ESTA On-Line Fee Begins Wednesday, September 8

Starting September 8, 2010, persons registering with the ESTA program and traveling under the Visa Waiver Program will have to pay a $14 fee to complete their registration. Registration is easy. Payments can be made on-line only by credit card or debit card. Travelers should use only the official U.S. government website to register with ESTA. This website is available though the Embassy website.

ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that all nationals of VWP countries must obtain prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the VWP. Using ESTA is a requirement for traveling to the United States without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days.  Travelers from 36 different countries, including Sweden, are eligible to use ESTA and the visa waiver program. This travel authorization has been mandatory since Jan. 12, 2009.

Persons already registered with ESTA before September 8, 2010 will not have to reregister or pay the fee.  Since ESTA registration is generally valid for multiple entries into the U.S. for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires or other specific circumstances give rise to a need to reapply, whichever comes first. Currently registered travelers will have to pay the fee in the future when they reregister once their current registration expires.

The fee is comprised of two parts:

1. a processing charge of $4.00, and
2. an authorization charge of $10.00 once your application is approved. If your electronic travel authorization is denied, you are only charged for the processing of your application.

All payment for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card or debit card. The ESTA system currently accepts only the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover. You may also have a third party, such as a relative or travel agent, pay the associated fees for each application. Your application will not be submitted for processing until all payment information is received. Please check with your bank on compatibility of your debit card. We are continuing to explore other payment measures for the future.

The United States is not the only country that charges entry and/or exit fees. Fifty-six countries charge such fees, ranging from $14 to $100, with an average of $26.77. These fees are largely unseen because they are included in the taxes and fees attached to airline tickets.

Persons who are planning to travel to the United States should register with ESTA at least 72 hours before their flight to insure their approval is received on time to travel.


The official website is available here: ESTA - the Official U.S. Government Web Site.

For more information visit the U.S. Embassy Website.