Fees for Electronic System for Travel Authorization increased

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced yesterday that it will increase the fees for travelers with an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the U.S.

Key Points:

• Beginning May 26, foreign nationals must pay $21 instead of $14 to travel to the U.S. with an approved ESTA.
• The $21 fee consists of a $17 ESTA travel promotion fee and a $4 operational fee.
• Those who have an approved ESTA do not need to reapply due to the fee increase; ESTAs are valid for up to two years.
• The full Federal Register notice is available here.

Additional Information: ESTA is the online system through which nonimmigrant visitors intending to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) at air or sea ports of entry must obtain an electronic travel authorization before traveling to the U.S. A list of countries eligible for the VWP is available here.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.