How Much is an ESTA for the USA?

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If you are planning to travel to the United States for tourism, business, or transit, you may need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA is available for citizens of countries that participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing you to travel to the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days. But, how much does an ESTA cost? In this article, we will explore the ESTA application fee, how it is paid, and some other important details you should know before applying.

What is an ESTA?

An ESTA is an electronic travel authorization required for all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who wish to visit the United States for short stays. The ESTA is designed to pre-screen travelers for security risks before they board their flights to the U.S. While it is not a visa, it allows travelers to enter the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

It is valid for two years or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first, and can be used for multiple entries during that period.

How Much Does an ESTA Cost?

The cost of applying for an ESTA to the USA is $21 USD. This fee is broken down as follows:

  • Application Fee: The base cost for applying for an ESTA is $14 USD. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.

  • Authorization Fee: In addition to the application fee, a $7 USD authorization fee is charged if your application is approved. This charge is added to the total cost when your ESTA is granted.

How to Pay for an ESTA

The payment for an ESTA application can be made through the official U.S. government website using the following payment methods:

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  • Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.

  • Debit Card: Debit cards with a major credit card logo (e.g., Visa or MasterCard) can also be used.

  • PayPal: PayPal is also accepted as a payment option.

The payment is made online during the application process and must be completed before submitting your application. It's important to only use the official U.S. government website to avoid extra fees from third-party services.

When Should I Apply for an ESTA?

You can apply for an ESTA at any time before your departure to the U.S. However, it is recommended to apply for your ESTA at least 72 hours prior to your flight to allow for sufficient processing time. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some may require additional processing, which could take up to 72 hours.

If you apply too late and your ESTA is delayed or denied, it may affect your ability to board your flight or enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

Are There Any Additional Fees?

In most cases, the $21 USD fee for an ESTA is all you need to pay. However, you should be cautious of third-party websites that may offer to process your application for you for a higher fee. These websites are often not affiliated with the U.S. government and may charge inflated prices for processing the ESTA. Always make sure to apply directly through the official ESTA website to avoid unnecessary extra costs.

How Long is an ESTA Valid?

An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. During this time, you can use the same ESTA for multiple entries to the U.S., provided each stay is 90 days or less. If your ESTA expires, you will need to reapply for a new one, and you will need to pay the application fee again.

Can I Get a Refund if My ESTA is Denied?

No, the ESTA application fee is non-refundable. Whether your application is approved or denied, you will not receive a refund. It’s important to ensure all information is accurate when applying to increase your chances of approval. If your ESTA is denied, you will not be able to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. In such cases, you may need to apply for a U.S. visa depending on the purpose of your travel.

Is an ESTA the Same as a Visa?

No, an ESTA is not a visa. While both allow entry to the U.S., there are key differences between the two. An ESTA is for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who are visiting for tourism, business, or transit purposes and staying for 90 days or less. On the other hand, a U.S. visa is required for longer stays, or for those who want to study, work, or immigrate to the U.S.

Can I Apply for an ESTA Multiple Times?

Yes, you can apply for an ESTA multiple times within the two-year validity period, as long as each trip to the U.S. is for the allowed purposes (tourism, business, or transit) and stays within the 90-day limit. If your ESTA expires or your circumstances change, you will need to reapply for a new one.

Conclusion

In summary, applying for an ESTA for the U.S. costs a total of $21 USD, including both the application and authorization fees. The process is straightforward and can typically be completed in a few minutes online. Always ensure that you apply through the official U.S. government website to avoid extra charges from third-party services.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

If you plan to visit the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, don’t forget to apply for your ESTA well in advance of your trip. It’s quick, easy, and essential for smooth entry into the United States.

Ready to Apply for Your ESTA?

Start your journey today and apply for your ESTA authorization to visit the United States!

CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA online and get expert help with your application!

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

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