US travel fee doubles: what the ESTA price hike means for your holiday

The American dream is about to get pricier for Aussies.

An American flag. Picture by Shutterstock

Updated September 8 2025 - 12:51pm, first published 12:16pm

The fee for Australian holidaymakers entering the United States is doubling under new border measures being introduced at the end of September.

From September 30, the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) fee will increase from US$21 (AU$32) to US$40 (AU$61), according to US Customs and Border Protection.

Most Australians visiting the US - including for a holiday - can enter the country for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program by applying for an ESTA.

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The ESTA is a visa waiver permit intended for short trips to the US and can be used by tourists and business travellers, says the Australian Government's Smartraveller website.

If you already have a valid, approved ESTA you do not need to re-apply. But when your ESTA validity period ends and you re-apply for an ESTA, you will be charged the new fee.

Other price hikes

The ESTA price hike comes under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, which changed and added many laws in the US from July 4.

Also under the bill, Australians not eligible for the ESTA visa waiver will be subject to a new Visa Integrity Fee.

READ MORE: The American comeback: is the Aussie love affair with the US back on?

The Visa Integrity Fee will cost $250 (AU$380) from October 1.

Those not eligible for the ESTA include tourists who wish to stay in the US for longer than 90 days, as well as students and business travellers.

READ MORE: 'May be detained': US travel update issued amid toughened border security

In addition to the Visa Integrity Fee, business and tourism travellers entering the US on a B1 or B2 visa need to pay the visa processing fee which rose from US$160 ($AU243) to US$185 (AU$281) in 2023.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.