HOW MUCH DOES ESTA COST?

Created in 2009 by the US government,ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a special authorization. It allows nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to enter the USA without first obtaining a visa. But at what price?

ESTA: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

At first glance, you might think that the price of an ESTA would be €0, since the process ofobtaining it is entirely online. The dematerialization of the procedure may lead you to believe that everything is automated, but this is not the case. In fact, there is a whole administration in charge of accepting (or not) the authorization, and this entails operating costs in terms of both agents’ salaries and the maintenance of working infrastructures.

The cost of an ESTA is $21, payable online only by credit card or Paypal. This amount is then divided as follows:

• 4 is for the administration responsible for checking the form;
• 17 are earmarked to finance the various bodies linked or in partnership with the US government to promote tourism in the USA internationally.