Travel to the US is becoming a real issue for international travelers in the country. The US government has officially announced that from September 30 the cost of the electronic travel authorization ESTA will double: from 21 to 40 dollars, an increase of approximately 34.5 euros.
For a family of four, this amount translates to 140 euros just for the entry permit.
Surprise decision in July
The increase was approved, almost silently, last July by Congress, as part of the new federal budget. Until recently, however, it was unclear whether and when it would be implemented. Now, the US authorities have announced that it will come into effect at the end of the month. The new fee is structured as follows:
$17 remains for travel promotion,
$10 covers operating expenses (up from $4 until now),
$13 is a new contribution directly to the general state budget.
This is the second increase in three years, since in 2022 the cost had risen from $14 to $21.
Who is exempt from the increase
Those who already have a valid ESTA do not need to pay again, unless they issue a new passport. Those who manage to submit an application by September 29 will be charged the old amount. The permit remains valid for two years or until the passport expires.
An even greater burden awaits those traveling to the US from Canada or Mexico by road, with the fee rising from $6 to $30.
