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ESTA Visa USA from UK Cost: Everything You Need to Know
Traveling to the United States from the UK is relatively straightforward for citizens of the United Kingdom, especially when you apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This program allows UK citizens to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, or transit without needing a traditional visa. However, one of the most common questions that travelers from the UK ask is: How much does an ESTA cost? In this guide, we will break down the ESTA visa USA from UK cost, explain the application process, and cover other essential details related to traveling under the Visa Waiver Program.
An ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online travel authorization that allows travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to visit the United States without needing a full visa. Instead of applying for a traditional visa, UK citizens can apply for an ESTA, which permits them to stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
If you are planning a short visit to the U.S. and meet all the requirements, applying for an ESTA is the quickest and easiest way to gain entry.
2. How Much Does ESTA Cost for UK Citizens?
For UK citizens, the cost of applying for an ESTA USA visa is $21 USD (as of now). This amount is a non-refundable fee that covers the processing of your ESTA application. It's important to remember that this fee is paid online during the application process using a credit or debit card. The ESTA fee is the same for all applicants, regardless of their age or the purpose of their visit.
The $21 fee includes both the application processing and any potential administrative costs. However, it's worth noting that while the application fee is relatively low, ESTA is not a visa and does not provide the same level of security or benefits as a full visa. It’s a travel authorization for short visits.
3. When Do I Need to Pay the ESTA Fee?
You will pay the ESTA visa USA cost when you submit your application online. After completing the required fields (personal details, passport information, travel details, and security questions), you will be directed to a payment page. The system accepts payments via credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal.
After your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email, and your ESTA application will be processed. In most cases, you’ll receive approval within minutes, but it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours in advance of your planned departure to the U.S.
4. What Does ESTA Cost Cover?
The $21 fee for your ESTA USA visa from the UK covers:
Processing of your application: This includes reviewing your application and verifying your eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.
System maintenance: The cost also helps maintain the infrastructure of the online application system.
Security checks: This involves running your application through a series of security databases to ensure you are eligible to travel to the U.S.
It’s essential to note that this is the only fee associated with the ESTA process. If your application is approved, you won’t have to pay any additional charges or taxes to enter the U.S.
5. What Happens if My ESTA Application is Denied?
In some cases, your ESTA application may be denied. This could happen for several reasons, such as:
Inaccurate or incomplete information on your application.
A criminal record or previous immigration violations.
Failure to meet the health or security requirements of the U.S.
If your application is denied, you will be notified of the rejection, and you may be required to apply for a U.S. visa instead. Keep in mind that the $21 fee is non-refundable, so if your ESTA application is denied, you will not receive a refund.
6. How Long is My ESTA Valid for?
Once approved, your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the U.S., as long as each stay does not exceed 90 days. However, your ESTA is only valid for travel under the Visa Waiver Program, so if you intend to stay longer than 90 days or for a different purpose (e.g., work, study), you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
7. Can I Use ESTA for Multiple Trips?
Yes, ESTA is a multiple-entry travel authorization. As long as your ESTA is still valid, you can use it for multiple trips to the U.S. within the two-year validity period. Each trip can be up to 90 days long, but you must comply with the rules of the Visa Waiver Program, which means you must enter the U.S. for purposes like tourism, business, or transit.
It’s important to note that each time you enter the U.S. under the VWP, you must have a valid ESTA and meet all the eligibility requirements.
8. Can I Apply for ESTA If I Already Have a U.S. Visa?
If you already have a valid U.S. visa, you do not need to apply for an ESTA. ESTA is only required for travelers who are entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. If you already hold a valid visa, your visa allows you to enter the U.S., and you do not need to apply for an ESTA.
9. Do I Need ESTA for Transit Through the U.S.?
Yes, if you are transiting through a U.S. airport (even if you don’t leave the airport), you will still need to apply for an ESTA. This is because you are technically entering the U.S. territory, even if your stay is brief and you don’t plan to leave the airport.
If you are transiting through the U.S. en route to another country, ensure that you apply for your ESTA in advance to avoid any issues at the airport.
10. How Long Does It Take to Get ESTA Approval?
After submitting your ESTA application, you should receive a decision within minutes. In most cases, applicants are notified immediately whether their ESTA is approved or denied. However, if additional processing is needed, it could take up to 72 hours.
To ensure that you receive approval on time, apply for your ESTA as soon as possible, ideally at least three days before your planned departure. This will give you ample time to address any issues that may arise.
Call for Action: Apply for Your ESTA Today!
If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. from the UK, applying for your ESTA visa is an essential part of the process. With a low cost of $21 USD, the application is simple, quick, and efficient. Don’t delay—apply for your ESTA today and get your U.S. travel plans approved!
CLICK HERE to apply for your ESTA online.