How much is an ESTA in 2026?
The official ESTA cost for the USA in 2026 is set in USD. Learn the exact price pound conversion, payment details and fees.
Current price: $40 (≈ £30–£32) per person.
Official price in force, unless otherwise decided by the US authorities.
The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory electronic authorization to travel to the United States. In 2026, its official cost is set in US dollars by the US authorities. UK travellers can easily estimate the equivalent amount in British pounds sterling at the time of application, depending on the exchange rate applied. Many people wonder about the exact amount, the currency conversion and any additional fees linked to online payment. This page provides clear and up-to-date information: official ESTA cost, indicative conversion to pounds sterling and practical details to pay and complete your application smoothly.
ESTA USA cost in 2026: at a glance
- 💳 Official ESTA USA cost: $40 (≈ £31–£33) per traveller.
- 📅 Since when? The fee increased from $21 to $40 on 30 September 2025 (decision by US authorities).
- 👨👩👧 Same cost for everyone: adults, children and babies all pay the same amount. Each traveller must submit an individual application.
- 👥 Group application: simplified process, but no discount — the cost remains per person.
- ⚠️ Possible additional fees: some websites charge service fees on top of the official cost. Always check the total amount before confirming.
The cost of the ESTA for the USA is set by the US authorities and expressed in US dollars. In 2026, it is $40 per traveller. This amount corresponds to the official cost currently in force and is not expected to change during the year, except in the event of an exceptional decision by the US authorities.
The ESTA fee is always charged in USD, but UK travellers often want to know the equivalent amount in pounds sterling. 🌍
👉 These amounts are indicative. The actual cost depends on the exchange rate applied by your bank and any foreign currency payment fees.
Payment of the ESTA cost is made exclusively online. 💳 International bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted.
The amount is charged in US dollars, and your bank automatically converts it into pounds sterling. Depending on your bank, a small commission may apply.
👉 Fast payment, 100% online — no payment by cheque or bank transfer.
Beyond the official fee, some travellers notice a higher amount on their bank statement, due to:
⚠️ It is therefore important to distinguish between the official ESTA cost set by the US authorities and the final cost (or total price), which may vary depending on the application method chosen.
On the official website, the cost is strictly limited to $40. However, many travellers choose to use specialised platforms, which offer:
These services provide several advantages:
✨ In return, the ESTA cost in pounds sterling will be higher than the official fee, as these platforms charge additional service fees. For many travellers, this extra price is justified by the added security and peace of mind.
In 2026, the official ESTA USA cost is set at $40 per person (≈ £31–£33 depending on the exchange rate).
💡 The fee increased from $21 to $40 on 30 September 2025, following a decision by the US authorities.
History of ESTA cost changes
Since its creation in 2009, the ESTA fee has undergone several adjustments:
These successive changes show that the ESTA fee is not fixed and may be revised according to the budgetary or strategic needs of the United States.
⚠️ It is important to note that the increase took place in 2025. Some websites incorrectly mention 2026 as the effective date, but the official date is 30 September 2025.
The ESTA cost per person is uniform, with no distinction based on age or category. Whether you are an adult, teenager, child or even a baby, the amount to be paid is exactly the same. US authorities require that every traveller entering the country has their own electronic authorisation, regardless of age. 👶
This means that if you travel as a family, you must submit an individual application for each member, including infants. Even if a baby travels on a parent’s lap and does not occupy a seat on the aircraft, they must still obtain their own ESTA for children at the same cost as an adult.
Similarly, no discount applies for group applications. The ESTA cost for groups is identical to the individual cost: each participant pays the official fee. The only advantage of a group application is simplified administrative management.
👉 Key points to remember:
- 👨👩👧 Adults and children: same cost for everyone, without exception
- 👶 Babies: authorisation required, same cost as for an adult
- 👥 Groups: no discount, cost per person
- 📌 Official rule: one individual ESTA application per traveller
In summary, the ESTA cost for children, the ESTA cost for babies and the ESTA cost per person are strictly identical. The system provides no exceptions or reductions, ensuring clear and fair pricing for all travellers.
The ESTA is an electronic authorisation that allows travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Its official cost is $40 (≈ £31–£33 depending on the exchange rate) and it remains far more affordable than a traditional visa.
The US visa type B-1/B-2 (tourism or business) is significantly more expensive and restrictive. The official fee is $185, non-refundable, and involves a longer and more complex application process: detailed form, appointment at an embassy or consulate, mandatory interview and supporting documents.
In addition, a new surcharge called the “visa integrity fee” of $250 applies to certain applicants from countries considered by US authorities to present a higher risk of refusal or overstaying. For affected travellers, the total cost of a US visa can therefore reach around $435.
👉 In summary, the ESTA vs visa comparison highlights very clear differences:
- 💵 Current ESTA cost: $40 (≈ £31–£33 depending on the exchange rate) per person.
- 📈 Increase already in effect: from $21 to $40 since 30 September 2025.
- ⏱️ ESTA process: simple, fast, online, no interview.
- 💳 Validity and duration: valid for 2 years, multiple entries, stays up to 90 days.
- 🎫 US tourist visa cost (B-1/B-2): $185, non-refundable.
- 🏛️ Visa process: detailed form, embassy interview, longer processing times.
- ⚠️ “Visa integrity fee” surcharge: +$250 for certain nationalities → total cost ≈ $435.
- 👥 Purpose of the visa: for longer stays, specific purposes or travellers not eligible for the ESTA.
👉 Even after the increase implemented in 2025, the ESTA remains the most advantageous option for eligible travellers: cheaper, faster and far simpler than a traditional US visa.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
The official price of ESTA USA is set by the US authorities and expressed in dollars. Since 30 September 2025, it has been $40 per traveller. This amount corresponds to the official rate currently in effect in 2026. It is the same for all applicants, whether adults, children or even babies. Each traveller entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme must have their own ESTA authorisation, which is subject to a fee and is individual.
In principle, the ESTA fee is not expected to change during the year. In 2026, the official price remains set at $40 per applicant. However, as with any administrative measure, this amount could potentially be changed in the event of an exceptional decision by the US authorities. The last change was on 30 September 2025, when the fee rose from £21 to £40, in accordance with a decision by the Department of Homeland Security published in the Federal Register. This increase was intended to finance the modernisation of the ESTA programme, strengthen security controls and support the promotion of tourism in the United States internationally. Despite this increase, ESTA remains significantly cheaper than a traditional US visa, which costs over £185 excluding additional fees.
In addition to the official fee, certain additional costs may apply depending on the situation. Banks sometimes apply conversion fees for payments in foreign currencies. In addition, some platforms or private providers offer paid support including assistance, data verification and customer service. In this case, the total price of the ESTA may exceed the official fee of £30. These fees are optional and depend on the traveller's choice.
No, there is no such thing as a free ESTA. Every traveller must pay the official fee set by the US authorities. Any website claiming to offer a free ESTA is providing misleading information. The electronic authorisation is an official procedure that always involves online payment by credit card. Children and babies are also affected and must have their own ESTA, at the same price as an adult.