ESTA AT A FIXED PRICE
How much does ESTA cost? This is a frequently asked question from our readers wishing to obtain this travel authorization to go to the United States. It’s true that the price of this document adds to the many financial costs associated with a trip of this kind. Eligible customers can obtain an ESTA for $21, all taxes included.
GET AN ESTA AT A FIXED PRICE?
When it was created,ESTA travel authorization was free of charge. In 2010, the U.S. government decided to modify its system to meet the criteria of a travel promotion law. The ESTA fee was therefore set at $14 for all applicants. In fact, the rate is the same for everyone, regardless of age or country of origin. Since 2022, ESTA fees have been increased to $21 per traveler.
Despite what you may read on the Internet, group applications are possible, but you’ll have to pay this ESTA fee multiplied by the number of people on the application. For example, if the file contains 5 people, the ESTA fee would be $105. In the event of a rejection by the Department of Homeland Security, you can either wait 10 days and then reapply and pay the ESTA fee, or you can turn to US visa application whose cost is much higher: the initial fee to apply for a visa is a minimum of $285.
WHAT IS THE ESTA AWARD FOR?
First of all, it’s important to note that there is no charge for filling out the ESTA form. The ESTA fee you pay covers validation of your application, transmission to the U.S. immigration authorities and processing of your file. The ESTA fee is divided into 2 amounts:
- 4 will be deducted to cover administration costs;
- an additional $17 will be charged if your request is accepted. This amount will be used to finance initiatives to promote tourism to the United States;
- if your application is rejected, only the processing fee ($4) will be deducted from your bank account.
As a general rule, we advise our readers to complete and pay for their ESTA application at least 72 hours before departure, so that your application can be processed and your bank account debited.