The price is set to rise from next month
Brits will have more to pay when travelling to the US from next month(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
From the end of September, people visiting the United States will have to fork out more for their documentation.
The cost of an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which determines someone’s eligibility to travel to the US, is set to almost double from the end of this month.
Before entering the US, Brits are required to apply for an ESTA. ESTA has confirmed that from 30 September 2025, the price of an application will almost double from $21 to $40.
The fee is currently $21 (£15.38) to apply for an ESTA – a price which was introduced in May 2022. Before this date, it cost $14 (£10.25) and will now rise to $40 (£29.30).
Any Brits visiting the US will have to pay more for an ESTA permit from September 30(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Currently every visitor from the UK must apply for an ESTA to be allowed access into the United States. The permits are generally valid for two years from the date of approval, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first.
If your passport expires before the two-year period, your ESTA will be valid only until the passport’s expiration date. UK tourists will need to apply for a new ESTA if you get a new passport or if your current ESTA expires.
People can pay for their ESTA using a credit or debit card payment or using PayPal. For those planning to visit the United States, ESTA confirms that applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel to the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travel authorization applications be submitted at least 72 hours prior to travel. It only takes around 20 minutes to complete an ESTA application.
Elsewhere in Europe, the EES is being gradually rolled out over the next six months(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Meanwhile, in Europe, the much-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) will be gradually rolled out across 29 European countries in the Schengen area across the next six months.
As well as underground EES checks, Brits will continue to have their passports stamped, but once the EES is fully implemented it will replace the passport stamping system.
According to the European Union the EES is set to be “fully operational” from April 10 2026.