As of February 2026, the fee for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for travelers from the UK to the USA is $40. This fee nearly doubled on September 30, 2025, from its previous price of $21. The $40 charge is composed of a $10 processing fee and a $30 "tourism promotion" and "treasury" fee. An approved ESTA is high-value because it is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows for multiple entries into the U.S. for stays of up to 90 days. It is a peer-to-peer essential to only use the official CBP website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov) to apply; many "scam" or "third-party" sites will charge you an additional $50 to $100 for a service you can easily do yourself in 15 minutes. While the $40 fee is a "blow" compared to previous years, it remains a high-value, mandatory requirement for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) citizens—failure to have one will result in being denied boarding at the airport in London or Manchester before you even begin your journey to NYC.