If you’re planning a trip to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program, you should pay attention: a US ESTA price increase is coming soon. Effective September 30, 2025, the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will nearly double.
First of all, what is ESTA?
US ESTA, short for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an online approval required for citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, including:
Andorra | Czech Republic | Hungary | Latvia | New Zealand | Slovakia |
Australia | Denmark | Iceland | Liechtenstein | Norway | Slovenia |
Austria | Estonia | Ireland | Lithuania | Poland | Spain |
Belgium | Finland | Israel | Luxembourg | Portugal | Sweden |
Brunei | France | Italy | Malta | Qatar | Switzerland |
Chile | Germany | Japan | Monaco | San Marino | Taiwan |
Croatia | Greece | Korea, Republic of | Netherlands | Singapore | United Kingdom |
It allows travelers to enter the United States for tourism, business, or transit, for stays of up to 90 days without getting a B1/B2 visa.
Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers can make multiple trips during that period without reapplying, as long as each visit meets the 90-day limit.
Details of the US ESTA price increase
Current fee: $21 total, consisting of a $4 processing fee and a $17 travel promotion fee.
New US ESTA fee (from Sept 30, 2025): $40 total, including the original $17 plus new operational and travel authorization charges.
This US ESTA price increase almost doubles the total cost of applying for an ESTA.
Why is the US ESTA price increasing?
The U.S. government has adjusted ESTA fees to reflect updated operational costs and to allocate funds for new travel programs. The changes are designed to support border security systems and improve processing technology.
For travelers, this means the cost of applying is higher, but the process and validity of the US ESTA remain the same. The fee increase does not change how long an ESTA lasts or what it allows you to do.
When will the US ESTA price increase take effect?
The key date is September 30, 2025. Any application submitted before that date will be charged at the current $21 fee. Any application filed on or after the deadline will cost $40.
It does not matter when you plan to travel. If your ESTA is approved before September 30, you pay the lower fee, and the approval remains valid for the full two-year period.
How to apply for the United States ESTA early?
Provide your accurate passport and travel information.
Pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
Submit your application and wait for approval.
Save your ESTA confirmation, it’s linked to your passport.
The most important takeaway is this: apply before the deadline if you plan to travel to the U.S. within the next two years. Doing so locks in the lower fee and ensures two years of validity.
Other US fee changes
The ESTA increase is part of a broader adjustment in U.S. travel authorization fees. Other entry-related documents will also see price rises in 2025. For example, the I-94 form issued at land borders and the EVUS registration for certain long-term visa holders will also cost more now.
