The cost of obtaining travel authorisation for the US will nearly double from the end of September, so savvy travellers looking to visit the States are advised to apply now. Olivia Palamountain reports

The cost of obtaining a US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) is set to surge from the end of September, rising from US$21 to US$40 for travellers from visa waiver programme countries including the UK. This fee increase represents a massive 86% jump.

The restructuring maintains the existing US$17 travel promotion fee but increases the processing charge from US$4 to US$10, whilst adding a new US$13 levy directed to the US Treasury's general fund.

The change stems from immigration budget legislation passed under the Trump administration in 2025, which redirects fee revenues to support both security operations and broader government funding. Any applications started but not completed before the September 30 deadline will automatically incur the higher charge, regardless of when the process began.

Current ESTA holders can continue using their authorisations until expiry without additional fees, but new applicants face the increased cost from next Monday. Each ESTA remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first.

Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, says: "The price of an ESTA nearly doubling under the Trump administration is a blow to British travellers and is likely to impact US visitor numbers over the coming months. However, if travellers are planning a trip to the US in the next two years, they can avoid this fee increase by securing their ESTA before September 29.

"We know travel continues to be consumers' top discretionary spending priority, with value for money and cost savings a key consideration within this, so avoiding unnecessary additional costs such as higher visa fees can make a real difference. With significant changes like this, it's crucial that travellers stay informed, and this is where booking through a trusted travel agent becomes especially valuable. Agents not only help navigate evolving entry requirements such as ESTA but also ensure travellers remain fully compliant and avoid unexpected costs or complications down the line."

The timing affects travellers planning US trips for late 2025 and throughout 2026, with potential savings of US$19 (approximately £15) per person for those completing applications before the deadline. The increase represents the most significant change to ESTA pricing since the programme's introduction, reflecting broader shifts in US immigration policy funding mechanisms.