The ESTA fee increase begins on 30 September 2025, and it is expected to affect millions of travelers. The United States has announced that the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, known as ESTA, will almost double in cost.
The ESTA is required for citizens of 41 countries, including EU states and the UK, who want to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. Starting 30 September, the fee will rise from 21 dollars (18 euros) to 40 dollars (34 euros).
Travelers will still get two years of validity with their ESTA, which covers short-term visits for business or tourism. The new fee structure includes a 10 dollar (8.50 euro) processing charge and an additional 30 dollars (25.60 euros) once approval is granted. That additional fee is split between a 17 dollar (14.50 euro) travel promotion fund and a 13 dollar (11 euro) Treasury General Fund charge.
Applicants whose ESTA is rejected will only lose the 10 dollar processing fee.
The timing of the ESTA fee increase coincides with a sharp downturn in international visitors. Figures from the US National Travel and Tourism Office show that foreign arrivals, excluding Canada and Mexico, dropped by more than 3 million in 2025 compared to 2024, a decline of 1.6 percent. In July alone, arrivals fell 3.1 percent year-on-year, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline.
Industry experts had expected international travel numbers to recover to pre-pandemic levels of around 79.4 million visitors this year. Instead, the numbers have slipped, raising concerns among airlines, hotels, and the wider tourism sector.
The ESTA increase is not the only new expense. Beginning 1 October 2025, the United States will also introduce a 250 dollar (287 euro) “visa integrity fee.” This will apply to travelers from non-visa waiver countries such as China, India, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.
With this new charge, the total cost of a US visa will climb to 442 dollars (379 euros). According to the US Travel Association, this places it among the most expensive tourist visas in the world, alongside Australia’s visitor visa under subclass 600, which costs 195 Australian dollars (108 euros), and the UK’s six-month tourist visa, priced at 127 pounds (145 euros).
Travel experts warn that these fee increases could further damage the United States’ position as a global travel destination. The country has already faced criticism for restrictive immigration policies, high tariffs, and foreign aid cuts that have discouraged international visitors.
The US Travel Association has openly opposed the ESTA fee hike and the upcoming visa integrity fee, arguing that higher costs will push potential tourists to choose other destinations. With global competition for tourism stronger than ever, industry leaders believe the timing could not be worse.
