If you are planning to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit and you’re from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), then you will need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). But one of the common questions that many travelers have is: "How much is an ESTA for the USA?"
In this article, we will break down the cost of an ESTA, explain the factors that affect the price, and provide additional information about the application process and the benefits of obtaining an ESTA before your trip to the U.S..
The standard ESTA application fee for travelers seeking authorization to enter the United States is $14 USD. This fee is required for each person applying for an ESTA, including children, as long as they are traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.
When applying for an ESTA, the fee must be paid via credit card or debit card during the application process. It's important to ensure you are on the official U.S. government website to avoid additional charges from third-party services.
The ESTA application can only be processed through the official U.S. government website, and all payments for the ESTA fee must be made through this platform. Be cautious of third-party websites that offer to help you apply for an ESTA for a fee higher than the government-mandated amount. These services may charge unnecessary processing fees or other hidden charges.
While the base ESTA fee is set at $14 USD, there may be other costs associated with your trip to the USA. These costs include:
The cost of your flights, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses, which are not part of the ESTA fee, should also be considered in your overall trip planning.
While not mandatory, obtaining travel insurance for your trip to the U.S. is highly recommended. The cost of travel insurance varies based on coverage, but it is an important factor to ensure your health and safety while traveling.
If your ESTA application is rejected and you need to apply for a U.S. visa instead, there will be additional fees involved. The cost for a U.S. tourist visa (B1/B2) can range from $160 USD or more, depending on the type of visa you apply for.
Applying for an ESTA is a straightforward process. Here's how to apply for your ESTA and pay the fee:
Go to the official U.S. government ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov).
Complete the online application form by providing your personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and answering questions regarding your eligibility.
After filling out the application form, submit it and proceed to pay the $14 USD ESTA fee using a valid credit card or debit card.
Once your payment has been processed, you will typically receive an approval response within minutes. However, it’s recommended that you apply for the ESTA at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure to the U.S. in case any issues arise.
You can check the status of your ESTA at any time on the official ESTA website. If approved, you’ll receive an email confirmation, and you’ll be ready to travel to the U.S.
The ESTA fee is required at the time of submitting your application. You must pay the fee before receiving an ESTA authorization. Make sure that you pay the fee through an accepted payment method, such as Visa, MasterCard, or other approved payment systems. The fee is processed at the time of application and will be reflected in your confirmation once your ESTA is granted.
Once you pay for your ESTA and it is approved, the authorization is typically valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. During this period, you can use the ESTA for multiple visits to the U.S. without having to reapply or pay the fee again, as long as your visits are for tourism, business, or transit, and they do not exceed 90 days each time.
In summary, the cost for an ESTA to the USA is $14 USD, and this fee must be paid when you apply through the official U.S. government ESTA website. This relatively low cost provides you with the convenience of traveling to the United States for tourism, business, or transit without needing a visa for short stays.