Traveling To USA This Year? ESTA Fee Has Increased by 50 Percent

After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are now planning their vacations. However, those planning on visiting the USA will find they have to pay more for that visit. This comes after US Customs and Border Protection has increased the Electronic System for Travel Authorization fee. Read on to find out more about the latest charges to visit the USA.

US Customs and Border Protection increases ESTA fee

As of Thursday, May 26, 2022, any travelers visiting the United States of America will now have to pay an increased Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee. In fact, the CPB has now increased the ESTA fee from $14 to $21 (£16.55 / €19.60). In fact, they will start collecting the higher fee on all new applications on May 26. Meanwhile, any travelers with an existing, approved ESTA will not need to re-apply. In other words, the new charge only applies to new applications.

In a statement, the CBP said, “Individuals with an approved ESTA do not have to re-apply at this time, as an ESTA is valid for up to two years.”

What is ESTA?

The ESTA is an online system that approves travel for visitors to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). According to the official website, the VWP enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business stays of 90 days or less, without the need for a visa.

Travelers heading to the US must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and must meet various requirements. Those who do prefer to have a visa in their passport can still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Meanwhile, there are up to 40 countries listed as part of the VWP, including Australia, Chile, European Union nations, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan.

What is necessary to qualify for an ESTA?

To qualify for an ESTA, travelers must be visiting the US for tourism, short study, business, or transit reasons. Once a traveler holds an ESTA, they can stay in the USA without a visa for up to 90 days per visit.

It is necessary for all eligible travelers to apply online, prior to boarding any flights, ships, or busses to the USA. In fact, travelers should apply for the ESTA at least 72 hours prior to departure.

Meanwhile, today’s increase is the first time the fee has gone up since 2015. However, the CBP noted that the fee will increase once again before 2027. Moreover, this forms part of an effort to support the Travel Promotional Fund.

Meanwhile, the $7 fee increase is relatively small compared to the costs involved in traveling to the United States. For this reason, the CBP doesn’t anticipate that it will adversely affect travel to the US.

Meanwhile, travelers from an international destination are required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test when arriving by air. Moreover, the test must have been taken 24 hours prior to departure. The testing requirement applies to all passengers over the age of two years.