ESTA fee almost doubles to $40 from September 30, 2025.

Beginning September 30, 2025, travelers using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will face a substantial fee increase. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that the total cost of an ESTA application will rise from $21 to $40—nearly double the current amount.

The new pricing is a direct result of changes mandated by Public Law 119‑21 (H.R. 1), which introduces a revised fee structure to support CBP operations and broader federal funding needs. This is the most significant increase since ESTA was introduced in 2008 as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

What’s changing

The updated fee will consist of three components:

• $17 – continuing the existing travel promotion fee
• $10 – a new operational fee to support CBP administrative costs
• $13 – a new contribution to the U.S. Treasury’s General Fund

This brings the total cost to $40 per ESTA application, effective for all submissions on or after September 30, 2025.

For travelers, this change represents more than just a budgetary consideration. ESTA is valid for two years (or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first) and is required for short-term business or tourism visits from nationals of VWP-eligible countries. With this fee increase, a family of four applying after the deadline will pay $160, compared to $84 under the current structure.

Why the increase matters

This change is part of a wider adjustment in immigration-related fees implemented under H.R. 1. In addition to the ESTA hike, CBP is also introducing new or increased fees for other key travel documents:

• Form I-94 (for land border entries) will increase from $6 to $30
• EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System, required for certain Chinese nationals) will now carry a $30 fee where previously there was none

These changes reflect a broader realignment of federal immigration fee structures intended to ensure sufficient funding for border management and data security operations.

For travel planners, mobility managers, and corporate travel departments, these increases will have a cumulative impact—especially for businesses that manage frequent short-stay travel into the United States. Applying before September 30 offers a window of cost savings, particularly for organizations managing group travel or high-volume itineraries.

Looking ahead

The revised ESTA fee structure underscores the importance of proactive travel documentation planning. For global mobility professionals and individual travelers alike, understanding how and when fees apply can reduce unnecessary costs and avoid disruptions.

Applications submitted prior to September 30, 2025, will be processed at the current $21 rate. Any application filed on or after that date will be subject to the $40 fee—no exceptions or grace periods have been announced.

With the U.S. maintaining strong demand for short-term travel under the Visa Waiver Program, the fee increase highlights a growing need for accurate, timely travel documentation support. CIBTvisas remains committed to helping clients navigate these changes with confidence and efficiency.

This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.

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