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ESTA - Price Increase is imminent

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Just a heads up to advise that the cost of an ESTA for travel to the USA will be going up from USD 21 to USD 40 in the near future.

If you are planning to go there then don't delay in applying as they say the price increase is imminent. 

Just to add that I had problems applying using the Firefox browser (it wouldn't let me proceed past the passport /selfie upload stage) but no issues when using Chrome.

Comments

  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,261 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 13 July at 11:35AM
    Beware unofficial websites which charge an additional fee to facilitate a service which you can directly access without such extra cost.
    This is the official site - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

  • Brie
    Brie Posts: 14,649 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Beware unofficial websites which charge an additional fee to facilitate a service which you can directly access without such extra cost.
    This is the official site - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

    are you implying that the price is not going up?  I wouldn't put at past some 3rd party to put a warning like this on their site to panic people into biting.
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on Debt Free Wannabe, Old Style Money Saving and Pensions boards.  If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.

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  • mdann52
    mdann52 Posts: 225 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 100 Posts Name Dropper
    It's formally be proposed (see https://www.cbo.gov/publication/61419), but is yet to take effect, and there's no timetable for the relevant legislation to be passed
  • NoodleDoodleMan
    NoodleDoodleMan Posts: 4,261 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 13 July at 4:58PM
    Brie said:
    Beware unofficial websites which charge an additional fee to facilitate a service which you can directly access without such extra cost.
    This is the official site - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

    are you implying that the price is not going up?  I wouldn't put at past some 3rd party to put a warning like this on their site to panic people into biting.
    I see where you are coming from, could have been clearer - should read as going via the official site avoids any additional third party agency service charge. 

  • heatherw_01
    heatherw_01 Posts: 6,791 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The OP is correct that the official price will be increasing as congress has approved the bill, although no date has been set for the increase.

    A reminder for anyone looking to buy an ESTA, make sure to ONLY use the official site https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Quick Grabbit, Freebies, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning and the UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards.
    If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • silverwhistle
    silverwhistle Posts: 4,000 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    They really do seem to be working hard to encourage people to visit...

    I think I'll wait a few years before visiting again.
  • Hoenir
    Hoenir Posts: 7,742 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Increased fee neatly timed to rise ahead of next year's World Cup. 
  • CaptainWales
    CaptainWales Posts: 347 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    How much notice are they are likely to give as to when the price will increase? Don't know if they did last time it went up?
  • heatherw_01
    heatherw_01 Posts: 6,791 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    How much notice are they are likely to give as to when the price will increase? Don't know if they did last time it went up?
    From searching, last time they gave 2 days notice.
    Announced on 24nd May 22 and implemented 26th May 22.

    From reading this post: https://www.joinsherpa.com/post/the-us-is-increasing-the-esta-application-fee-heres-what-our-partners-need-to-know
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Quick Grabbit, Freebies, Overseas Holidays & Travel Planning and the UK Holidays, Days Out & Entertainments boards.
    If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com.
    All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.
  • CaptainWales
    CaptainWales Posts: 347 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    They are now saying it will be bought in before 2026. But still no idea when.
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