Key Takeaways
• ESTA fee doubles from $21 to $40 on October 1, 2025, affecting UK tourists and Visa Waiver Program travelers.
• Applicants should apply before September 30, 2025, to lock in the current fee and save money.
• The fee increase funds US tourism and border security improvements under new legislation.
UK tourists planning trips to the United States 🇺🇸 will soon face higher travel costs, as the US government prepares to double the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Starting October 1, 2025, the ESTA fee will rise from $21 to $40 per person, marking a major change for travelers from the United Kingdom and other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. This increase comes as part of new US legislation aimed at boosting funding for tourism and border security agencies.
What’s Changing and When?
The most important update for UK tourists is the timing and size of the ESTA fee increase. The current fee of $21 per person, which includes a $4 processing charge and a $17 entry fee, will jump to $40 per person beginning October 1, 2025. This change affects all travelers from the 43 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, not just those from the UK. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this is the largest ESTA fee hike since the program’s launch.
Why Is the ESTA Fee Increasing?
The fee increase is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a new US law designed to help fund improvements in tourism and border management. US lawmakers say the extra money will support better services for travelers and help keep borders secure. As travel demand grows after the pandemic, the US government wants to make sure it has enough resources to handle more visitors safely and efficiently.
Who Needs to Pay the ESTA Fee?
All UK tourists visiting the United States 🇺🇸 under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for and receive ESTA approval before they travel. The Visa Waiver Program lets citizens from approved countries, including the UK, visit the US for up to 90 days without needing a traditional visa. This covers trips for tourism, business, or simply passing through the country.
How Does The ESTA application Work?
The ESTA application is an online process that usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Travelers must fill out personal details, answer questions about their trip, and pay the required fee. The US government recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure to allow time for approval. Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, travelers can enter the US as many times as they want, as long as each stay is no longer than 90 days.
To apply for ESTA or check the latest requirements, travelers should use the official US government website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
What Does This Mean for UK Tourists?
The fee increase will have a direct impact on travel budgets for UK tourists visiting the United States 🇺🇸. For families or groups, the extra cost can add up quickly. For example, a family of four will pay $160 in ESTA fees after October 1, 2025, compared to $84 under the current system. This could make US trips less affordable for some travelers, especially those who visit often.
Travel specialists are urging UK tourists to plan ahead. “If you know you’ll be traveling to the US in the next couple of years, it makes sense to apply for ESTA before the fee goes up,” says a leading UK travel advisor. “ESTA approvals last for two years, so you can lock in the lower price now and use it for future trips.”
Who Else Is Affected?
The fee increase affects all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, not just the UK. Other countries in the program include France 🇫🇷, Germany 🇩🇪, Japan 🇯🇵, Australia 🇦🇺, and many more. The change is expected to impact millions of visitors each year.
Why Should Travelers Apply Early?
Applying for ESTA before the fee increase can save money, especially for frequent travelers or those planning trips in 2026 and 2027. Since an approved ESTA remains valid for two years, travelers who apply before September 30, 2025, can avoid the higher fee for trips during that period. This is a practical step for anyone with upcoming travel plans.
What If You Already Have an ESTA?
If you already have an approved ESTA, you do not need to reapply or pay the new fee until your current authorization expires. You can continue to use your existing ESTA for travel to the United States 🇺🇸 until the end of its two-year validity or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
What Happens If You Forget to Apply?
Travelers who arrive at the airport without an approved ESTA will not be allowed to board their flight to the United States 🇺🇸. Airlines are required to check ESTA approvals before letting passengers fly. This rule applies to all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including UK tourists. It is important to apply for ESTA well before your trip to avoid last-minute problems.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program is a US government initiative that allows citizens from 43 approved countries to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without a visa. The program covers tourism, business, and transit visits. To use the program, travelers must have a valid passport and an approved ESTA. The program is popular because it makes travel to the US easier and faster for millions of people each year.
How Does the ESTA Fee Compare to Other Travel Costs?
While the ESTA fee is still lower than the cost of a full US visa, the increase to $40 per person is significant. For comparison, a standard US tourist visa (B-2) costs $185 and requires an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. The ESTA process is simpler and faster, but the higher fee may make some travelers think twice about visiting the United States 🇺🇸, especially for short trips.
What Are Travel Experts Saying?
Travel industry experts are watching the fee increase closely. Many believe it could affect travel patterns, especially for families and frequent visitors. “Any increase in travel costs can have an impact, especially when people are already dealing with higher airfares and hotel prices,” says a UK-based travel consultant. “We expect some travelers may choose other destinations if the total cost of a US trip becomes too high.”
At the same time, experts say the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA remain valuable tools for making travel to the United States 🇺🇸 easier. “The ESTA system is still much simpler than applying for a full visa,” notes another travel advisor. “But it’s important for travelers to be aware of the new costs and plan accordingly.”
What Does the UK Government Say?
So far, there has been no official statement from UK government officials about the ESTA fee increase. However, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) continues to remind travelers that ESTA approval is required before entering the United States 🇺🇸. The FCDO’s travel advice for the US includes a warning that travelers without ESTA authorization will be denied boarding.
What Should UK Tourists Do Now?
Here are some practical steps for UK tourists planning trips to the United States 🇺🇸:
- Apply for ESTA before September 30, 2025 to lock in the current $21 fee.
- Check your passport’s expiration date—your ESTA is only valid as long as your passport is.
- Plan ahead for family or group travel—the fee increase will have a bigger impact on larger groups.
- Use the official ESTA website to avoid scams or extra charges from unofficial sites.
- Keep a copy of your ESTA approval—you may need to show it at the airport.
How to Apply for ESTA
Applying for ESTA is straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to the official ESTA website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
- Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel details.
- Answer security and eligibility questions.
- Pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
- Wait for approval, which usually arrives within 72 hours.
If you need to check the status of your application or update your information, you can do so on the same website.
What If You’re Not Eligible for ESTA?
Some travelers may not be eligible for ESTA, even if they are from a Visa Waiver Program country. Reasons can include past visa denials, certain criminal convictions, or travel to specific countries. In these cases, travelers must apply for a regular US visa, which involves a longer process and higher fees. For more details on US visa types and eligibility, visit the US Department of State’s visa page.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The ESTA fee increase is part of a larger trend of rising travel costs worldwide. As countries invest more in border security and tourism infrastructure, travelers are often asked to pay higher fees. For the United States 🇺🇸, the extra money from ESTA applications will help fund improvements in border management and support tourism programs.
However, higher fees can also discourage some people from traveling. Families, students, and frequent business travelers may feel the impact most. Travel industry groups have called for clear communication about the changes so that travelers can plan ahead and avoid surprises.
What’s Next for the Visa Waiver Program?
The US government reviews the Visa Waiver Program regularly to make sure it meets security and travel needs. While the ESTA fee increase is the biggest change right now, future updates could include new security checks or changes to eligibility rules. Travelers should stay informed by checking official government websites and travel advisories before planning their trips.
Summary and Takeaways
- ESTA fee for UK tourists and other Visa Waiver Program travelers will double from $21 to $40 per person on October 1, 2025.
- Apply for ESTA before September 30, 2025, to save money—approvals last for two years.
- The fee increase is part of new US legislation to fund tourism and border security.
- Families and frequent travelers will feel the biggest impact from the higher cost.
- Use the official ESTA website to apply and avoid scams.
- Check your passport’s expiration date, as ESTA is only valid with a current passport.
- Stay updated on travel rules by checking official government sources and travel advisories.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the upcoming ESTA fee increase is a key development for UK tourists and other travelers using the Visa Waiver Program. By planning ahead and applying early, travelers can avoid higher costs and ensure smooth entry to the United States 🇺🇸. For the latest information and to apply for ESTA, always use the official government website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
With these changes on the horizon, UK tourists should review their travel plans, apply for ESTA before the fee goes up, and stay informed about any further updates to US travel policies. This proactive approach will help travelers manage costs and enjoy their trips to the United States 🇺🇸 without unnecessary stress or surprises.
Learn Today
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a mandatory online travel approval for Visa Waiver Program visitors.
Visa Waiver Program → Allows citizens of specific countries, like the UK, to visit the US short-term without a visa.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act → US legislation funding tourism and border security, causing the ESTA fee increase.
Passport Expiry → Travelers’ ESTA validity depends on their passport expiration date, requiring renewal if expired.
US Visa (B-2) → A traditional tourist visa costing $185, requiring an embassy interview, different from ESTA.
This Article in a Nutshell
From October 1, 2025, the US will double ESTA fees from $21 to $40, impacting UK tourists and Visa Waiver travelers. Applying early secures the current lower fee. This change supports border security funding and tourism enhancement, urging travelers to plan ahead for increased travel costs and smoother US entry.
— By VisaVerge.com
