ESTA Visa for USA from the UK: Cost and Important Information

ESTA Visa for USA from the UK: Cost and Important Information


If you're a UK citizen planning to visit the United States, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a popular and convenient way to gain entry for short visits. Whether you're traveling for tourism, business, or transit, applying for an ESTA is typically faster and easier than applying for a traditional U.S. visa. However, one of the key questions many travelers have is: How much does an ESTA cost for the USA from the UK? In this article, we’ll break down the cost of ESTA and answer other important questions regarding the application process.

1. What is the Cost of an ESTA for the USA from the UK?

The current cost of an ESTA visa for the USA from the UK is $21 (approximately £16-18 depending on the exchange rate). This fee is required to process your application and is paid online at the time of submission. The breakdown of the fee is as follows:

  • Processing Fee: The U.S. government charges a processing fee of $14 for each ESTA application.
  • Authorization Fee: In addition to the processing fee, a fee of $7 is applied for authorization, which is used to fund the ESTA application system.

Therefore, the total cost of an ESTA is $21 for UK citizens. This payment is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. It is important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) before submitting your ESTA application.

2. How to Pay for ESTA from the UK

The ESTA application process is done entirely online, and payment is required at the time of submission. Here are the steps to pay for your ESTA:

  1. Visit the Official ESTA Website: Start by visiting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s official ESTA application website.
  2. Fill Out the Application: Complete the online form with your personal details, travel information, and passport details.
  3. Pay the Fee: Once you’ve submitted your application, you will be prompted to pay the $21 fee. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card, including Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Some third-party providers may offer additional payment options.
  4. Receive Confirmation: After completing the payment, you will receive an approval notice via email. In most cases, ESTA approval takes only a few minutes, though it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your travel date.

3. Is ESTA for the USA Required for UK Citizens?

Most UK citizens are eligible to apply for an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you're traveling to the United States for business, tourism, or transit and your stay will be 90 days or less, you can apply for an ESTA instead of a traditional U.S. visa.

However, there are some exceptions. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, work, study, or engage in activities beyond tourism or business, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa instead of an ESTA. Additionally, individuals with prior criminal convictions or other disqualifying factors may not be eligible for ESTA and may need to apply for a visa.

4. How Long is an ESTA Valid?

Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first. This means that you can use the same ESTA for multiple trips to the U.S. during that period, as long as each stay is 90 days or less.

It’s important to note that ESTA approval is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. While the ESTA allows you to board your flight to the U.S., final entry will be determined by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at your port of entry.

5. Common Reasons for ESTA Denial

While most ESTA applications from UK citizens are approved, there are several reasons why your application might be denied:

  • Incomplete or Incorrect Information: If you provide inaccurate or incomplete information on your ESTA application, it may be rejected.
  • Criminal History: Individuals with a criminal record, particularly for offenses involving drugs, terrorism, or other serious crimes, may be ineligible for an ESTA and need to apply for a U.S. visa.
  • Previous Visa Violations: If you have overstayed or violated the conditions of a previous U.S. visa or ESTA, your new application could be denied.
  • Health Concerns: Certain health conditions or communicable diseases may make you ineligible for an ESTA.

If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate.

6. What Happens if My ESTA is Denied?

If your ESTA is denied, you have two options:

  1. Reapply: You can reapply for ESTA if you believe the denial was made in error. Ensure that all the information on your application is accurate.
  2. Apply for a U.S. Visa: If your ESTA denial is due to more serious issues (such as a criminal record or prior visa violations), you will need to apply for a U.S. visa. The visa application process is more complex and typically involves an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

7. Is There Any Additional Fee for ESTA?

While the ESTA application fee itself is $21, there may be additional costs involved if you opt to use third-party websites to submit your application. Some third-party services offer to assist with your ESTA application for an extra fee, but these are not necessary. The official ESTA website provided by the U.S. government is the only place you need to apply for the visa waiver.

8. Special Considerations for Dual Nationals

If you hold dual nationality (such as U.K. and U.S. citizenship), you cannot apply for ESTA with your U.K. passport. U.S. citizens are required to enter the U.S. with their U.S. passport. In this case, the ESTA is not applicable, and you should use your U.S. passport for travel to the United States.

9. Benefits of ESTA for UK Citizens

  • Faster Application: Applying for an ESTA is quick and easy, and you can receive approval within minutes in most cases.
  • Multiple Entries: Once approved, you can use your ESTA for multiple trips to the U.S. over a two-year period.
  • No Visa Required: For short trips, ESTA allows UK citizens to avoid the hassle of applying for a traditional U.S. visa.
  • Cost-Effective: The ESTA cost of $21 is much cheaper than the expense and time involved in applying for a full U.S. visa.

10. Applying for ESTA Online

For UK citizens planning to visit the United States, applying for an ESTA visa is an efficient and affordable way to secure travel authorization. By completing the online application and paying the $21 fee, you can enjoy a smooth journey to the U.S. without the need for a traditional visa.

Ready to Apply for Your ESTA to the USA?

If you're a UK citizen planning a visit to the United States, applying for an ESTA visa is the easiest way to get your travel authorization. Don't wait—apply today and ensure your trip is a breeze!

Apply for your ESTA online now!

CLICK HERE to start your ESTA application for the USA!


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