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IN BRIEF
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Access to the United States will soon be more expensive for foreign visitors: the price of the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), required for a stay of less than 90 days without a visa, will significantly increase starting in 2026. This measure, which affects millions of travelers including French nationals, comes amid tightening immigration policies and security reforms. Here is an overview of the upcoming changes, their budgetary justification, and their impact on international tourism.
The cost of the ESTA, essential for entering the United States, will soon increase
The price of the ESTA, currently set at 21 dollars, will see a significant increase to reach 40 dollars starting in 2026. This increase is part of the recent savings plan adopted by the American Senate this summer and will affect more than forty nations included in the visa waiver program. Among these countries is France, whose nationals must obtain this electronic authorization before traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes for a maximum duration of 90 days. However, the exact date of implementation of the new rate has not yet been specified by the American authorities.
The ESTA remains an essential procedure for many travelers. This price increase, often misunderstood, frequently comes up in discussions about the true cost of a stay in the United States, as detailed in this article on the cost of the American ESTA.
A measure included in an American budget reform
This decision is included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a budget law recently enacted by the Trump administration. This text encompasses numerous cuts in social spending, aimed at funding American border control and modernizing airspace. The proceeds from the increase in the ESTA fee are to be used to enhance security at the entry to American territory. For those affected, this increase represents an additional burden to be included in the overall budget of the stay.
The mechanism of the ESTA fits into a global trend of securing migration flows through the establishment of electronic travel authorizations. Moreover, obtaining a valid authorization becomes crucial, especially in cases of passport changes. It is therefore necessary to renew the ESTA when there is a modification of travel documents, as discussed in this practical guide: Renew your ESTA authorization in case of a passport change.
Additional fees for visas and an international trend
Alongside the revision of the ESTA fee, an increase in visa fees is also planned, particularly affecting students and travelers who need to obtain a traditional American visa. A new “visa integrity fee” of a minimum of 250 dollars will be added to existing fees for the fiscal year 2025. However, this amount will only be required upon acceptance of the requested visa.
This system of electronic authorization is becoming widespread internationally. In Europe, the Etias – European Travel Information and Authorization System – will be mandatory starting in 2026 for visa-exempt visitors, according to the information available here: The European Etias system will be mandatory starting in 2026.
The United Kingdom, for its part, has introduced the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) charged at 12 euros for European visitors, mandatory since April for all non-European residents exempt from visa. This provision allows stays of a maximum of six months and also funds border security measures, as detailed in the new travel regulations in the United Kingdom.
Uncertainties for international tourism
The increase in the entry price to the United States is far from unanimous among travel sector professionals. Some, like the U.S Travel Association, believe that these new taxes could deter some visitors, who are already facing a global increase in the cost of international tourism. This decision comes at a time when the United States is expecting a massive influx of tourists for major events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
To fully understand how the ESTA works and avoid any confusion regarding procedures and fees, it is recommended to consult reliable resources, such as explanations about the real cost of the ESTA.
In this context of regulatory and budgetary changes, it is essential for future travelers to the United States to inform themselves about administrative developments and to incorporate these new fees into their trip preparations.
