Starting January 1, 2026, travellers heading to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program will see a small change in the cost of their ESTA. The fee will increase from $40 to $40.27, reflecting a 27-cent rise due to annual inflation adjustments.
A Small Change After a Big Hike
Just a year ago, the ESTA fee went up sharply from $21 to $40 after the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1) took effect. That was a significant change for millions of travellers. This time, the U.S. government is making only a minor adjustment based on inflation, as mandated by law.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the increase is due to a 2.7% rise in the Consumer Price Index. The update was officially published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2025.
What Changes in the Fee Breakdown
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee has three parts, but only one is changing in 2026:
| Component | Previous Fee | New Fee (2026) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism Promotion Fund | $17 | $17 | No change |
| Program Component | $13 | $13 | No change |
| System Management (inflation-adjusted) | $10 | $10.27 | +$0.27 |
| Total | $40 | $40.27 | +0.27 |
If an ESTA application is denied, travellers only pay the management fee, now set at $10.27.
Other Immigration Fees Hike
The ESTA fee increase is not the only change. Starting January 2026, USCIS will raise fees for several other immigration forms, including those for asylum, parole, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This increase comes from standard inflation adjustments.
The new fees for the immigration forms will be as follows:
| Form Type | Old Fee (USD) | New Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Asylum Application Fee | $100 | $102 |
| Form I-765 (Initial Asylum Applicant EAD) | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765 (Initial Parole EAD) | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765 (Renewal/Extension of Parole EAD) | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-765 (Initial TPS EAD) | $550 | $560 |
| Form I-765 (Renewal/Extension of TPS EAD) | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-131 (Part 9 – EAD for Re-Parole) | $275 | $280 |
| Form I-821 (Application for TPS) | $500 | $510 |
What ESTA Is and Who Can Use It
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, also known as ESTA, is an online travel permit that allows citizens from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business trips of up to 90 days without needing a visa.
The application is filled out online and, once approved, is valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires. ESTA helps the U.S. screen visitors before they board their flight. This process makes travel smoother and more secure.
Countries Eligible for ESTA
Currently, 42 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program. Here’s the full list:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Chile
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
Final Thoughts
The 2026 update to ESTA fees is hardly noticeable. A 27-cent increase won’t make much difference for travellers planning trips to the U.S., especially when compared to last year’s significant rise. However, it’s a good reminder to always check the latest travel rules and fees before applying.
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