If you’re heading to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program, there’s an important change coming up. From 30 September 2025, the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) fee will go up significantly. If you’re travelling soon, read on — acting before the new rate kicks in could save you money.
What is an ESTA?
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ESTA is an authorization UK citizens and other Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) travellers need to enter the U.S. for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days.
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Once approved, an ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Globetrender+2Not Just Travel+2
What’s changing & how much more?
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Current fee: ~$21 (approx. £16) for ESTA applications. Business Travel News Europe+2Not Just Travel+2
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New fee from 30 September 2025: $40. Business Travel News Europe+2Globetrender+2
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The fee rise nearly doubles the cost for travellers. Time Out Worldwide+2Globetrender+2
Why the increase?
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It’s part of U.S. federal legislation (including the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) that includes higher fees for the VWP ESTA process. Time Out Worldwide+2Globetrender+2
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Funds will go toward processing, security, and other related governmental programs. Globetrender+1
What UK travellers should do (to avoid paying more)
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If you need a new ESTA, apply before 30 September 2025 to secure the lower fee. Travel Weekly+2Globetrender+2
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Existing valid ESTAs remain valid until expiry — no need to reapply early unless it’s expiring. Globetrender+1
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Plan ahead if you’re travelling with family: every person, including children, must have their own ESTA. The increase adds up quickly. Not Just Travel
What difference will this make?
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Budgeting: The extra cost (approx. $19 more per person) might affect total travel cost especially for families or group travellers. Globetrender+2Not Just Travel+2
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Timing: For trips planned in late 2025 / early 2026, this fee hike means that last-minute ESTA applications will be more expensive.
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Transparency: Travellers should check the official U.S. Government ESTA site rather than third-party sites to avoid additional markup or fees.
Bottom line
If you’re headed to the U.S. and need an ESTA, doing it before 30 September 2025 will save you money. After that, the fee almost doubles. Keep an eye on this when you’re planning, and factor the increase into your travel budget.