ESTA Fee for US Travel Set To Increase

Charlie USA 7 July 2025 | | 0

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries planning a trip to the United States will soon have to pay more.

As part of a new law passed in Washington D.C., the cost of applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is set to nearly double—from $21 to $40.

While the exact date the price hike will take effect hasn’t been announced yet, the change will apply to citizens of all 41 countries in the VWP, including the UK.

The increase is part of a broader effort by the US government to refresh its tourism policy. The new law also includes more funding for border staffing, airport improvements, and event security, all aimed at handling the expected rise in global travel.

However, not everyone is happy with the changes. The US Travel Association criticised the move, saying it could discourage international visitors. Geoff Freeman, the association’s president and CEO, said:

“Raising fees on lawful international visitors is like placing a self-imposed tax on one of America’s biggest exports—tourism spending.”

The bill also cuts funding for Brand USA, the country’s destination marketing organisation, from $100 million to just $20 million—a move Freeman called “foolish,” especially as the US prepares to host major global events.

Despite the backlash, US officials say the higher ESTA fee is still far cheaper than applying for a traditional visa and helps support upgrades that benefit travellers. They emphasise that it’s not meant to be a barrier but part of a long-term strategy to keep the US a top travel destination.

What are your thoughts on this issue? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.