ESTA fees to rise for US travel soon
The ESTA authorization fee for French nationals traveling to the US is set to increase from $14 to $21 starting May 26, with the change remaining in effect until 2027.
If you’re a French national, you can visit the United States without a visa. All you need is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization, better known as ESTA, which is valid for two years. The cost of this authorization is about to rise.
Increase in ESTA fees: key points to know
Citizens of countries participating in the US Visa Waiver Program, including France, must obtain an ESTA to visit the USA. Previously, the fee for this electronic travel authorization was a modest $14 (around €13) plus any required supporting documents. However, on May 25, reports surfaced online that the fee was set to increase.
The change stems from provisions in the 2018 bipartisan budget law and the 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act. Effective May 26, the ESTA fee rises from $14 to $17. An additional $4 operational fee brings the total to $21, which is roughly €19.55 for European travelers heading to the US.
The new rate took effect immediately and is expected to remain in place for five years—until 2027—so this isn’t a rumor, but an official update travellers should note.
Does the ESTA fee increase affect how you apply?
On the whole, the fee increase does not alter the application process for the travel authorization. Travelers who already hold a valid ESTA do not need to reapply; the existing authorization remains valid until its two-year expiration. Once it expires, they’ll pay the new rate when submitting a renewal.
The required documents for the ESTA application remain unchanged as well: they include a valid passport and a debit or credit card for payment. Applicants can submit their request via the dedicated portal on the official French government website. From there, navigate to “Particuliers,” then “Vos droits,” fill out the online form, and submit it. Travellers with limited English skills are advised to use a translation tool to ensure accurate entry of all details.
Has ESTA processing time changed?
To prepare for your trip, apply for the ESTA at least three months ahead of travel. Despite the fee increase, processing time remains the same: 72 hours on average.
If you need your ESTA urgently, select the “Délivrance en urgence” (expedited processing) option during application. You’ll receive the authorization within one to two hours, allowing you to travel to the US without delay.
The ESTA is checked upon arrival at US airports and is required for all air, land, and sea travel to the United States.
A specialist in regulatory monitoring and a content destination expert, she analyzes daily changes in entry formalities to turn complex administrative processes into practical guides. Her role blends ground-level expertise with technical precision to ensure the reliability of the information provided to travelers.
