Travellers to the US set to pay 'double' in major new change
Travellers heading to the US will face a doubling of a key fee in a lesser-known aspect of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While no specific date for the increase has been confirmed, the bill approved by Congress will become law once signed by Donald Trump.
It has sanctioned an increase in the visa waiver fee, expected to come into effect before the States co-host next year's FIFA World Cup. The ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) - which is valid for two years - has risen from $21 to $40.
This hike comes as several US states, including California, Colorado and Florida, are witnessing a decline in UK visitor numbers. While the US Travel Association acknowledged some "key wins" in the bill – such as funding for modernising air traffic control, increased customs staffing and security funding for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2028 Olympics – it criticised the fee increase and the funding cut to Brand USA.
Geoff Freeman, US Travel Association president and chief executive, stated that "bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveller's experience". However, he added: "The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America's promotion arm, that much harder to swallow.
"Making America the world's most visited destination – and capitalising on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics – requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing." Currently, travellers entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens from participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a visa, provided they are a citizen of a VWP-participating country, possess a valid ESTA authorization, and meet specific requirements.
This development follows a warning from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that failure to clear a forgotten item with the airline beforehand may disrupt a trip. Earlier this year, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) cautioned British nationals planning to travel to the US about new guidelines for UK tourists related to obtaining an ESTA for travel.
According to experts, certain common errors should be avoided during the application process. As a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, it is essential to obtain an ESTA approval prior to boarding a flight to the US.
Experts from Journeyscape have highlighted frequent pitfalls to be avoided when applying for an ESTA, as well as tips to streamline the process.
Typical mistakes that could delay ESTA approval include incorrect passport information, which is a primary cause of rejections. Failure to disclose previous travel history can also result in denial.
Not checking the status of an ESTA application and applying too close to your travel date are other common mistakes that could prevent you from boarding your flight. In January 2021, the US designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Consequently, if you have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, you may not be eligible for an ESTA. This change means you will likely need to apply for a full visa through a US. embassy or consulate instead.
If you've travelled to Cuba since the rule change, your ESTA application might be denied, and you may have to undergo the traditional visa process. Keep this in mind when planning your travels to avoid any surprises.
Tips for a Smooth ESTA Application Process
Apply Early, But Not Too Early: While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. It's wise to apply at least a week before your trip.
However, don't apply more than 90 days before your travel date, as the ESTA is only valid for two years, and applying too early could mean needing to renew sooner than necessary if you frequently visit the US.
Double-Check Your Information: A common cause of delays or rejections is incorrect or incomplete information on the application.
Be sure to match your passport information exactly, including your full legal name, passport number, and expiration date. Ensure you provide a valid email address, as this is where you'll receive your approval notification.
Make sure to list your actual country of citizenship accurately. When applying for ESTA, use only the official US Government website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ to avoid unnecessary fees from third-party services.
The application fee is $21, and third-party sites may charge more without offering additional benefits. It's useful to know your travel plans in advance.
Although not required to have confirmed flight and accommodation details, you should be prepared to provide some information about your itinerary, including where you will stay in the U.S., even if it's just the name of a city. ESTA is an automated system that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses to assess whether visitors from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can enter the United States without a visa for tourism, business, or transit.
While many ESTA approvals are granted within minutes, some applications could take up to 72 hours due to factors like incomplete submissions, system errors, or specific travel histories. If your application is "pending," there's no need to worry - this is a common occurrence and usually resolves within a couple of days, officials say.
The positive aspect of ESTA is its validity period, which extends up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. It permits multiple entries with each stay lasting no longer than 90 days.
This implies that astute travellers can often outsmart the busy travel periods that may affect the approval process by applying months ahead of their journey.
What to do if your ESTA is denied
If your application is rejected, it doesn't necessarily mean you are prohibited from travelling to the U.S. Here's what to consider.
Reapply if It's a Simple Mistake: If you think your application was denied due to a minor error, you can reapply with the corrected information. There's no waiting period for reapplication.
Apply for a U.S. Visa: If your ESTA is denied for more complex reasons (such as travel history to restricted countries), you'll need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly.
Contact CBP for Clarification: In cases where you believe your ESTA denial was a mistake, you can contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further guidance. While they may not reverse the decision, they can clarify the reasons for the denial.
Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at Journeyscape stated: "Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays.
"Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. Double-checking your details-such as passport information and travel itinerary-can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials.
"Additionally, keeping abreast of recent rule changes is crucial, particularly for travellers who might be impacted by the latest restrictions, such as those associated with travel history in Cuba. Despite possessing a valid ESTA, bear in mind that entry to the U.S. is ultimately decided at the border by Customs and Border Protection.
"Be ready to answer queries about your travel intentions and schedule. Adhering to these steps will aid in ensuring a smooth travel experience, reducing stress and enhancing the success of your trip."
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