British tourists flying to the USA have been issued a new fee warning as the price to enter the country is set to almost double from the end of this month.
The US government has approved a new bill that will see the application fee for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) rise from $21 to $40 on Tuesday, September 30 – nearly double the current rate. So if you’re planning to travel to the States in the next two years, it’s well worth applying for an ESTA now before the fee change at the end of this month to lock in the current $21 price per person, allowing you to avoid the fee hike for the next couple of years.
Once an ESTA has been approved it remains valid for two years from that date, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. So once the ESTA has been approved you can visit the US multiple times within the validity period without having to pay to renew it each time, providing you are travelling under the Visa Waiver Program, which is for stays of 90 days or less.
MoneySavingExpert warns: “The US government is hiking the ESTA fee from $21 to $40 on Tuesday 30 September.
“If you’re visiting the States (even if just passing through an airport) in the next two years, apply for your ESTA as soon as possible, to lock in at $21 per person. ESTAs approved prior to the increase are still valid for two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
“Do note it’s the approval date, not the application date, that decides if you’ll pay the increased fee. As approvals take up to 72 hours, apply well before the 30 September deadline.”
North America travel specialists Journeyscape say it is best to apply for an ESTA at least a week before your trip as it can take up to 72 hours for approval, so this gives you plenty of time to get it sorted.
Travellers should also only use the official ESTA website to apply otherwise you can be stung by additional fees from third-party services. Currently, the fee to apply is $21 but this will increase to $40 on September 30 and many third-party sites charge even more, often without offering any added value.
Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at Journeyscape, said: “Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays.
“Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details – such as passport information and travel itinerary – can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.
“Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba.
“Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the US is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimising stress and maximising your trip’s success.”