Travel Fee Instituted
Since January 12, 2009 travelers to the United States from the Visa Waiver countries have been required to apply electronically for a travel authorization via the ESTA system. The authorization is valid for two years from the date received.
As of September 8, 2010 all travelers who are required to have an ESTA authorization will be assessed a $14 fee when they apply. Ten dollars of this fee is the so-called "travel promotion fee" passed by Congress in an attempt to promote tourism to the United States. This portion of the total fee will only be assessed if the travel authorization is granted. The $4 administrative fee, imposed to help defray the costs associated with processing the ESTA applications will be assessed whether or not the travel authorization is granted. Currently the only forms of payment accepted are the following credit/debit cards: MasterCard, VISA, American Express, and Discover.
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