How much does an ESTA travel authorization cost?
ESTA travel authorization is required for entry into the USA. It is issued only to foreign nationals covered by the USA Visa Waiver Program. They must have a temporary stay of 90 days or less. It is valid for two years. During this period, travelers can make several visits to the USA. The ESTA application is subject to a processing fee, following a decision by the American authorities to add a processing fee.
ESTA also serves to maintain the country’s internal security.
Completing the ESTA application form
Thanks to the official U.S. government website, you can easily obtain your ESTA. Your application is reviewed and processed fairly quickly. If all the information is correct and complete, in most cases your application will be received within a few minutes (maximum 72 hours). However, if there are any errors in your application form, you’ll need to make a new request.
In order for the American authorities to accept your application, you must bring your valid passport (passport number and date of issue are required). Electronic or biometric passports are accepted. You don’t need to have your plane ticket in hand; you can buy it later. We advise you to apply quickly, in case you need to regularize the situation with the American embassy in the event of a problem, for example. Make sure you have filled in all the details and ticked all the right boxes on the online form. There’s no need to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for the ESTA form.
For all questions relating to finding a job in the USA, answer “no” only. If you’re planning to travel to the USA as a family, every member of the family, regardless of age, must obtain ESTA authorization. Freight forwarders can either enter the U.S. with a U.S. visa, or with a simple ESTA document. You should bring this document with you, as it may be requested.
How much does an ESTA authorization cost?
The price of an ESTA authorization will depend on one key factor. The price has been $40 since September 2025.
Travelling to the USA is expensive, but you should know that applying online for an ESTA will cost you much less than applying for a USA visa, or re-applying for a biometric (fingerprint) passport.
What to expect after submitting your authorization request
Depending on the answers provided, the ESTA application may be granted, refused or pending. If it is granted, the applicant will be able to travel to the USA. However, if the application is rejected, a request for a tourist visa or green card must be made to the consular services of the US embassy.
Authorization is said to be pending if the content of the form is not clear enough and requires further study. You will receive the final decision within 72 hours. If your travel authorization expires before your return, you will not need to apply for a new authorization unless you wish to travel at a later date.
In any case, it’s the customs officials at the border post who will have the final say on your stay in the USA.
