Massive price increase!

Applying for your ESTA – Electronic System for Travel Authorisation in preparation for your dream holiday for the first time or simply renewing it for two more years! As part of the incumbent administration’s Big Beautiful Bill the cost has changed.

As of 27 September 2025 an ESTA will cost each individual a whopping $40! Increasing from $21 for each application is nearly double. The validity is still two years from the start date. Currently there are 42 countries that are members of the visa waiver programme

With the FIFI World Cup 2026 and the USA being the majority hosts along with Mexico and Canada there is going to be massive interest in travelling to America from all over the world. The rumour is that the ESTA application will require applicants to provide access to at least 5 years of social media history.

Interestingly the cost of a Canadian ETA is still CAD $7.00 and is valid for 5 years. Mexico does not have any such equivalent currently.

So what with international visitors having to pay a premium to enter popular National Parks and this increase for applying for the ESTA there is going to be some budgeting and planning to be made.

Route 66 also turns 100 in 2026 and this is sure to attract interest in this most popular of road trips. So there are busy times ahead for USA tourism which in itself is exciting but with so much uncertainty around world events and the cost of living crisis there are going to be challenges ahead for all sides.