Last updated: 18 September 2026. This article is published by an independent travel information portal not affiliated with any government agency, providing guidance based on the official US Customs and Border Protection fee schedule.
The ESTA USA cost in 2026 is exactly $40.27. This fee breakdown comprises a processing fee $10.27 and an authorization fee $30. A family of four pays $161.08 total. If you have a rejected application, only the processing fee is lost. The authorisation is valid for two years. Every applicant travelling under the Visa Waiver Program must pay the full per person cost, meaning the ESTA USA cost applies to all ages.
How Much Does an ESTA Cost in 2026?
The ESTA USA cost in 2026 stands at $40.27 per applicant, roughly equivalent to £31 to £33, having increased from $21 on 30 September 2025 under the Big Beautiful Bill Act (PL 119-21).
ESTA Fee Breakdown: Where Every $40.27 Goes
This fee breakdown details how the ESTA USA cost splits into a non-refundable processing fee $10.27 charged immediately, alongside an authorization fee $30 held as pending until approval or release. You can verify these amounts via the official USA.gov VWP Info page.
| Component | Amount | Refundable on Rejection? |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Fee | $10.27 | No |
| Authorization Fee | $30.00 | Yes (Hold Released) |
ESTA Cost for Families – How Much Will You Pay in Total?
Every traveller, including children and infants, pays the full $40.27 ESTA fee in 2026 with no group discounts. This means a family of four pays a total of $161.08. The ESTA USA cost scales linearly: multiply the $40.27 per person cost by the number of applicants. For a detailed walkthrough of submitting applications for multiple travellers, see our guide on ESTA for UK families.
For example, the Smith family of four applied on 10 January 2026, paid $161.08 via a UK debit card, and received all approvals within 48 hours. The ESTA USA cost appeared on their statement as “CBP ESTA FEE”.
| Group Size | Total Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 adult) | $40.27 | ~£32 |
| Couple (2 adults) | $80.54 | ~£64 |
| Family of 3 | $120.81 | ~£96 |
| Family of 4 | $161.08 | ~£124 |
| Family of 5 | $201.35 | ~£155 |
Do Children and Infants Pay the Full $40.27?
Children and infants must each have their own approved authorisation before travelling. The ESTA USA cost offers no age-based reductions, requiring full payment for every minor.
What Happens If Your ESTA Application Is Rejected?
On rejection, CBP keeps the processing fee $10.27 and releases the authorization fee $30 hold. Handling a rejected application involves these facts regarding the ESTA USA cost. For a deeper look at refund rules and what happens to your money, read our article on the ESTA cost refund policy.
Initial charge
The full ESTA USA cost of $40.27 is charged upon submission.
Fee retention
Upon denial, CBP permanently retains the processing fee of $10.27.
Reapplication
In 2026, submitting a new application after a rejection requires paying a new $40.27 fee.
Rejection Refund Timeline: What to Expect on Your Bank Statement
According to official guidelines, CBP releases the $30.00 hold, clearing in 5-10 business days on UK bank statements. For payment queries regarding the ESTA USA cost, contact the CBP Traveler Communications Center at +1-202-325-8000 (24 hours per day, 7 days a week).
The Real Cost for UK Travellers – Payment, Currency Conversion & Bank Fees
UK high-street cards add a ~2.99% fee, raising the ESTA USA cost to approximately £32 to £33, while FX-free cards charge roughly £31.
Accepted payment methods for the ESTA USA cost: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, PayPal, and cards linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay. Group payment sessions enforce a strict 30-minute timeout limit. For a full overview of every accepted card and wallet, see our guide to ESTA payment methods.
| Payment Method | Estimated GBP Cost | Extra Fees |
|---|---|---|
| High-street Bank Card | £32 to £33 | ~2.99% FX fee |
| FX-free Card | ~£31 | 0% FX fee |
| Third-party Agencies | £60+ | $80 to $150+ markup |
How Will the ESTA Charge Appear on My Bank Statement?
The ESTA USA cost displays on UK accounts as “CBP ESTA FEE” or “DHS TRAVEL AUTH” in USD, initially showing as a pending transaction.
ESTA Cost in Context: Third-Party Traps, Visa Alternatives & UK ETA
For the ESTA USA cost, the genuine government portal charges $40.27; third-party websites charge $80 to $150+ for the same application. In comparison, a standard US B1/B2 visa requires a $185 fee, whereas the UK ETA for Americans visiting the UK costs £20. To understand when a full visa might be the better route, read our comparison of ESTA vs visa options.
The ESTA USA cost remains fixed when applying directly through the CBP ESTA Portal. The table below compares the US visa waiver against other common travel documents.
| Document | Cost USD | Cost GBP | Validity | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA | $40.27 | ~£32-£33 | 2 years | 90 days |
| US B1/B2 Visa | $185 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| UK ETA (via GOV.UK) | N/A | £20 | N/A | N/A |
ESTA Requirements at a Glance (2026)
The ESTA USA cost covers entry assessment for UK passport holders with a valid e-passport, travelling for tourism or business, with a maximum 90-day stay and 72-hour processing. For official guidance, consult the UK US Embassy ESTA Info. For a full breakdown of who qualifies, review our ESTA requirements guide.
- The authorisation is valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple trips. Learn more about how long an ESTA lasts.
- The ESTA USA cost applies to all citizens applying under the Visa Waiver Program, strictly requiring authorisation for both air and sea transit.
- Travellers can utilise the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app upon arrival. From abroad, Consular Emergency Assistance is available at +1-202-501-4444 (24/7).
FAQ: ESTA USA Cost
Is the $40.27 ESTA fee per person or per application?
The $40.27 ESTA fee is charged per person. Every traveller, including children and infants, must have their own approved authorisation and pay the full per person cost.
Will I get a full refund if my ESTA is rejected?
No, you will not receive a full refund for a rejected application. The fee breakdown consists of a non-refundable processing fee of $10.27 and an authorization fee of $30.00. If denied, the US Customs and Border Protection keeps the $10.27. The $30.00 pending hold is released, taking 5 to 10 business days to clear.
How much does an ESTA cost for a family of four?
An ESTA for a family of four costs exactly $161.08 in total. There are no age-based reductions or family discounts available under the Visa Waiver Program. Each of the four family members, including babies or toddlers, must pay the standard $40.27 fee for their application.
Can I pay the ESTA USA cost with a UK debit card?
Yes, you can pay the ESTA USA cost using a UK debit or credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Be aware that standard UK high street banks typically apply a 2.99 percent non-sterling transaction fee, which brings the actual cost to approximately £32 to £33.
How does the ESTA charge appear on a UK bank statement?
When you pay the $40.27, the charge will initially appear as a pending transaction in USD. Once processed, it will show on your UK bank statement under the merchant descriptor CBP ESTA FEE or DHS TRAVEL AUTH.
Do I have to pay again if I make a mistake on my ESTA application?
Yes. If you make a data entry error, such as entering the wrong passport details, you cannot simply edit the submitted form. You must submit a completely new application and pay the full $40.27 ESTA fee again.
Are there any cheaper ways to get an ESTA?
No, $40.27 is the absolute minimum cost when applying directly through the genuine US Customs and Border Protection portal at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. There are no discounts. You should avoid third-party websites, as these unofficial services often charge heavily marked up fees ranging from $80 to over $150.
Is the ESTA fee subject to UK VAT?
No, the ESTA fee is not subject to UK VAT. It is a foreign travel authorisation charge levied directly by the United States government. The only additional charges you might incur are the foreign exchange fees applied by your own UK bank or credit card provider.
How long is the ESTA valid for?
The authorisation is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the US without paying the ESTA USA cost again.
Do I need an ESTA for transit through the US?
Yes. Even if you are only transiting through the United States en route to another country, you must pay the $40.27 ESTA USA cost. This applies to both air and sea transit, including connecting flights and cruise ship transfers.
