US Will Double Its Travel Authorization Fee on September 30, 2025 — What Travelers Need to Know
Starting September 30, 2025, the United States will raise the cost of its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) from $21 to $40 for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. If you normally visit the U.S. without a traditional visa, this is the quick, online authorization you apply for before you fly. The change does not affect travelers who already hold a valid U.S. visa, but a separate charge called the “visa integrity fee” will soon apply to many non-waiver applicants who need a visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
When the New Price Kicks In
The higher ESTA fee goes live on September 30. Any applications submitted after the system update will be charged the new amount. Approved ESTAs remain valid for up to two years, or until your passport expires, and can be used for multiple trips within that time. If your application is refused, authorities keep only the processing portion, just as they do today.
Who Pays ESTA vs. Who Pays a Visa Fee
If you are from a Visa Waiver Program country such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, or Australia, you do not need a visitor visa for short stays. You apply for ESTA and, from September 30, you will pay $40. If you are from a non-waiver country and need a tourist or business visa instead, you do not use ESTA. You will continue to pay the standard visa application fee and, starting this fall, an additional visa integrity fee once your visa is issued.
How the $40 ESTA Fee Breaks Down
The new total includes three parts: $17 to fund U.S. travel promotion, $10 to operate and maintain the ESTA system, and a new $13 Treasury General Fund fee. The operational slice rises from $4 to $10, reflecting higher technology and program costs. The travel promotion amount remains the same. The Treasury fee is new under recently enacted budget legislation.
About the New $250 “Visa Integrity Fee”
Beginning as early as October 1, 2025, many nonimmigrant visa applicants from non-waiver countries will be charged a separate $250 visa integrity fee. It is intended to support program compliance and may be refundable after the visa term ends if all conditions are met, though the refund mechanics are not yet fully defined. Expect this fee to be paid in addition to the normal visa application charges.
How This Compares With Europe
The European Union has also announced a higher fee for its upcoming ETIAS travel authorization. When ETIAS launches, the price will be about €20, up from the previously planned €7. Like ESTA, ETIAS is a pre-travel check for visitors who do not need a visa, and the higher fee helps cover expanded digital systems and operating costs.
What Smart Travelers Should Do Now
Apply early. System updates and fee changes can create short-term backlogs, and airline check-in agents will verify your ESTA or visa before boarding. Double-check your passport’s expiration date, since an ESTA cannot outlive your passport. If you need a visa, confirm whether the visa integrity fee will apply to your category and budget accordingly. Finally, watch for official updates so you know the exact timing and payment steps before your trip.
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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance
