How Much Does the ESTA Cost?
The ESTA fee is $40 per application as of 2026. This amount applies to every individual traveler, regardless of age, who needs authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to enter the United States.
The $40 fee breaks down into two components:
| Component | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Processing fee | $17 | Covers the cost of reviewing your application |
| Authorization fee | $23 | Covers the security screening and travel authorization |
| Total | $40 | Per person, per application |
This fee increased from $21 to $40 in late 2025, nearly doubling the previous cost. The increase was implemented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and applies to all new and renewal applications submitted through the official ESTA portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
Every traveler needs their own ESTA, including infants and children. There is no reduced rate for minors. If you are traveling as a family of four, you will pay $160 total ($40 x 4).
What Does the ESTA Fee Cover?
The ESTA fee covers the complete travel authorization process from application to approval. Here is what your $40 pays for:
- Application processing: DHS reviews your biographical and travel information
- Security screening: Your data is checked against law enforcement and terrorism databases
- Travel authorization issuance: If approved, you receive a valid travel authorization
- Two-year validity: Your ESTA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Multiple entries: You can enter the U.S. multiple times during the validity period without paying again
The ESTA fee does not guarantee approval. Your application may be denied, and the fee is non-refundable in all cases. Approximately 99% of ESTA applications are approved, but factors such as prior visa overstays, certain travel history, or criminal records can result in denial.
The fee also does not cover any I-94 arrival/departure record fees or other immigration-related costs. It is strictly for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
ESTA Fee History: How It Changed Over Time
The ESTA fee has changed four times since the program launched in 2009:
| Year | Fee | Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $4 | Initial | ESTA program launched January 2009 |
| 2010 | $14 | +$10 | Fee increase to cover program costs |
| 2022 | $21 | +$7 | Adjusted for inflation and operational costs |
| 2025 | $40 | +$19 | Significant increase under DHS restructuring |
| 2026 | $40 | No change | Current fee remains at $40 |
The most significant jump occurred in 2025, when the fee nearly doubled from $21 to $40. This increase was part of a broader trend of rising U.S. immigration fees. DHS cited inflation, increased security requirements, and system modernization as reasons for the increase.
A separate Visa Integrity Fee of $250 was also introduced on October 1, 2025, but this applies to visa applicants, not ESTA travelers. As of mid-2026, this fee is not yet being collected because the payment system is still under development.
How to Pay the ESTA Fee
Paying the ESTA fee is straightforward when you use the official government website. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to esta.cbp.dhs.gov (the only official ESTA website)
- Start a new application or check your existing status
- Complete all required fields (personal info, travel details, eligibility questions)
- Proceed to the payment page
- Enter your credit or debit card information
- Submit payment and wait for processing
Accepted Payment Methods
| Method | Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| MasterCard | Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| American Express | Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| Discover | Yes | Credit and debit cards |
| PayPal | No | Not accepted |
| Bank transfer | No | Not accepted |
| Cash | No | Not accepted |
What to Do If Payment Fails
If your payment does not go through:
- Verify your card has sufficient funds
- Check that international transactions are enabled on your card
- Try a different credit or debit card
- Clear your browser cache and try again
- Contact your bank to authorize the transaction
Important: Use Only the Official Website
There are many third-party websites that look official but charge $80-$150 for ESTA processing. These sites submit the same application on your behalf but add significant service fees. Always use esta.cbp.dhs.gov to pay only the $40 government fee.
ESTA Fee vs. Visa Fee: A Cost Comparison
For travelers from VWP countries, the ESTA is significantly cheaper than a traditional visa. Here is a direct comparison:
| Feature | ESTA | B-1/B-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $40 | $185 |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Cost per year | $20/year | $18.50/year |
| Application process | Online, 20 minutes | In-person interview, weeks |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours | 3-5 weeks |
| Interview required | No | Yes |
| Multiple entries | Yes | Yes |
| Max stay per visit | 90 days | 180 days |
While the ESTA has a higher annual cost ($20/year vs. $18.50/year), the convenience factor is substantial. The ESTA application takes about 20 minutes online and is usually approved within 72 hours. A B-1/B-2 visa requires a consular interview, supporting documents, and weeks of processing.
For occasional travelers, the ESTA at $40 is the clear choice. For frequent travelers who need stays longer than 90 days, a visa may be more cost-effective despite the higher upfront fee.
Travelers from non-VWP countries must apply for a visa regardless of ESTA eligibility.
Is the ESTA Fee Refundable?
No, the ESTA fee is non-refundable. This applies in all cases, including:
- Your application is denied
- You decide not to travel
- Your travel plans change
- Your passport expires during the validity period
- You accidentally submitted a duplicate application
The $40 fee covers the cost of processing and screening your application, which occurs regardless of the outcome. DHS does not provide refunds for any reason.
If your ESTA is denied, you may apply for a traditional visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The visa application fee ($185) is separate from the ESTA fee and is also non-refundable.
To avoid wasting the fee, verify your eligibility before applying. Check that:
- Your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program
- Your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
- You have not been denied a visa or violated U.S. immigration law
- You have not traveled to certain restricted countries
ESTA Fee for Children and Groups
Children and Infants
Every traveler entering the United States under the VWP needs their own ESTA, regardless of age. This includes:
- Infants and newborns
- Children of all ages
- Teenagers
- Adults
The fee is the same for everyone: $40 per person. There is no child discount, family rate, or reduced fee for minors. A family of four (two adults, two children) pays $160 total.
Children must have their own valid passport to apply for ESTA. They cannot be included on a parent’s application.
Group Applications
ESTA offers a group application feature that allows you to submit multiple applications in a single session. This is convenient for families or travel groups, but the pricing is the same:
- Individual application: $40 per person
- Group application: $40 per person (same rate)
- No group discount: The per-person fee does not decrease for larger groups
The group feature simply saves time by allowing you to enter information for multiple travelers in one session. Each person still requires their own $40 payment and receives their own ESTA authorization.
