Travellers heading to America will have to cough up even more money when they touch down in the States.
Visitors spending up to 90 days in the US for business or pleasure purposes require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
It’s used for those travelling from around 40 countries, including the UK, and entering the States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Currently, the ESTA application costs $21 (£15.50) but is set to nearly double to $40 (£30) due to a new bill passed by the US Congress.
The updated fee is set to come into place on September 30.
However, travel expert Julia Lo Bue-Said has revealed how Brits can avoid paying the inflated cost.
The CEO of the Advantage Travel Partnership said: ‘The US authorities have officially announced that, as of 30th September 2025, the fee for obtaining an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will increase from $21 to $40.
‘The price of an ESTA nearly doubling under the Trump administration is a blow to British travellers and is likely to impact US visitor numbers over the coming months.’
Visitors spending up to 90 days in the US for business or pleasure purposes require an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
Currently, the ESTA application costs $21 (£15.48) but is set to nearly double to $40 (£30) due to a new bill passed by the US Congress (stock)
Julia explained how UK tourists jetting off to America can still pay half of the new cost as long as they apply for the ESTA before the £30 fee comes in.
She added: ‘However, if travellers are planning a trip to the US in the next two years, they can avoid this fee increase by securing their ESTA before 29th September.
‘We know travel continues to be consumers’ top discretionary spending priority, with value for money and cost savings a key consideration within this, so avoiding unnecessary additional costs such as higher visa fees can make a real difference.’
‘With significant changes like this, it’s crucial that travellers stay informed, and this is where booking through a trusted travel agent becomes especially valuable.
‘Agents not only help navigate evolving entry requirements such as ESTA but also ensure travellers remain fully compliant and avoid unexpected costs or complications down the line.’
Travellers can apply for an ESTA via the official US government website and once approved, it will be valid for either two years, or until the tourist’s passport expires if before the two years is up.
It can take up to 72 hours to receive approval in some cases, according to NW Mail, but some have had theirs come through in a matter of minutes.
Julia explained how UK tourists jetting off to America can still pay half of the new cost as long as they apply for the ESTA before the £30 fee comes in (stock)
The ESTA can be used for multiple visits to America.
Another travel expert, Kerry Manley from Journeyscape, told the NW Mail how travellers can avoid issues when applying for the ESTA.
‘The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays,’ she said.
‘Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.’
