ESTA for America – How Much Does It Cost for UK Citizens?
If you're a UK citizen planning a trip to the United States, you will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). One of the most common questions travelers have is: How much does an ESTA for America cost for UK citizens?
In this article, we’ll explain the cost of an ESTA for America, what the fee covers, and any additional costs you might encounter when applying from the UK.
How Much Does an ESTA for America Cost for UK Citizens?
The official ESTA fee for UK citizens is $21 USD. This is the cost for submitting the application and receiving approval. You must pay the fee online during the application process to complete the submission.
Breakdown of ESTA Fee for UK Citizens
- ESTA application fee: $21 USD
- Payment methods: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), Debit card, PayPal
- Validity: 2 years from the date of approval
- Number of entries: Multiple entries during the validity period
What Does the ESTA Fee Cover?
The $21 USD fee is used to cover the processing and approval of your ESTA application. This includes:
- Reviewing your details for eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
- Security checks to ensure you're not on any U.S. government watchlists
- Providing approval for your travel to the United States
Once approved, your ESTA remains valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires), allowing you to visit the U.S. multiple times for tourism, business, or transit purposes, each stay lasting up to 90 days.
Are There Additional Fees for ESTA for UK Citizens?
While the official ESTA fee is $21 USD, you may encounter additional charges if you apply through third-party services. These third-party agencies offer to handle your application on your behalf but often charge an additional service fee.
Third-Party Service Fees
- Service fees can range from $50 to $100+
- These fees are not official and are charged by the agency providing extra services such as application submission assistance and customer support.
It is generally recommended to apply directly on the official U.S. government website to avoid these additional charges.
How to Pay for Your ESTA
You can pay for your ESTA application using a variety of secure online payment methods:
💳 Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
💰 Debit card
💸 PayPal (available in some regions)
Ensure your payment is completed before submitting the application. The application will not be processed until payment is made.
Can ESTA Fees Be Refunded?
Unfortunately, ESTA fees are non-refundable. Even if your ESTA application is denied, you will not receive a refund. Therefore, it's important to ensure your information is correct before submitting your application.
How Long Does It Take to Get an ESTA After Paying the Fee?
Once your payment is complete, the ESTA application will be processed. Most applicants receive their ESTA approval within minutes, but it can take up to 72 hours in some cases. You will be notified by email when your ESTA is approved.
Typical Processing Times:
- Instant Approval: Some applications are approved in just a few minutes.
- Standard Processing: Most applicants receive their approval within a few hours.
- Maximum Processing Time: It can take up to 72 hours.
Can You Apply for ESTA Multiple Times?
The $21 USD fee covers one application, but since your ESTA is valid for 2 years, you do not need to pay again for subsequent trips during this period. However, if your passport expires, you will need to apply for a new ESTA and pay the fee again.
Apply for Your ESTA for America Today!
Don't leave your ESTA application to the last minute! Apply for your ESTA for America from the UK today to ensure you are ready for your trip to the United States. The process is simple, quick, and done entirely online.
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