ESTA fee to rise to $40 in U.S. starting September 30, 2025

(U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed on August 28, 2025 that the ESTA application fee will rise from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025, under H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” adopted on July 4, 2025.) The change affects millions of short‑term visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Program who enter the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism stays of up to 90 days.

While some early notices pointed to October 1, CBP’s announcement sets the effective date a day earlier. For travelers hoping to avoid the higher fee, timing matters: an application filed and approved before the deadline locks in the current price and remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires.

New Fee Breakdown and Current Structure

CBP’s notice places the new $40 total into three parts:
– $17 (a pre‑existing travel authorization fee)
– At least $10 (a new component)
– $13 (a new travel authorization fee)

Today’s $21 charge consists of:
– $4 processing fee
– $17 entry fee (the entry portion helps fund U.S. tourism promotion through Brand USA)

The new structure is the largest increase since ESTA began and reflects broader fee and funding changes ordered by the new law.

Important: ESTA approvals are valid for two years and allow multiple entries during that period. Every traveler — including infants and toddlers — needs their own approval. There is no family rate; each passport holder pays the full fee.

If an ESTA request is denied, the $17 entry portion is refunded, but the $4 processing fee is not. These refund rules continue under the new price.

Timing and Why Acting Now Can Save Money

Because an ESTA lasts two years, an approved application at the $21 price will cover trips well into 2026 or 2027, provided the passport does not expire first. Many frequent visitors from Europe and other Visa Waiver countries are submitting fresh applications now—even if their current ESTA still has months left—to extend coverage at the lower fee.

CBP’s confirmation ends weeks of speculation about the start date and the charge structure. The agency says the change will support upgrades to border systems and processing. The law signals a shift toward cost recovery for immigration and border services across the board, affecting many parts of the travel system beyond ESTA.

Policy Changes Overview

H.R. 1 (“One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), passed July 4, 2025, reshapes fees tied to immigration and travel. Key points:
– Adds new charges and surcharges across several programs.
– Introduces a $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” on nonimmigrant visas.
– Raises other immigration‑related fees.

The ESTA increase is one of the most visible changes because it reaches millions of travelers annually. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the ESTA section alone could deliver about $3.8 billion in added revenue from 2025 through 2034.

Supporters say the funds will help pay for border technology and staffing. Critics say the costs are being shifted onto visitors, including families and small businesses sending staff for short trips.

Practical Implications for Applicants

The most immediate consideration is timing. Because ESTA grants two years of validity, an approved application submitted before September 30, 2025 saves money for multiple trips.

CBP stresses the importance of building in a buffer:
– Payment problems, website delays, or requests for additional information could push an application past the cut‑off and trigger the new price.

Other continuing rules:
– ESTA is mandatory for people traveling without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business visits of 90 days or less.
– Approval does not guarantee admission at the border.
– Airlines will not board a visa‑waiver passenger without a valid ESTA.
– The authorization is electronically linked to the passport. If your passport changes (renewal or name update), you need a new ESTA and must pay the fee again.

Impact on Travelers and Industry

The fee increase will raise costs across many traveler types and organizations:

• Families
  • Today: a family of four pays $84 (4 × $21).
  • After increase: the same family will pay $160 (4 × $40).
• Small businesses sending employees to trade shows or meetings will face the same percentage jump per traveler.
• Student exchange programs, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders may see tighter budgets as costs multiply.

Industry and government views:
– Tourism groups note the $17 entry portion supports Brand USA and worry higher fees may deter first‑time visitors or cost‑sensitive families.
– Border officials and some lawmakers say extra revenue is needed to maintain and improve screening tools, reduce outages, and handle large travel volumes safely.

The two‑year validity remains a hedge: travelers who plan at least one U.S. trip each year can find applying now cost‑effective and avoid last‑minute scrambles.

Wider effects:
– Connector cities and airline hubs may see modest shifts if price‑sensitive travelers trim trips.
– Airlines, hotels, and trade groups will monitor booking trends in late 2025 and early 2026.

Practical Steps Before the Deadline

1. Apply and pay before September 30, 2025 to keep the $21 price. Aim to file several days early to avoid cut‑off risks.
2. Check your passport expiration. ESTA cannot outlast the passport’s validity. Renew first if your passport will expire soon.
3. Use only the official government site to avoid extra charges. The application portal is the official ESTA site: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
   • Third‑party services often add their own fees and cannot speed a decision.
4. Remember each traveler (including babies and toddlers) needs a separate approval and pays the full fee. Plan family budgets accordingly.
5. Keep a record of your confirmation. Airlines check ESTA electronically, but having the approval email helps at check‑in if needed.
6. If your ESTA is denied, only the $17 portion is refunded; the $4 processing fee is retained.
7. Monitor policy updates—H.R. 1 created other charges that may affect processing timelines.

What Changes for Those With Valid ESTA Now

• Nothing changes until your ESTA expires or your passport changes.
• No mid‑cycle extra payment is required.
• Applying now can secure the lower fee for future trips through the authorization’s two‑year life.

Example: A traveler planning a December 2025 visit could apply in September 2025, pay $21, and use the same approval for a spring 2026 business trip.

Broader Perspective and Next Steps

The fee increase divides opinion:
– Tourism groups warn this could deter budget travelers already facing higher airfare and hotel prices.
– Immigration lawyers see this as part of a trend to shift more costs onto users across multiple application and screening programs.
– Supporters emphasize the need for modern, reliable systems at ports of entry that require stable funding.

Bottom line:
– The clock matters. Visa Waiver travelers who expect to visit the U.S. within the next two years can still secure the lower fee by acting soon.
– Applying before the effective date, verifying passport details, and using the official site are the best steps to keep trips on track and costs as low as current rules allow.

Key takeaway: For many travelers—families, students, small businesses, and frequent visitors—applying before September 30, 2025 is a simple, effective way to avoid the higher fee and preserve two years of travel flexibility under today’s price.