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Travel Advice: Nine Pounds Charged for ESTA Form

13 August 2010


From September 2010, travellers from the UK to the USA will have to pay nine pounds in order to obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The ESTA is compulsory for any UK citizen travelling to the United States.

Any traveller coming from countries holding a USA Visa Waiver Status, such as the UK, will be subject to the charge for their ESTA status. The money will mostly be used for the promotion of US Tourism and the rest will cover various administration charges.

How to apply:


The best way to apply for the ESTA is online. Both the US Customs and Border Protection website and the ESTA website allow you to apply for it. Payment is limited to MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover debit and credit cards. It is possible to have a third party pay the fee should you require it.

What if I don't apply?


All travellers from countries within the VWP (Visa Waiver Programme) are legally obliged to obtain ESTA permission before travelling, otherwise they won't be granted permission to enter the USA.

For more information regarding ESTA click here.