US-bound European tourists will encounter a significant increase in ESTA fees starting late September

The US is set to implement a series of changes in visa fees, affecting both travellers from visa waiver countries and those from non-visa waiver countries.

For travellers from visa waiver countries, including those in the EU, the ESTA fee will increase from $21 to $40 on September 30, 2025. This change was condemned by the US Travel Association. The ESTA, required for travellers entering the US through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), can be applied for through various platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Flipboard, Reddit, LinkedIn, Messenger, Telegram, VK, Bluesky, Threads, and Whatsapp. The ESTA remains valid for two years.

On the other hand, a new $250 (€287) "visa integrity fee" will go into effect on October 1, affecting travellers from non-visa waiver countries such as Argentina, Mexico, China, Brazil, and India. This fee is in addition to the current ESTA fee structure, which consists of a $10 processing charge and an additional $30 authorisation fee. The additional $30 includes a $17 travel promotion charge and a $13 Treasury General Fund charge.

The total US visa cost will increase to $442 (€379) with the addition of the "visa integrity fee". This price hike comes as the US is experiencing a steep decline in foreign tourists, potentially further dissuading visitors. In July, foreign travel to the US dropped 3.1% compared to last year, with international arrivals falling 1.6% or more than 3 million compared to 2024.

The declining appeal of the US as a travel destination has been spurred by the Trump administration's immigration policies, widespread tariffs, and foreign aid cuts. The new "visa integrity fee" applies to travellers from non-visa waiver countries, unlike the ESTA fee increase that affects travellers from 41 countries, including those in the EU.

It's important to note that travellers can visit the US for business or tourism stays for 90 days or less without a visa, as long as they have an ESTA. However, the increasing costs may deter some potential visitors, contributing to the ongoing decline in foreign tourist numbers.

The US Travel Association, in condemning the cost increase in ESTA fees passed by the US Congress in July, expressed concerns about the potential impact on the US economy, which relies heavily on tourism revenue. As the implementation dates for these changes approach, it will be interesting to see how these changes affect travel patterns and the US economy.

US-bound European tourists will encounter a significant increase in ESTA fees starting late September