DOS Introduces the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Fee for Visa Waiver Travelers
On August 6, 2010, DHS announced an interim final rule to require international travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to pay operational and travel promotion fees when applying for ESTA beginning September 8, 2010. The total fee will be $14.00, with $4.00 to recover the cost of administering the ESTA system and $10.00 as mandated in the TPA.
The following are Visa Waiver Program member countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
According to the DOS Cable, at this time, payment is required through the following credit cards: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover. Payments can also be made with a debit card that holds the Visa or Mastercard symbol. The ESTA registration form already in use will walk users through the payment process. Each approved ESTA application will be valid for a period of two years unless the traveler's passport expires sooner. It allows for multiple visits to the United States within that application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid for travel through their expiration date.
Be advised that ESTA approval is not a visa under U.S. law, nor does it confer the same benefits as a visa.
