esta visa for usa from uk cost

ESTA Visa for USA from the UK: Cost and Everything You Need to Know

When planning a trip to the United States, one of the most important steps for UK citizens is understanding the requirements for entry. If you’re traveling for tourism or business, the ESTA visa (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is often the most efficient and cost-effective way to gain entry under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In this article, we’ll explore the ESTA visa for the USA from the UK cost, how to apply, and other essential details you should know before booking your flight.

What is an ESTA Visa?

The ESTA visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries, including the UK, to enter the United States without a traditional visa. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which the UK is a part of, permits travelers to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes without needing to obtain a full visa.

The ESTA is valid for two years, meaning you can travel to the U.S. multiple times during that period, as long as each visit is under 90 days. However, every time you travel to the U.S., you need to ensure your ESTA is still valid.

ESTA Visa for USA from the UK Cost

The cost of an ESTA visa for the USA from the UK is relatively affordable compared to other visa types. As of now, the official ESTA application fee is approximately $21 USD. However, this amount can vary slightly depending on the processing service you use. While the U.S. government charges a base fee of $14 USD, some third-party websites may charge additional service fees for processing the application on your behalf. It’s important to only use official government websites to avoid inflated charges or scams.

The ESTA application fee covers the processing and review of your application by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If your ESTA is approved, you are granted permission to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.

How to Apply for an ESTA Visa from the UK

The application process for the ESTA visa for the USA from the UK is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Visit the Official ESTA Website: Go to the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website or an authorized third-party service provider to start the application.
Fill Out the Application: You’ll need to provide basic personal information, travel details, and answer a few eligibility questions regarding your criminal history, health, and previous travel to the U.S.
Pay the ESTA Fee: After completing the application form, you will need to pay the ESTA visa cost of $21 USD. Make sure to use a secure payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal.
Wait for Approval: In most cases, you’ll receive a decision within minutes of submitting your application. However, it’s recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight to ensure everything is processed on time.
Receive Your ESTA Authorization: If your application is approved, you’ll receive your ESTA via email. You do not need to print the authorization; airlines and U.S. immigration officials will be able to access your details electronically.

Important Things to Know About ESTA

While an ESTA allows UK citizens to travel to the U.S. for short stays, there are some crucial points you should be aware of before applying:

Eligibility: Not everyone is eligible for an ESTA. You must be a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country (such as the UK) and meet other requirements like not having overstayed a previous U.S. visit.
Purpose of Travel: ESTA is strictly for tourism, business, or transit. If your travel purpose doesn’t fit into these categories, you may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.
Travel Duration: The maximum length of stay under the ESTA is 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a different visa type.
Multiple Entries: ESTA allows you to enter the U.S. multiple times within a two-year period. However, each visit must be within the 90-day limit.
Validity: Your ESTA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires during that period, you will need to reapply for a new ESTA.

ESTA Denial: What To Do Next?

In rare cases, your ESTA application may be denied. If this happens, it doesn't necessarily mean you're ineligible to travel to the U.S., but you may need to apply for a traditional visa instead. In such cases, you should visit the U.S. embassy or consulate in the UK for further guidance on applying for a visa.