How Much is an ESTA Visa for America from the UK?

Introduction

If you're a UK citizen planning to visit the United States, you may wonder how much the ESTA visa costs. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorization that allows travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), such as the UK, to visit the USA for short stays (up to 90 days) without needing a full visa.

While the ESTA is often a more affordable and convenient alternative to a regular visa, understanding the cost is crucial before applying. In this article, we will break down how much the ESTA for America from the UK costs, what the fee covers, and any other important considerations.

What is the ESTA?

The ESTA is an electronic travel authorization system that is mandatory for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including the UK, who plan to visit the United States. It is used to screen travelers for security purposes before they board a flight to the USA. The ESTA allows you to visit the United States for tourism, business, or transit purposes without requiring a visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

The ESTA is valid for up to two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and permits you to stay in the USA for up to 90 days per visit.

How Much Does an ESTA for America Cost?

As of now, the cost of an ESTA for America from the UK is $21 USD. This fee is broken down into two parts:

  1. Application Fee: This is a mandatory fee of $4 USD that goes toward the cost of processing your ESTA application and checking your eligibility.
  2. Authorization Fee: If your ESTA application is approved, an additional $17 USD is charged. This fee covers the actual approval process and the electronic submission of your travel authorization.

Therefore, the total ESTA fee for UK citizens applying for a USA ESTA is $21 USD. This amount is non-refundable, regardless of whether your ESTA application is approved or denied.

When Do You Pay the ESTA Fee?

You will pay the ESTA fee during the online application process after filling out your personal details and travel information. Payment is made through the official ESTA website using a valid credit card or PayPal account. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge additional fees for processing your ESTA—you should only apply through the official U.S. government website.

Is the ESTA Fee the Same for All Countries?

Yes, the fee for an ESTA is the same for all travelers applying from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including the UK. The total fee is $21 USD regardless of where you are applying from, as long as you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.

Is the ESTA a Visa?

While the ESTA is often referred to as an “ESTA visa,” it is important to understand that it is not actually a visa. The ESTA is an authorization that allows you to travel to the United States without a full visa, but it does not guarantee entry. The final decision on whether you will be allowed into the USA is made by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.

The ESTA is specifically designed for tourism, business, or transit visits of 90 days or less. If you plan to stay longer or engage in other activities (such as working or studying), you will need to apply for a traditional U.S. visa.

How Long is the ESTA Valid?

Once your ESTA is approved, it is typically valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can travel to the United States multiple times, provided each stay does not exceed 90 days. However, the ESTA is only valid for short stays related to tourism, business, or transit purposes.

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if your travel purpose changes, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa.

Other Important ESTA Considerations

  • Approval Time: The approval process for an ESTA is usually quick, and most applicants receive their authorization within minutes. However, it is recommended that you apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight to the USA.
  • Validity: Even if your ESTA is approved, you must still meet the requirements for entry into the United States, as the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine if you are eligible for entry upon arrival.
  • Renewing Your ESTA: If your ESTA is set to expire or you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ESTA.
  • No Refunds: The ESTA fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Why is the ESTA Fee So Low?

The ESTA fee is relatively low compared to traditional U.S. visa fees. This is because the ESTA is a simplified process designed for short visits under the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA is intended to streamline travel to the United States for eligible citizens of participating countries, like the UK, and is a far quicker process than applying for a full visa, which can require an interview and additional paperwork.

Visa Fee Comparison

To give you some perspective, the visa application fee for a B-2 tourist visa to the USA can range from $160 USD to $190 USD, depending on the type of visa you need. This is significantly more expensive than the ESTA fee and also involves a much more complicated application process.

Conclusion

For UK citizens traveling to the United States, the ESTA provides a quick and affordable way to gain travel authorization. The total cost for applying for an ESTA for America from the UK is $21 USD, which covers both the application and authorization fees.

If you are planning a short trip for tourism, business, or transit, the ESTA is likely your best option. However, if your trip plans involve staying longer than 90 days or engaging in activities like work or study, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa.

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CLICK HERE to Apply for Your ESTA Visa for America from the UK!