The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will increase from the current $21 to $40 on October 1, 2025. This drastic price increase of almost 100 percent affects all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including citizens from European nations. The increase is part of the recently passed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and means additional costs of $19 per person for US travelers. Since an approved ESTA authorization is valid for two years and allows unlimited entries, it's worth applying before the fee increase even for trips planned for 2027.

Currently, ESTA application costs $21 per person. This fee was last increased on May 26, 2022, from $14 to $21 – a 50 percent increase. The fee increase was already planned since January 2020, when Congress secured funding for the tourism marketing agency Brand USA with the "Brand USA Extension Act" until 2027. Until September 30, 2025, travelers can still benefit from the currently valid prices and save considerable money.

Breakdown of ESTA Costs

The current $21 consists of two components: a processing fee of $4 and an entry fee of $17. The processing fee covers administrative costs for reviewing the application by US visa officers. The entry fee, which makes up the largest portion, flows directly into financing US tourism promotion and is mainly forwarded to Brand USA.

New Fee Structure from October 2025

From October 1, 2025, ESTA fees will rise to $40, which represents a doubling of previous costs. The exact breakdown of the new fee structure has not yet been announced, but it's expected that a larger portion will flow into general US funds. This drastic increase makes the USA one of the most expensive destinations for electronic travel authorizations worldwide.

The price increase is part of the comprehensive "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and serves to finance various US programs, particularly tourism promotion through Brand USA. At the same time, the US government paradoxically plans a drastic cut in funding for national tourism marketing. The organization Brand USA will receive only $20 million instead of $100 million per year in the future, even though ESTA fees are being increased for financing.

Brand USA and Tourism Promotion

A large portion of ESTA fees traditionally flows into financing Brand USA, the official tourism marketing organization of the United States. This organization is responsible for promoting the USA as a travel destination abroad and finances itself through membership fees and revenues from ESTA fees. The higher fees are intended to secure the sustainability of tourism promotion.

Financing Secured Until 2027

The Brand USA Extension Act secures the organization's financing until 2027 through increased ESTA fees. This means that further fee increases are unlikely during this period, but remain possible thereafter. The long-term financing strategy shows the importance the USA places on international tourism.

p>Travelers can still pay the currently valid $21 until September 30, 2025, and thus save $19 per person. Experts recommend applying for ESTA immediately if a US trip is planned within the next two years. For a family of four, this means savings of $76 – a considerable amount that can flow into the travel budget elsewhere.

Apply for your ESTA now with us and benefit from the low price! Our English-speaking service with manual expert review by state-licensed immigration advisors prevents costly rejections due to application errors.

Utilize ESTA Validity: Two-Year Duration

An approved ESTA authorization is valid for two years from the approval date and allows unlimited entries to the USA within this period. The authorization expires automatically if the passport becomes invalid before the two years expire. Even if you're planning your US trip for 2027, it's worth applying early before the price increase.

p>ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is the electronic travel authorization for visa-free travel to the USA. All citizens of the 40 Visa Waiver Program countries need a valid ESTA authorization for entries by plane or ship. The system was introduced in 2009 and serves to verify travelers' eligibility for visa-free entry. Without an approved ESTA authorization, you will be denied boarding already at check-in.

Visa Waiver Program Countries

European countries including the UK, France, Spain, and 37 other nations participate in the Visa Waiver Program and allow their citizens visa-free entry to the USA. Participating countries include all EU member states as well as other developed nations like Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A complete list can be found on the official US State Department website.

Duration of Stay and Purpose

With ESTA, travelers can stay up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes in the USA. Permitted activities include vacation, business meetings, conferences, or visiting friends and family. Not permitted are employment, study, or permanent settlement.

You can conveniently complete the application through our website. We forward your application to the official US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Travelers should submit their application at least 72 hours before departure, as real-time approvals are no longer available.

With us, you benefit from a clear, user-friendly application form and manual expert review before submission to US authorities. This minimizes the risk of costly rejection due to input errors or incomplete information. Processing by US authorities typically takes 72 hours but may take longer during high-volume periods.

Required Documents for ESTA

For the ESTA application, you need a valid electronic passport with at least six months remaining validity, personal data, and information about your planned US trip. You must provide details about your first place of stay in the USA, even if this changes later. Additionally, questions about health, criminality, and security-related topics are asked.

Payment of ESTA Fees

Fees can be paid by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) or PayPal. The ESTA application is only processed after payment is received. For group applications, all fees can be paid together, which simplifies the process.

Through our website, you can conveniently pay in your local currency and benefit from additional payment options. We automatically convert fees at the current exchange rate and provide you with a transparent cost overview without hidden additional charges.

What to do if ESTA is rejected?
In case of rejection, travelers must apply for a regular B1/B2 visa at a US consulate. The processing fee of $4 is retained, $17 is refunded. A rejection can have various reasons, from incorrect information to security-related concerns.

The USA plans further reforms in immigration procedures. Other countries are also continuously increasing their fees for electronic travel authorizations. Canada's eTA already costs 7 CAD, Australia's ETA about 20 AUD. Europe plans to introduce ETIAS, which will also be fee-based.

Anyone planning a US trip in the next two years should apply for ESTA authorization before October 2025 and save considerable money. The doubling of fees makes it clear that travel to the USA is becoming increasingly expensive. Early application not only secures the lower price but also avoids possible processing backlogs shortly before the price increase.

Apply for your ESTA now through our website and benefit from professional support and expert review. This ensures that your application is completed correctly and your US trip can take place as planned.