ESTA Cost Summary 2026
| Total ESTA Fee | $40.27 USD |
| Fee Breakdown | $4.00 processing + $36.27 authorization |
| Previous Fee (Before Sept 2025) | $21.00 USD |
| Payment Methods | Credit card, debit card, PayPal |
| Refund If Denied | Only the $4.00 processing fee is charged |
| Official Website | esta.cbp.dhs.gov |
One of the most common questions travelers ask is: how much does ESTA cost in 2026? The answer is $40.27 USD per application — a significant increase from the previous fee of $21.
This guide walks through everything about ESTA pricing this year: the exact breakdown, why the cost jumped, which payment methods work, and how to avoid overpaying on unofficial websites.
How Much Does ESTA Cost in 2026?
Right now, each applicant pays $40.27. That price took effect on September 1, 2025 — the first ESTA increase in over a decade.
Every traveler applying for ESTA pays the same amount. No discounted rates exist for children, seniors, or group applications. Each person in your travel group needs their own individual ESTA and must pay the full $40.27 charge.
ESTA Fee Breakdown
The ESTA fee consists of two separate components:
| Component | Amount | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $4.00 | Charged to all applicants, regardless of outcome |
| Authorization Fee | $36.27 | Charged only when your ESTA is approved |
| Total | $40.27 | Full amount charged upon approval |
So if your application is denied, you pay only $4.00 for processing. The $36.27 authorization portion kicks in solely when your application is approved.
Why Did the ESTA Fee Increase?
The ESTA fee nearly doubled in September 2025, rising from $21.00 to $40.27. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented the increase to cover rising operational costs and to fund improvements to the ESTA system and border security technology.
The authorization portion of the fee also supports tourism promotion through the Corporation for Travel Promotion (Brand USA), which markets the United States as a travel destination to international visitors.
ESTA Fee History
| Period | Total Fee | Processing | Authorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 – 2010 | Free | $0 | $0 |
| 2010 – 2015 | $14.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 |
| 2015 – September 2025 | $21.00 | $4.00 | $17.00 |
| September 2025 – Present | $40.27 | $4.00 | $36.27 |
ESTA Cost for Families and Groups
There are no group discounts or family rates for ESTA applications. Each traveler must submit a separate application and pay the full $40.27 fee, including:
- Infants and children of any age
- Adults traveling together
- Transit passengers connecting through US airports
For a family of four traveling to the United States, the total ESTA cost would be $161.08 USD (4 x $40.27).
Tip: You can apply for multiple family members in one session on the official ESTA website. After completing one application, the system gives you the option to add another applicant. However, each application requires its own payment.
Accepted Payment Methods
The official ESTA website accepts the following payment methods:
- Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club
- Debit cards: Any debit card with a Visa or Mastercard logo
- PayPal: Added as a payment option in recent years
Payment is processed in US dollars (USD). Paying with a card issued in another currency? Your bank will convert the amount at the current exchange rate. Some banks tack on a small foreign transaction fee — check with your card issuer before applying.
How to Avoid ESTA Overpayment Scams
One of the biggest risks when applying for ESTA is accidentally using an unofficial third-party website that charges significantly more than the actual fee.
Warning Signs of Unofficial ESTA Websites
- The fee is $70 to $150+ instead of $40.27
- The web address is not the genuine government site
- The site uses terms like “ESTA agency” or “ESTA service center”
- Paid advertisements at the top of Google search results
- The website asks for information not required on the official form
Important: The only official ESTA website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Always apply directly through this site to pay only the official $40.27 rate. Third-party sites may charge $80 to $150 or more for the same application, offering no additional value.
What Do Third-Party ESTA Sites Actually Do?
Third-party websites typically fill out the same ESTA application form on your behalf and submit it to CBP. They charge a premium “service fee” on top of the official government fee. While not illegal, these services are unnecessary because the official ESTA application is straightforward and takes only about 15-20 minutes to complete.
ESTA Cost vs. US Visa Cost
Deciding between an ESTA and a US visa? (Or maybe your ESTA was refused and you now need a visa.) Here is how the costs stack up:
| Feature | ESTA | B1/B2 Tourist Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $40.27 | $185.00 |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 10 years |
| Maximum Stay | 90 days per visit | Up to 180 days per visit |
| Processing Time | Usually within 72 hours | Weeks to months |
| Interview Required | No | Yes (at US Embassy) |
| Application | Online only | Online + in-person interview |
| Refund If Denied | Partial ($4.00 charged) | No refund |
While the ESTA is significantly cheaper and faster, it is only available to citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. Travelers who are not from a VWP country, or who need to stay beyond 90 days, must apply for a US visa instead.
What Happens If Your ESTA Is Denied?
If your ESTA gets turned down, you will only be charged the $4.00 processing fee. That $36.27 approval charge never applies to refused applications.
Had your application refused? You still have a few options:
- Review your application for any errors or incorrect information that may have caused the denial
- Reapply for ESTA after correcting any mistakes (you will need to pay the fee again)
- Apply for a US visa at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate ($185 for a B1/B2 visa)
Common reasons for ESTA denial include criminal history, previous visa overstays, travel to certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea, or Cuba), and providing incorrect information on the application.
Do You Need to Pay Again When Renewing ESTA?
Yes. ESTA cannot technically be “renewed” — you must submit a completely new application and pay the full $40.27 fee each time. You should reapply when:
- Your current ESTA expires (after 2 years)
- You get a new passport (even if your ESTA has not expired)
- You change your name, gender, or country of citizenship
- Any of your yes/no answers on the ESTA form change
There is no discount for reapplying, and you cannot extend an existing ESTA. Each new application goes through the full review process and requires a new payment.
Is the ESTA Fee Worth It?
At $40.27 for two years of unlimited entries to the United States, the ESTA fee represents excellent value for frequent travelers:
- Single trip: $40.27 per trip — still much cheaper than a $185 visa
- Two trips in 2 years: Effectively $20.14 per trip
- Frequent traveler (4+ trips): As low as $10 per trip
Even for a single trip, the ESTA fee is less than a quarter of the cost of a B1/B2 tourist visa, with the added convenience of a quick online application and no embassy visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESTA Cost
How much is the ESTA fee in 2026?
As of 2026, each ESTA application costs $40.27 USD per person. That price has held since September 1, 2025. It breaks down into a $4.00 handling charge plus a $36.27 approval portion.
Why did the ESTA fee increase from $21 to $40.27?
CBP raised the ESTA fee to cover rising operational costs, fund system improvements, and support tourism promotion through Brand USA. The authorization portion climbed from $17.00 to $36.27, while its $4.00 handling charge stayed flat.
Is there a discount for children or families?
No. Every traveler, regardless of age, pays the same $40.27 fee. Nobody qualifies for a discount — not children, seniors, families, or group applications.
Can I get a refund if my ESTA is denied?
When an application is refused, you are only charged the $4.00 processing charge. The $36.27 approval charge never gets billed, and that processing fee itself is non-refundable.
Do I have to pay again to renew my ESTA?
Yes. Each new ESTA application requires a fresh payment of $40.27. Returning applicants get no renewal discounts and no fee waivers.
What currency is the ESTA fee charged in?
The ESTA fee is charged in US dollars (USD). If you pay with a card in another currency, your bank will convert the amount at the prevailing exchange rate and may add a foreign transaction fee.
Why are some websites charging $100+ for ESTA?
Websites charging more than $40.27 are unofficial third-party services. They submit the same application to CBP on your behalf and add a service fee. Always apply directly at esta.cbp.dhs.gov to pay only the official fee.
Do I need to pay for ESTA if I am just transiting through the US?
Yes. All travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA to transit through US airports, even if you never leave the airport. The same $40.27 cost applies to transit passengers.
Key Takeaways
- The ESTA now costs $40.27 in 2026, up from $21.00 in September 2025
- The fee includes a $4.00 processing fee (always charged) and a $36.27 authorization fee (only charged if approved)
- There are no discounts for children, families, or group applications
- Only apply through the official website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) to avoid overpaying
- ESTA is valid for 2 years — making it excellent value for multiple trips
- Compared to a $185 US visa, ESTA is significantly cheaper and faster to obtain