Congress is currently reviewing a proposal that would nearly double the cost of the ESTA, the essential travel authorization required for visa-exempt visitors to the United States. The measure, assessed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), still needs to go through several legislative steps before it can take effect.
On May 19, 2025, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a budgetary analysis titled “Reconciliation Recommendations of the House Committee on the Judiciary”. Among the various provisions under review is a proposed increase in the ESTA fee, which is mandatory for travelers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Currently priced at $21, the ESTA fee could rise to $40, nearly double the current amount. The primary aim of the increase is to boost federal revenue, especially as the U.S. government looks for ways to offset immigration- and security-related expenses.
According to the document, the CBO “estimates that enacting the provision would increase revenues by $3.8 billion, increase outlays by $716 million, and reduce the deficit by $3.1 billion over the 2025-2034 period. CBO did not apply the offset for indirect taxes to this provision.”
What is the role of the CBO?
The CBO is a nonpartisan agency responsible for estimating the financial impact of proposed legislation. It does not draft or propose laws itself, but rather analyzes the budgetary effects of recommendations made by Congress.
The report, therefore, is not a final decision but an important preparatory step in the legislative process.
What needs to happen for the increase to become law?
The proposal to raise the ESTA fee will only take effect if it passes through the full federal legislative process. Here are the key steps:
- House of Representatives approval
The bill containing the measure must be passed by the House of Representatives, possibly as part of a broader budget package. - Senate approval
The bill then goes to the Senate, where it may be approved as-is, amended, or rejected. If amended, both chambers must reconcile any differences before final approval. - Presidential signature
Once approved by both chambers, the bill is sent to the President. If the President signs it, the bill becomes law. - Regulatory implementation
Relevant agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would then need to update their procedures and systems. This might include publishing new regulations in the Federal Register.
A proposal to watch closely, for now
Until the measure is approved by both Congress and the President, the ESTA fee remains unchanged. However, now that the $40 fee increase has been formally documented and assessed by the CBO, it’s clear that lawmakers are seriously considering the option.
🛂 What is the ESTA?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that determines the eligibility of travelers to visit the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Note: Having an ESTA does not guarantee entry into the U.S., the final decision is made by CBP officers upon arrival.
🌍 Who needs an ESTA?
Citizens of the 42 countries participating in the VWP, including most European nations, must obtain an individual ESTA authorization before traveling. This requirement applies to all travelers, including children.
📋 Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for an ESTA, travelers must:
- Hold a biometric passport;
- Be traveling for tourism, business, or transiting through the U.S.;
- Not have visited or stayed in any of the following countries since March 1, 2011: Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen;
- Not have traveled to Cuba since January 12, 2021;
- Not be a citizen or dual national of any of those countries.
⏳ ESTA validity
- Valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first;
- Allows multiple entries to the U.S. during its validity period;
- Each stay must be 90 days or less.
💳 Current cost and application process
- The current ESTA fee is $21, consisting of a $4 processing fee and a $17 authorization fee;
- Applications can be submitted via the official website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) or the “ESTA Mobile” app (iOS and Android);
- Travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure.
