August 27, 2010

The Department of State Visa Policy Update for ESTA Fees for Visa Waiver Travelers

The Department of State (DOS) recently released a policy update, including Frequently Asked Questions explaining the new ESTA fees for Visa Waiver Travelers.  As reported on August 13, 2010, effective September 8, 2010, all Electronic System for Travel Authorization registration applications or renewals on or after that date will require a congressionally mandated fee of $14.00 payment by credit or debit card: a $10 travel promotion fee for an approved ESTA statutorily set by the Travel Promotion Act and a $4.00 operational fee for the use of ESTA as set by the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure recovery of the full costs of providing and administering the ESTA system. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date.