"At the start of October, the US government increased the price of the ESTA, the travel document required for non-citizens visiting the United States for a short visit (under 90 days) from 'visa waiver' countries, which includes EU/Schengen nations, the UK and other visa waiver countries like Japan. The ESTA price increased from $21 to $40, as part of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', which was enshrined on July 4th, 2025."
"As such, if you are an American citizen travelling with your EU partner or friend (who does not have an existing visa or green card), then they will need to purchase an ESTA before the trip. They will not be allowed to board the flight to the US without having completed this document. The application itself takes a little over 20 minutes to complete, but you may not get a response for a few days."
European and other visa-waiver nationals can enter the United States for stays under 90 days without a visa but must obtain an ESTA. The US increased the ESTA fee from $21 to $40 effective early October under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act enacted July 4, 2025. Non-US travellers without visas or green cards must secure the ESTA before boarding; airlines will deny boarding without it. Applications take a little over 20 minutes but responses can take days, so apply well before travel. An ESTA is valid two years but requires renewal if the passport expires sooner. US citizens do not need an ESTA; dual nationals should use their US passport.
Read at The Local Germany
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