U.S. CBP to Raise ESTA Fee to US$40 from September 30

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will raise the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application fee effective September 30.

The current fee of US$21 will nearly double to US$40 from that date. The previous increase was in May 2022. The authorization is valid for two years or until the passport expires.

ESTA is required in advance for travelers entering the United States by air, sea, or land under the Visa Waiver Program, which includes Japan, for short-term business, tourism, or transit. Travelers who have visited certain countries are ineligible.