Starting in the fall of 2025, the cost of obtaining an ESTA to enter the United States will almost double. Find out what ESTA is, why the fee is increasing, which countries are affected by the new rules, how you can save money, and what other fees in the United States will increase in 2025.

Starting in the fall of 2025, travel to the United States will become more expensive for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that the fee for obtaining an ESTA will almost double from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025.

This is the largest fee increase since the program was launched and will affect millions of travelers.

Read this article to learn what ESTA is and how the increase in cost will affect travelers.

What is ESTA?

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a special electronic authorization to enter the United States, available to citizens of 42 countries of the Visa Waiver Program.

- Required for both tourist and business trips.

- Allows you to stay in the United States for up to 90 days.

- Valid for 2 years or until the expiration of your passport.

- Can be applied for online only.

Read more about the ESTA application process in this article.

Why did the US decide to increase the cost of ESTA?

The increase is due to the new US law “One Big Beautiful Bill”, adopted in July 2025. It provides for a new funding structure for the border and immigration systems.

From September 30, 2025, the fee will include:

- $ 17 - base fee (remained unchanged);

- $ 10 - additional fee;

- $ 13 - new component introduced in 2025.

Total: $ 40 per application.

Representatives of which countries will be affected by the increase in the cost of ESTA?

The new rules apply to all citizens of VWP countries, including:

- EU countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, etc.),

- Great Britain,

- Japan, South Korea,

- Australia, New Zealand,

- Singapore, Chile, and others.

If your country is participating in the Visa Waiver Program, then from September 30, 2025 you will pay $40 instead of $21 for the permit.

How can you save money when applying for an ESTA?

There is a way to avoid overpayment - apply for an ESTA by September 30, 2025. All applications submitted before this date will cost $21.

The permit will remain valid for 2 years.

Families and groups can save significant amounts. For example, four tourists will now pay $84, and after the increase - $160.

So, if you are planning a trip in 2025-2026, it is worth taking care of the registration in advance

What other fees will increase in the US from 2025?

ESTA is not the only fee whose cost increases in the US in 2025. The updated fees affected the most common forms, including applications for asylum, work permits and temporary protection:

1. Form I-94 for registering entry through the land border will increase from $ 6 to $ 30;

2. EVUS, mandatory for Chinese citizens with 10-year visas, will cost $ 30.

3. Asylum (Form I-589) - new fee: $ 100 per year (previously - free)

4. Work authorization (Form I-765)

- First filing: $ 550;

- Renewal or extension: $275;

- Post-parole filing (Form I-131): $275.

5. Temporary Protected Status – TPS (Form I-821)

- New fee: $500 (previously $50).

- Additional fees for related forms (e.g. EAD) remain mandatory.

6.. Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJ, Form I-360)

- New fee: $250 (previously free).

For most travelers, $40 will not be a significant barrier. However, for families, students, and budget travelers, the difference will be significant.

Despite the increased cost, ESTA remains the most convenient way to enter the United States without a visa.

If you are planning not only a short-term trip, but also considering studying, working or immigrating to the USA, it is worth consulting with professional migration lawyers in advance. They will help you:

- choose the right visa or immigration category;

- avoid errors in documents;

- prepare for new requirements and increased fees.

Our lawyers are ready to accompany you at all stages - from applying for an ESTA to obtaining work or immigration visas.

Reminder! Starting August 21, 2025, USCIS will reject immigration applications without full payment of fees. We have already told you what new tariffs are in effect, which forms have become more expensive, whether it is possible to get a fee exemption and what applicants need to do to have their documents accepted.

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