By Alice Giddings
Copyright metro
America just made the ESTA more expensive (Picture: Getty Images)
If you’re travelling to America anytime soon then your trip just got a little more expensive.
Whether you’re setting sail on a cruise ship in Miami, venturing to Texas or exploring the new Universal’s Epic Universe, you can’t do any of it without an ESTA.
Now, the cost of the ESTA, one of the documents needed to enter the United States, has nearly doubled.
The change is imminent, so here’s everything you need to know.
How much is an ESTA now for UK travellers?
The cost of an ESTA is currently $21 (£15.67) but this is set to double on September 30, 2025.
The new price of the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is $40 (£29.85).
This is because the application fee is now made up of three parts; the travel promotion fee; the operational fee; and the treasury general fund fee.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is necessary to enter the US (Picture: Getty Images)
Congress, through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, added the Treasury General Fund fee which is $13 (£9.70), and increased the operational fee portion of the ESTA application cost from $4 (£2.98) to $10 (£7.46).
The $17 (£12.69) travel promotion fee has not increased.
Do I need to pay the new ESTA cost?
If you already have a valid, approved ESTA, you don’t need to re-apply for another one, despite the price change.
When your ESTA then expires, you’ll need to re-apply for one if you plan to enter the US, and you will then be charged the new fee of £29.85.
If you’ve started your application but haven’t paid for it by September 30, even though your application began before this cut off date, you will still be charged the new fee amount.
What is an ESTA and how long does it last?
An ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorisation is needed to travel to the US for business or holiday for 90 days or less, without a visa.
Travelling to the US as a Brit just got more expensive (Picture: Getty Images)
It’s managed by US Customs and Border Protection and Brits travelling to America need one because the UK is a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participant.
Once issued, your ESTA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.
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If you already have a separate visa which allows you to visit the US, you don’t need an ESTA.
It doesn’t matter how you’re arriving into the US, even if it’s on a cruise ship or in the airport for a connecting flight, you will still need to produce this document.
You need to apply for one at least 72 hours before you travel to America, to ensure enough time for it to be approved.
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