the U.S under the Visa Waiver Program is still easier than applying for a full visa. With preparation, you can save money and avoid stress.

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