United States ESTA Fee Increased by 50%

The fee for foreigners heading to the United States is about to increase by 50 percent.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced an increase in the fee for inbound travellers entering the US using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

The fee soared from $14 to $21 (£16.55 / €19.60). It is the first time the cost has risen since 2015.

The ESTA is an online system that approves travel for visitors to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The ESTA was set up in 2008 as an automated system to establish the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

40 countries, including most European countries, participate in the VWP. This permits business travellers and other visitors to enter the US for stays of a maximum of 90 days without needing to get a visa.

The CBP uses the ESTA to determine if visitors qualify for visa-free entry. The authorisation issued by the CBP is valid for two years.

ESTA Application

Travellers can file an ESTA application at any time in advance of their trip. The CBP recommends applying at least 72 hours before a trip although it can be done any time prior to boarding.

The fee levied on incoming tourists using the ESTA is set to increase from $14 (€13) to $21 (€20).

The cost rise, which incorporates a $4 (€3.70) operational fee, was announced in a statement in the Federal Register. The CBP has confirmed that the fee increase came into effect on 26 May 2022.

The increased charge is set to remain in place until 2027.

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