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US ESTA fee announced

9th August 2010 The US Government has announced plans to charge a 14USD fee for issuing an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). The ESTA has been a mandatory condition of travel to the US since January 2009 for Britons and all other travellers who qualify under the Visa Waiver Programme. The charge will come in to force from September 8, 2010.

ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. Once approved, authorizations are generally valid for multiple entries into the U.S. for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires or other specific circumstances give rise to a need to reapply, whichever comes first. Under the new interim final rule, travellers with an approved ESTA will not need to pay the ESTA fees when updating an ESTA application. However, travellers with new passports and re-applying for an ESTA will need to pay the ESTA fees.
The system will only accept payment via MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Applications should be made direct on the ESTA website.

Source: US ]US Border Agency

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