Costs
ESTA costs: the CBP fee and our prices
Last checked: · Sources: CBP, DHS, Federal Register
If you search for “ESTA costs”, you will find very different figures. There are two reasons for this: the fee set by the US authority and the charge that private service providers add on top. This guide separates the two.
The CBP fee: what it consists of and how it changes
The ESTA fee has been governed by new legislation since 30 September 2025 (HR-1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). Before that, it was 21 US dollars. It consists of three parts: USD 17, USD 13 and a cost-recovery share that is adjusted for inflation every year.
| Period | Total fee | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| 30 September 2025 – 31 December 2025 | USD 40.00 | 17 + 10.00 + 13 |
| 1 January 2026 – 15 October 2026 | USD 40.27 | 17 + 10.27 + 13 |
| from 16 October 2026 | USD 40.62 | 17 + 10.62 + 13 |
If an application is denied, according to the authority’s publication only the cost-recovery share is charged (USD 10.27, from 16 October 2026 USD 10.62). Information pages sometimes still show the old amount after the cut-off date; what counts is the amount shown on the payment page of the application.
When the fee is charged again
The fee applies per application. According to CBP, it is charged again for every new application – for example after the authorisation expires, with a new passport, a change of name or changed answers to the eligibility questions. Everyone travelling with you, including children, needs their own application; the sources do not mention any reduction for children.
Our prices
Our prices are total prices including VAT and including the CBP fee of currently USD 40.62, which we pay to CBP in our own name (included in the fixed price):
| Package | Total price (incl. 19 % VAT) | Processing target (internal review) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | €125 | 3 working days |
| Priority check | €145 | 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) |
| Top-priority check | €175 | 24 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays) |
| Additional traveller | €105 | as main application |
These times are non-binding targets for our review and submission, and they do not apply to CBP’s decision. What is included in the price is shown on the prices page.
How to assess price offers
Before you pay a provider, a quick check is worthwhile:
- Is the CBP fee included in the price or added on top? A total price in euros including tax should be clearly stated.
- Is an approval promised? Nobody except CBP can do that.
- Is it clear what happens to the charge if the application is denied? With us, this is governed by the terms and conditions.
The authority charges the CBP fee in US dollars. Our total prices are fixed euro amounts that include the fee. The FAQ answers further questions; you can start your application under apply for ESTA.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does ESTA cost directly with CBP?
- Until 15 October 2026 the fee is 40.27 US dollars; from 16 October 2026 it is 40.62 US dollars per authorisation according to the Federal Register.
- Is the ESTA fee changing in October 2026?
- Yes. On 1 October 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published the adjustment for fiscal year 2027: the cost-recovery share rises from 10.27 to 10.62 US dollars, bringing the total fee to 40.62 US dollars from 16 October 2026.
- Do I have to pay the full fee if my application is denied?
- According to the Federal Register, only the cost-recovery share is charged for a denied application (USD 10.27, from 16 October 2026 USD 10.62).
You will find more answers in the ESTA FAQ.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. The information is based on the following government sources. Rules and fees can change; the current publication by CBP is decisive. This article is general information and not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – the decision is always made by CBP.