ESTA increases again: costs double to be able to travel to the U.S.
Dear America, dear America. Traveling to the United States is becoming more and more onerous. As of this year - again, for the [...]
United States of America
Dear America, dear America. Traveling to the United States becomes increasingly onerous.
In this article:
As of this year - again, for the second time in recent years - ESTA, the mandatory electronic authorization to enter the star country, Will double the cost.
ESTA United States, how much does it cost
According to the new tax and expenditure law, the One Big Beautiful Bill, by Donald Trump, signed on July 4, 2025, the cost of ESTA will rise from the current $21 (about 18 euros) to $40, or about 35 euros. The law has yet to be signed, so it is not yet clear when, exactly, the rate increase will officially go into effect.
In fact, this is not the first time we have seen a doubling of the cost of ESTA. In September 2010, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security required $14 (about 12 euros) for its release. Then, to May 2022 the "fee" increased by 50% to $21 per traveler.
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The permit is valid for two years from the date of issue and must be issued for all passengers of all ages, otherwise boarding will be denied at check-in.
ESTA United States, what is it
ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and is used to determine a foreign national's eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
The VWP was introduced in 2006 to enable citizens of 38 countries around the world to gain easier access to travel to the United States for business or pleasure without going through the lengthy process of applying for a proper visa.
ESTA United States, how to fill out the application
Filling out the online ESTA application for the United States is simple. You log on to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website and provide a variety of personal and travel information, including: biographical data, passport information, contact information, travel information, employment information, etc.
The granting of ESTA can take anywhere from a couple of hours to three days, since it lasts for 24 months my advice is to have it active at all times, so you can take even a last minute ticket without having to worry about applying for authorization on a tight deadline. And if you want to save money renew it before the increase is triggered.
Travel to the US? 5 tips to stay out of trouble
- No need to carry a printed ESTA with you. The validity is visible right from check-in to the companies' agents, and customs agents can see it and never ask for it in paper form. If you have already checked in, you can "update" it before you leave: for example, you can put the new hotel where you will be staying
- Do not leave without insurance that covers medical problems or other inconveniences while traveling. You might save a few hundred, but if something happens to you a visit to the emergency room could cost you $10,000 even for one shot. My advice is to find the coverage that suits you and save money: we recommend Heymondo, Frontier and Intermundial. Your choice.
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- Expenses outside the Euro area can cost hundreds of euros In commissions with your credit card. With Revolut you have zero fees and free ATM withdrawals worldwide
- If you want to accumulate free points, for your commute use LYFT And link it with your Hilton card. Each trip will allow you to accumulate points to be redeemed for free stays.
