United States: higher tax for ESTA travellers

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has recently increased the fee charged to travellers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The cost has risen from $14 to $21.
Rising fees for ESTA, the electronic authorization to enter the United States (Logo: CBP)
Rising fees for ESTA, the electronic authorization to enter the United States (Logo: CBP)

Senators' vote on the US budget means bad news for travellers to the United States. United States. The ESTA electronic travel authorisation system has cost 21 dollars since 26 May.. A fee that breaks down into 17 US$ for the authorisation, plus an operational fee of 4 dollars.

People who already have an approved ESTA do not need to renew their application immediately.. This entry permit is valid for two years from the date of issue.

The ESTA determines whether visitors are eligible to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). This system applies to all arrivals by air, land or sea.

The visa waiver is valid for nationals of 40 countries worldwide, including most European Union countries.. This exemption allows citizens of these countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa if they have an approved ESTA.

You can obtain an ESTA on the official website -Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.