UK Travelers Urged to Apply for ESTA Before Potential US Fee Changes

Key Takeaways

• US ESTA fee remains $21 in 2025; no increases announced for UK travelers under VWP.
• UK increased ETA fee from £10 to £16 on April 9, 2025, expanding to all European visitors.
• ESTA valid for two years or passport expiry, required for all UK travelers, including children.

UK travelers planning trips to the United States 🇺🇸 in 2025 can breathe easy: the US government has not announced any increase to the ESTA fee, and the application process remains the same. Meanwhile, travelers heading to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 should prepare for a higher ETA fee and expanded requirements for European visitors. These changes reflect a growing global trend toward digital travel authorizations, affecting millions of people crossing borders for business, tourism, and family visits.

No ESTA Fee Hike for UK Travelers in 2025

As of July 14, 2025, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms that the ESTA application fee remains at $21 (USD). There have been no official statements or policy updates suggesting a fee increase for UK travelers or any other participants in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) this year. This stability offers reassurance for UK citizens planning trips to the United States 🇺🇸, especially as travel demand continues to rebound.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, “The lack of a fee hike for ESTA in 2025 means UK travelers can continue to plan US trips with confidence, knowing the process and costs remain unchanged.”

What is ESTA and Who Needs It?

ESTA, or the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is an online system used by the United States 🇺🇸 to pre-screen travelers from VWP countries, including the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. ESTA is not a visa. Instead, it is a travel authorization required for short visits—up to 90 days—for tourism, business, or transit. All UK travelers, including children and infants, must have an approved ESTA before boarding a flight or cruise to the US.

Key facts for UK travelers:

• Fee: $21 (USD) per application
• Validity: Up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first
• Application: Online via the official ESTA website or mobile app
• Processing Time: Most approvals come within minutes, but travelers should apply at least 72 hours before departure
• Requirements: Must have an e-Passport (a passport with an embedded electronic chip)

Recent Changes for UK Travelers: Focus on the UK ETA

While the US ESTA fee remains steady, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 has made changes to its own digital entry system. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee increased from £10 to £16 on April 9, 2025. This change affects travelers from the United States 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, Australia 🇦🇺, and, as of April 2, 2025, all European visitors who do not need a visa for short stays.

The UK ETA is similar to the US ESTA. It is a digital travel authorization required for short visits (up to six months) for tourism, business, or transit. The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires.

How to Apply for ESTA: Step-by-Step Guide for UK Travelers

1. Go to the Official ESTA Website: Visit the official ESTA portal or download the ESTA mobile app.
2. Fill Out the Online Form: Enter your personal and passport details, and answer eligibility questions.
3. Pay the Fee: The application costs $21 (USD) per person.
4. Wait for Approval: Most applications are approved within minutes, but you should apply at least 72 hours before your trip.
5. Travel: ESTA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print it, but keeping a digital or paper copy is a good idea.

How to Apply for UK ETA: Step-by-Step Guide for US and European Travelers

1. Download the UK ETA App or Visit GOV.UK: Apply through the UK ETA app or the official GOV.UK ETA page.
2. Complete the Application: Provide your passport details, upload a digital photo, and answer suitability questions.
3. Pay the Fee: The application costs £16 per person.
4. Wait for Approval: Most decisions are made automatically within minutes, but allow up to three working days.
5. Travel: The ETA is digitally linked to your passport. You do not need to provide travel details in advance.

Why Are These Systems Important?

Both ESTA and ETA are part of a global move toward digital border management. These systems help governments pre-screen travelers, improve security, and make the entry process smoother. For travelers, they mean less paperwork and faster processing at airports and seaports.

Official Perspectives and Industry Reactions

• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Stresses that ESTA is vital for border security and efficient travel. CBP has not announced any fee changes for 2025.
• UK Home Office: Says the ETA fee increase supports the cost of running and improving the digital system. The UK government aims to make its borders more secure and travel more convenient.
• Airlines and Travel Agencies: Urge travelers to check entry requirements early and apply for authorizations as soon as travel plans are made.
• Consumer Groups: Point out that while the UK ETA fee increase is not huge, it can add up for families or groups traveling together.

What Do These Changes Mean for Travelers?

For UK travelers to the United States 🇺🇸:

• No Immediate Change: The ESTA process and fee remain the same.
• Apply Early: Even though most applications are approved quickly, it is smart to apply as soon as you know your travel dates.
• Multiple Trips: ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, so you can make multiple trips without reapplying, as long as your passport stays valid.
• Children Need ESTA Too: Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA.

For US and European travelers to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧:

• Higher ETA Fee: The cost is now £16 per person.
• Expanded Requirement: All European travelers now need an ETA, not just those from the US, Canada, or Australia.
• Quick Processing: Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to three working days just in case.
• Digital Link: The ETA is linked to your passport, so you do not need to print anything or provide travel details in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to apply for ESTA every time I travel to the US?
  • No. ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
• What if my ESTA is denied?
  • You will need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate.
• Do children need ESTA or ETA?
  • Yes. Every traveler, including infants and children, must have their own authorization.
• What if I get a new passport?
  • You must apply for a new ESTA or ETA if your passport details change.

Background: Why Digital Authorizations Are Growing

The move toward digital travel authorizations like ESTA and ETA is part of a worldwide trend. Governments want to make borders safer and travel easier. These systems let officials check travelers before they arrive, which can help stop people who might be a security risk. At the same time, they make the process faster for most travelers.

Recent Policy Changes: A Closer Look

• US ESTA: No fee increase or major changes for 2025. The process remains the same, and the fee is still $21.
• UK ETA: The fee increased from £10 to £16 in April 2025. The requirement now covers all European travelers, not just those from the US, Canada, or Australia. The UK government says this is part of a plan to make the border fully digital and more secure.

Implications for Families and Groups

While the fee increases may seem small for solo travelers, they can add up for families or groups. For example, a family of four traveling to the UK will now pay £64 for ETAs, compared to £40 before April 2025. Similarly, each member of a group traveling to the US needs their own ESTA, costing $21 each.

Advice for Travelers: How to Avoid Problems

• Apply Early: Do not wait until the last minute. Apply for your ESTA or ETA as soon as you know your travel plans.
• Check Passport Validity: Make sure your passport is valid for the entire trip. Remember, ESTA and ETA are only valid as long as your passport is.
• Keep Records: Even though authorizations are digital, keep a copy of your approval in case you need it at the airport.
• Stay Informed: Check official government websites for the latest updates before you travel.

Official Resources for More Information

• ESTA (US Entry): Official ESTA Application Website
• UK ETA: GOV.UK ETA Application Page
• US Embassy in the UK: For questions about visas or ESTA, visit the US Embassy London website.
• UK Home Office: For ETA and immigration questions, visit the GOV.UK website.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Digital Travel Authorizations?

No changes are expected for the US ESTA system in the near future. The fee is likely to stay at $21, and the process will remain digital and straightforward. The UK government, however, may continue to adjust the ETA system as it collects more data and works to improve border security. Other countries are also considering similar systems, so travelers should expect digital authorizations to become more common worldwide.

Summary Table: Key Facts for 2025

Conclusion: What UK Travelers Should Remember

For UK travelers heading to the United States 🇺🇸, the ESTA fee and process remain unchanged in 2025. There is no need to rush or worry about a sudden fee hike. Just make sure to apply early, use the official ESTA website, and have an e-Passport ready. For those traveling to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, be prepared for the higher ETA fee and expanded requirements for European visitors. Both systems are designed to make travel safer and more efficient, but they do require careful planning and attention to detail.

By staying informed and following the official steps, travelers can avoid surprises and enjoy smooth journeys across the Atlantic. For the latest updates, always check the official government websites before booking your trip.

Learn Today

ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization; digital pre-screening for Visa Waiver Program travelers to the US.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) → US program allowing citizens from certain countries to travel visa-free for short visits.
ETA → Electronic Travel Authorisation; a UK digital entry permit for visitors from specified countries.
e-Passport → A passport containing an electronic chip storing biometric data for enhanced identity verification.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) → US federal agency managing border security and travel authorizations like ESTA.

This Article in a Nutshell

UK travelers to the US face no ESTA fee increase in 2025, ensuring stable travel costs. Meanwhile, the UK raised ETA fees, broadening entry requirements for European visitors. Digital authorizations like ESTA and ETA streamline international travel, enhancing security and efficiency for millions crossing borders each year.
— By VisaVerge.com