Are you about to apply online for an ESTA for your next trip to the United States? Just like the U.S. visa, this authorization is subject to a fee. However, in this article, we’ll show you that the cost of an ESTA is considerably lower than that of a visa.
The basic price of an ESTA authorization
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To pay for your travel authorization, you must first apply for ESTA online. To do this, you need to log on to the official U.S. government website.
The basic cost of an ESTA authorization is :
- A $13 contribution to the General Fund of the United States Treasury;
- A $10 processing fee to finance the ESTA system;
- A contribution of $17 to promote travel to the United States.
If your authorization is refused, only the $10 processing fee remains payable; the additional $30 initially paid will be refunded.
How do I pay for my ESTA?
To pay for authorization to stay in the United States, all you need is a credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express or Discover) and your bank details. The payment stage of the online application appears directly after validation of the ESTA form. Please note that if you fail to pay the specified amount, your ESTA application cannot be sent to the US authorities, and you will be unable to travel to the USA without a visa.
Before you pay for your authorization, we advise you to check all the information on your ESTA form. In the event of a typing error or any other mistake, US Customs and Border Protection may decline your request. Pay particular attention to your passport number, and to the choice of surname for married women (choose the maiden or married name that matches your passport details).
If you are ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you have no choice but to apply for a visa at the US Embassy for your trip to the USA.
Obtaining an ESTA is an essential step, but it is your responsibility to plan a stay that is covered by this authorization. Your stay in the USA must be temporary (90 days maximum on American territory). In addition, it must be a tourist or business trip. An ESTA authorization can also be used for transit through US territory.
ESTA, cheaper than a visa
In addition to the fact that the temporary travel authorization is much easier to obtain than a visa, the price of the ESTA USA is also lower. The price of a visa varies between $185 and $360, depending on the type of document requested. What’s more, if you apply for an ESTA, you won’t need to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate general, so you’ll save on travel costs, especially if you live in a rural area.
You’ll also save time thanks to the ESTA’s turnaround time: electronic systems will respond to your authorization request within a maximum of 72 hours.
How much does an ESTA renewal cost?
Your travel authorization has expired and you wish to travel to the United States again. In this case, you’ll need to renew your ESTA authorization. To obtain your travel document, you need to follow exactly the same procedure as for your first application, and the same applies to payment formalities. As a result, renewing your ESTA costs exactly the same as your first application.
Please note that the validity of an ESTA authorization may be shortened if your electronic or biometric passport expires. As the ESTA is an electronic authorization, it is linked directly to your identity document via your passport’s microchip. If your passport is no longer valid, the same applies to the ESTA. In this case, you must first apply to your local town hall for a new passport. Once you have a valid passport, you’ll need to order a new ESTA and pay the required fee.