Everything You Need to Know About the ESTA USA Price

Everything You Need to Know About the ESTA USA Price


If you're planning to visit the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), the ESTA USA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a convenient and quick way to gain travel authorization. One of the most common questions travelers have about the ESTA USA is, how much does it cost? In this article, we'll break down the price of the ESTA USA, the components of the fee, and why you should only apply through the official website to avoid unnecessary charges.

What is ESTA USA?

ESTA USA is an electronic travel authorization required for citizens of countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from specific countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes without the need for a visa. Instead, travelers must apply for an ESTA online, which grants permission to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days.

The ESTA USA is typically valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This allows frequent travelers to make multiple trips to the U.S. without reapplying each time.

How Much Does ESTA USA Cost?

The ESTA USA price is set by the U.S. government and consists of a processing fee. As of now, the ESTA USA price is $21. This amount is divided into two parts:

  1. Application Fee: The main portion of the fee, $14, covers the processing of your ESTA application. This includes reviewing your application, conducting security checks, and issuing your authorization if you are approved.
  2. Authorization Fee: The additional $7 is the authorization fee, which goes towards supporting the maintenance and security of the ESTA USA system and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's operations.

The total price for applying for ESTA USA is $21, and this fee is required regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. The fee is non-refundable, so make sure to carefully complete the application to avoid unnecessary fees.

Where Do You Pay for ESTA USA?

The ESTA USA price must be paid directly through the official ESTA USA website, which is managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This is the only legitimate site to apply for an ESTA, ensuring that your payment goes directly to the government and that you are not charged additional or hidden fees.

Be cautious when using third-party websites to apply for your ESTA USA, as they may charge extra service fees for submitting your application on your behalf. These third-party services may also provide less secure options, leading to potential issues with your application or personal data. Always ensure you apply through the official ESTA USA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Why Is ESTA USA Price $21?

The $21 fee for the ESTA USA covers several aspects of the application process, which includes:

  1. Security Checks: The ESTA system conducts a thorough screening of your application against various security databases to ensure that you are eligible for entry into the U.S. These checks help to enhance national security by preventing individuals who pose a potential threat from entering the country.
  2. System Maintenance: The ESTA system is a highly secure, automated platform that requires regular updates and maintenance to ensure its reliability and efficiency. The fees help fund the ongoing upkeep of the website and database.
  3. Government Oversight: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security oversees the ESTA program to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law. The fees collected go toward funding the administration and enforcement of this program.

Is the ESTA USA Price the Same for Everyone?

Yes, the ESTA USA price is the same for all applicants, regardless of nationality, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. The cost is the same for U.S. visitors from countries that are part of the VWP. The only exception would be if you’re applying for a U.S. visa, in which case the price would be different.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the ESTA USA price is fixed at $21 for the application, there may be additional costs to consider:

  1. Reapplying for ESTA: If your ESTA expires (after two years) or your passport expires, you’ll need to reapply for a new one and pay the $21 fee again. However, if you’re still within your valid ESTA period, there’s no need to pay for a new one.
  2. Third-Party Fees: As mentioned earlier, some third-party websites charge additional service fees for submitting your application. These fees are not required and are entirely optional. The safest and most cost-effective method is to apply directly on the official ESTA USA website.
  3. Visa Fees: If your ESTA USA application is denied, you may need to apply for a regular visa to enter the U.S. The cost of a U.S. visa varies by visa type but can range from $160 to $265 or more, depending on the visa category.

How to Pay for ESTA USA

Paying for your ESTA USA application is easy and secure. Here’s how the payment process works:

  1. Apply Online: Go to the official ESTA USA website and start your application. Fill in your personal information, passport details, and answer security-related questions.
  2. Payment: After completing your application, you’ll be prompted to pay the $21 fee. The website accepts payments through major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
  3. Confirmation: Once your payment is successfully processed, you’ll receive a confirmation and your ESTA USA approval status. The application is usually processed within minutes, but it’s advised to apply at least 72 hours before your planned departure to the U.S.

Can I Get a Refund for My ESTA USA Fee?

The ESTA USA fee is non-refundable. This means that if your application is denied or you no longer need your ESTA, you will not be able to get your $21 fee refunded. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all the information in your application is accurate before submitting it to avoid delays or issues with your authorization.

What Happens If I Don’t Pay the ESTA Fee?

If you fail to pay the ESTA USA price when prompted during the application process, your ESTA will not be processed. You will not receive any authorization to travel to the United States, and you may be denied boarding by airlines that check your ESTA status before your flight.

Key Takeaways

  • The ESTA USA price is $21, which includes a $14 application fee and a $7 authorization fee.
  • Apply only through the official ESTA USA website to ensure you're paying the correct fee and avoid unnecessary third-party charges.
  • The fee is non-refundable, so make sure your application is complete and accurate before submitting it.
  • If your ESTA USA expires, or if your passport expires, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Ready to Apply for ESTA USA?

If you're planning to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit, apply for your ESTA USA today! It’s a quick and simple process that will save you time and hassle.

Apply for Visa Online

CLICK HERE to get started with your ESTA USA application or any other travel visa needs.


Report content on this page

Report Page

Please submit your DMCA takedown request to dmca@telegram.org