MyVisitVisa would like to inform all travelers that the U.S. government has officially confirmed an upcoming increase to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - a division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that oversees entry into the United States - has now officially updated the ESTA website to confirm the increase.

According to the recently revised FAQ section on esta.cbp.dhs.gov, starting September 30, 2025, the application fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will rise from $21 to $40.

This marks a notable jump that will impact every traveler entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Why is ESTA becoming more expensive?

The increase is a result of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed in July 2025, which restructured the cost breakdown of ESTA applications.

The new $40 fee includes:

$17 for travel promotion (unchanged)
$10 for ESTA system operations (previously $4)
$13 for the U.S. Treasury General Fund (new)

When will the change take effect?

The ESTA FAQ confirms that CBP’s system updates to process the higher fee will go live on September 30, 2025.

Applications paid for before this date will still cost $21.
Any applications submitted but not paid by the time the update takes effect will automatically be charged the new $40 rate.

No reapplication needed for valid ESTAs

CBP also reassures travelers that if you already hold a valid ESTA, you don’t need to reapply. Your authorization remains valid until it expires, and the new fee will only apply to new applications made after September 30, 2025.

Already approved? No action needed

If you currently hold a valid ESTA, there’s no need to reapply. Your authorization remains valid until its expiry date. The new fee only applies to applications submitted on or after September 30, 2025.

ESTA overview: eligibility, documents, and validity

ESTA is an online authorization that allows citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa for short visits.

To apply, travelers must provide:

a valid biometric or e-passport,
a recent passport-style photo (or compliant selfie),
and a payment method (credit card or PayPal) for the online fee.

Most applications are approved within minutes, though it can take up to 72 hours. An ESTA is valid for two years (or until the passport expires) and allows multiple entries, each for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Eligible countries and territories

Citizens of the following 42 countries and territories can travel visa-free to the U.S. with an approved ESTA:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

MyVisitVisa Recommendation: If you are planning to travel to the U.S. soon, we recommend applying for your ESTA before September 30, 2025 to secure the current lower fee.

ESTA Fee Increase Confirmed from September 30, 2025