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If you’re heading to the US in the next couple of years, there’s a small but important change you need to know about. The price of an ESTA, the electronic travel authorisation that many of us need, is going up.

From September 30, 2025, the fee for an ESTA is almost doubling, rising from $21 to $40 per person.

This is part of new legislation in the US, and it applies to anyone applying on or after that date. For a family of four, this price hike adds up quickly, so it’s worth taking note.

The good news is that an ESTA is valid for two years, and you can apply for a new one even if you already have one that’s still valid. So, if you know you have a trip planned in 2026 or 2027, you can apply now at the lower price of $21 and lock in that two-year validity.

Bottom line

It’s a good reminder to get your travel paperwork sorted well in advance, and to always use the official government website – esta.cbp.dhs.gov – to avoid paying extra fees to a third-party site.

Photo: Henrik Olsen