ESTA Application Official Site Cost: Everything You Need to Know

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If you are planning to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), applying for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a crucial step. One of the first questions travelers often ask is, "What is the cost of applying for ESTA through the official site?" This article will provide a comprehensive guide to the official ESTA application cost, how to pay, and additional fees that might arise during the process.

What is ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a digital travel authorization that allows nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the United States for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing a visa. The ESTA application process is quick and straightforward, and it must be completed online through the official ESTA website.

Official ESTA Application Cost

When applying for ESTA through the official ESTA website, the cost for the application is a fixed $21 USD. This fee covers both the application and processing of your travel authorization. The $21 fee includes the following:

  1. $14 USD for Application Processing: This portion covers the processing of your application, where U.S. authorities will review the information you provide to determine if you're eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

  2. $7 USD for Authorization Fee: This portion is for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) itself, which grants you approval to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.

It’s important to note that the official ESTA website only accepts credit cards for payment, such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. The payment is made at the end of the application process after you’ve entered all the necessary information.

Why Should You Only Use the Official ESTA Website?

Many third-party websites offer ESTA application services, but they often charge additional or higher fees than the official ESTA website. While these sites might claim to expedite the process or offer extra services, they are not authorized by the U.S. government, and they can charge extra for their services, adding hidden costs.

  • The official ESTA website is https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, and it’s the only government-approved site for applying for ESTA. By using the official site, you pay only the standard $21 USD fee with no additional costs or hidden charges.

    Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  • If you use a third-party website, be cautious, as they may charge inflated service fees on top of the official ESTA cost. Always double-check the URL to ensure you are on the government’s official website to avoid overpaying.

Additional Fees

While the official ESTA cost is set at $21 USD, there may be some additional considerations depending on your circumstances:

  1. Service Fees from Third-Party Sites: As mentioned earlier, if you opt to use third-party services for your ESTA application, you may encounter service fees ranging from a few dollars to as much as $50 USD or more. These fees are not part of the official ESTA cost and are charged for the "convenience" of applying through these websites.

  2. ESTA Application Denial or Rejection Fees: If your ESTA application is denied or rejected, you will need to reapply. However, you will not be charged an additional fee for reapplying directly through the official ESTA website. Third-party sites may charge another processing fee, so it’s important to use the official website to avoid paying more than necessary.

  3. Emergency ESTA Service: Some third-party sites claim to offer expedited processing for an additional fee. While the official ESTA website processes most applications within minutes, any urgent requests for ESTA may result in a faster processing time at an extra cost if you choose to use a third-party service.

How to Pay for the ESTA Application

After completing the ESTA application form on the official ESTA website, you will be required to make the $21 USD payment. Here’s how the payment process works:

  1. Enter Payment Information: You will need to enter your credit card details at the end of your application. The official ESTA website accepts major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

    Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

  2. Confirm Payment: After entering your card details, confirm the payment. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation of your ESTA approval (if granted). This will typically arrive within a few minutes.

  3. Receipt of Payment: Once you’ve completed your application and payment, you will be provided with a confirmation receipt. It’s essential to keep a copy of this for your records.

Is ESTA Fee Refundable?

The $21 USD ESTA fee is non-refundable. If your application is denied, you will not be refunded the amount you paid. Therefore, it’s essential to fill out your application correctly and ensure that you meet the Visa Waiver Program requirements before submitting it.

If you do not receive your ESTA authorization or if there’s an error in the system, you may need to contact customer support through the official ESTA website.

How Long Does ESTA Approval Take?

In most cases, ESTA approval is granted within minutes. However, it can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval. Therefore, it’s best to apply for ESTA at least three days before your departure date to ensure everything is processed in time.

Even though approval typically occurs quickly, there’s no guarantee that your application will be approved, so it’s crucial to apply in advance to address any issues that may arise.

Can You Extend Your ESTA Once Approved?

No, you cannot extend your ESTA once it has been approved. An ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your ESTA expires or you need to apply for a new ESTA, you will have to submit a new application and pay the $21 USD fee again.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

What Happens If I Don’t Apply for ESTA?

If you fail to apply for ESTA before your trip to the U.S., you may not be allowed to board your flight. Airlines are required to check that all passengers traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program have a valid ESTA. If you’re unable to present one, you may be denied entry to the U.S.

Conclusion

The official ESTA application cost is set at $21 USD for processing your travel authorization to the United States. It is important to always use the official ESTA website to apply and avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees. By using the official ESTA website, you ensure that your application is handled securely, efficiently, and with no hidden costs.

Call to Action: Apply for ESTA Online Today

Don’t wait until the last minute—apply for your ESTA authorization today! Ensure your U.S. trip goes smoothly by submitting your ESTA application through the official ESTA website.

CLICK HERE to apply now and make your U.S. travel plans official!

Easily apply for your eVisa online by visiting Tourist Requirements.

Start your application process today and apply for your visa online quickly and easily.

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