ESTA USA Cost 2025: Price and Fees Explained

ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a mandatory online travel authorization for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries visiting the United States. Its fee is always set in US dollars by the American authorities. Many travellers, especially from Europe, often wonder about the real cost of ESTA in their own currency, how the conversion works, and whether additional charges may apply during online payment. This page provides reliable and up-to-date information: the official ESTA fee in USD, indicative conversions into other currencies, accepted payment methods, potential extra costs, and practical tips to complete your application smoothly.

ESTA USA price in 2025: in brief

• 💳 Official ESTA USA price: $21 (≈ €18 / £15) per traveller, applicable until 29 September 2025.
• 📅 New fee from 30 September 2025: $40 (≈ €34 / £29) according to the DHS decision.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Same fee for everyone: adults, children and infants pay the same price. Each traveller must submit an individual application.
• 👥 Group application: simplified procedure but no discount, the fee remains per person.
• ⚠️ Additional fees may apply: some websites charge a service fee on top of the official price. Always check the total amount before confirming.

How much does ESTA cost for the United States?

The ESTA USA price is set by the US authorities and always expressed in dollars. In 2025, the official ESTA fee is $21 per traveller, applicable until 29 September 2025. From 30 September 2025, the official rate will increase to $40.

ESTA price in EUR, GBP, AUD and CAD: indicative conversion

The ESTA fee is always set in US dollars, but travellers often look for the equivalent in their local currency. 🌍

• In 2025, $21 = about €18 (euros) / £15 (British pounds) / A$28 (Australian dollars) / C$27 (Canadian dollars).
• From October 2025, $40 = about €34 (euros) / £29 (British pounds) / A$54 (Australian dollars) / C$52 (Canadian dollars).

These amounts are indicative only. The exact debit may vary depending on your bank’s exchange rate and any foreign transaction fees.

👉 The official ESTA price is always in USD. Conversions into EUR, GBP, AUD and CAD are provided only as a guide for European, UK, Australian and Canadian travellers.

ESTA online payment methods

The payment of the ESTA price is only possible online. 💳 International bank cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted.

The amount is debited in dollars, and the bank automatically converts it into euros. Depending on the institution, a small commission may be added.

👉 Fast payment, 100% online, no payment by cheque or bank transfer possible.

Additional fees related to the ESTA application

Beyond the official ESTA fee, some travellers may notice a slightly higher amount charged on their statement. This may be due to:

• 💵 Conversion fees by banks: often a few cents, pounds, or euros depending on your bank.
• 👨‍💻 Service fees from providers: specialised platforms may charge extra on top of the official fee for assistance and verification.

⚠️ It is important to distinguish between the official ESTA fee set by US authorities and the final ESTA cost, which can vary depending on the application method chosen.

ESTA USA: Why does the price vary depending on the platform used?

Many travellers choose specialised platforms offering:

• Simplified forms, available in English,
• Verification of personal data to reduce the risk of rejection,
• Customer support for questions or issues.

✨ In return, the ESTA cost in euros, pounds, or other currencies is higher than the official fee, since platforms add service charges. For many travellers, this extra cost is justified by the security 🛡️ and peace of mind 🌿 provided.

ESTA fee 2025: changes and updates

In 2025, the official ESTA fee is set at $21 per person (≈ €18 / £15 / A$28 / C$27), valid until 29 September 2025.

💡 From 30 September 2025, the amount will rise to $40 (≈ €34 / £29 / A$54 / C$52), according to the Department of Homeland Security (Federal Register).

History of changes to the ESTA price

Since its creation in 2009, the ESTA has undergone several adjustments:

• 🟢 2009: launch of the programme, initial fee set at $14 (US$10 donated to the promotion of tourism in the United States and 4$ processing fee).
• 🟡 2022: increase to $21 to strengthen programme funding and international promotion.
• 🔴 2025: further increase to $40, effective from 30 September, almost double the current amount.

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 will take effect in 2025. Some websites still mistakenly indicate that it will take effect in 2026, but the official publication in the Federal Register confirms the date of 30 September 2025.

Is the cost of ESTA the same for everyone?

The ESTA price per person is set uniformly, regardless of age or traveller category. Whether you are an adult, teenager, child or even an infant, the fee to be paid is exactly the same. The US authorities require every traveller entering the country to hold their own electronic authorization, without exception. 👶

This means that when travelling as a family, you must submit a separate ESTA application for each member, including babies. Even if an infant is travelling on a parent’s lap and does not occupy an airplane seat, they still need their own ESTA, at the same price as an adult.

Similarly, no reduction is granted for group applications. The so-called ESTA group cost is simply the sum of individual applications: each traveller pays the official fee. The only benefit of a group application is administrative convenience, as it allows several requests to be managed together.

👉 Key points to remember:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Adults and children: identical ESTA fee, without exception
• 👶 Infants: mandatory authorization, same cost as for an adult
• 👥 Groups: no discount, fee remains per person
• 📌 Official rule: one individual ESTA application for every traveller

In summary, the ESTA child price, the ESTA infant price and the ESTA per person price are strictly identical. The system does not provide for any exceptions or discounts, thus ensuring clear and fair pricing for all travellers.

ESTA USA price vs US visa ⇒ Comparison

The ESTA is an electronic authorization that allows travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Programme. Its official fee is $21 (≈ €18 / £15) per traveller until 29 September 2025, with a confirmed increase to $40 (≈ €34 / £29) from 30 September 2025. Even with this change, ESTA remains far cheaper and easier to obtain than a traditional US visa.

By contrast, the US B-1/B-2 visa (tourism or business) is much more expensive and restrictive. The official price is $185 (≈ €170 / £135), non-refundable, and the procedure is longer: detailed form, supporting documents, appointment at the embassy or consulate, and mandatory interview.

In addition, a new “visa integrity fee” of $250 (≈ €230 / £200) applies to certain applicants from countries considered high-risk by the US authorities. This surcharge is designed to cover additional administrative costs and discourage abusive applications. For those affected, the total cost of a US visa can reach around $435 (≈ €405 / £335).

👉 Key differences at a glance:

• 💵 ESTA cost: $21 (≈ €18 / £15), quick online process.
• ⏱️ Procedure: simple, digital, no interview required.
• 💳 Validity: 2 years, multiple entries, max stay 90 days.
• 🎫 Visa B-1/B-2 cost: $185 (≈ €170 / £135), non-refundable.
• 🏛️ Visa procedure: in-person interview, long processing times.
• ⚠️ Extra fee: +$250 (≈ €230 / £200) for some applicants → total up to $435.
• 👥 When to choose a visa: for longer stays, specific reasons, or if ESTA eligibility is denied.

👉 In practice, the ESTA is the most advantageous option for travellers who qualify: cheaper, faster and much simpler than applying for a traditional visa.