How much does the ESTA application cost?

ESTA authorization is subject to a fee. However, we’ll see that obtaining this travel document is much more economical than obtaining a U.S. visa.

The price of an ESTA application

There is a charge for ESTA authorization.
The total cost of obtaining ESTA authorization is 21 US dollars.
This fee is divided into two parts:

• $4 processing fee;
• 17 authorization fee. This means that this amount is only due if your authorization request is validated. If the latter is refused, the American authorities will reimburse you for these costs.

Note that these rates apply if you make your request via the official U.S. government website. On the other hand, the price of an ESTA travel authorization remains fixed, regardless of the nationality of the traveler. The priority is that foreign nationals applying for ESTA must be citizens of one of the 41 member countries of the Visa Waiver Program.
Since October 2023, Israeli nationals have been eligible for this authorization.

The cost of an ESTA renewal

If you obtained your Temporary Resident Permit more than two years ago, or if your passport is no longer valid, your ESTA will no longer be usable. The validity of the ESTA depends on the validity of the passport. If you want to travel to the United States of America again, you must renew your ESTA. This new request will require the same procedure as during your first online request. As a result, the cost of your new ESTA will remain unchanged. If the expiry date of the passport is approaching, consider anticipating your new passport application. This will be essential for your new application.

Cost of a bulk ESTA request

If you’re traveling as a couple, with family or friends, you can submit a group application. You will still need to complete the ESTA form for each traveler. There is therefore no group rate for ESTA, all ESTA fees mentioned above will apply individually. However, you can pay in one go, using the same payment card.

How to pay the fees related to the ESTA application?

Payment for ESTA authorization is made online. All you need is a debit or credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover) and your bank details.

The cost of an ESTA: more economical than a USA visa

Electronic authorization to travel to the USA costs considerably less than a US visa. For example, to apply for a tourist visa to travel to the U.S., you need to pay a total of 185 U.S. dollars. Also, with the ESTA application, there is no need to visit the US Embassy or Consulate General. This trip can incur transportation costs, especially if you live in a rural area. Before ordering your ESTA and paying the associated fees, make sure you meet all VWP eligibility requirements, to avoid being charged processing fees if your application is refused. As a reminder, the ESTA only applies within the framework of a stay in the USA of a maximum of 90 days. In addition, it must imperatively be a tourist trip, a business trip or a transit trip. If you want to study in the USA, do an internship or work, your ESTA application will be rejected and you will have paid the fees unnecessarily.

What happens after the ESTA payment?

Once you have completed the online form and paid, your ESTA file is sent directly to the American authorities. It will then be reviewed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection computer systems. Very often, the application is approved within minutes of being sent, but sometimes the ESTA application can remain on hold for several hours. Whatever happens, you will be fixed on the final status of your ESTA file 72 hours at the latest after sending your request. If your ESTA admission is validated by the customs services, you can then go to American territory simply with a valid passport. Indeed, the electronic authorization is computer-linked to the biometric passport or electronic passport, so there is no need to print your travel document in the USA. The ESTA authorizes nationals to travel to the United States for two years, provided each stay does not exceed 90 consecutive days. In the event that your ESTA application is rejected, you will still be charged the processing fees and you will have to apply for a visa with the consular services of the US Embassy .