Most EU citizens are able to travel to the USA using an ESTA. (Short for Electronic System for Travel Authorization). For many years, it was US$14 (~€12), however, it is about to increase to US$21 (~€18) in the coming days.
BTN Europe reports that one of the components, the travel promotion fee will increase from US$10 (~€9) to US$17 (~€14), while the US$4 (~€3) operational fee remains unchanged.
The increase has already appeared in the US Federal Register with May 20 as the implementation date. However, a spokesperson told BTN Europe that the increase would take effect on May 26. The price should not increase until 2027, according to the notice.
There are many rip-off companies that look like the official ESTA website. Please take caution, as they can ask for much more money. You should never pay more than US$21 (~€18) (US$14 (~€12) until May 26) and should always use esta.cbp.dhs.gov!
The ESTA
The United States introduced an electronic travel authorization in 2009 to tighten entry from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. Currently, the citizens of 40 countries have to fill in an ESTA application to travel to the United States. This includes all EU citizens, except Bulgarians, Cypriots, Romanians and Hungarian citizens born outside of Hungary.
The ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US and can be denied in some circumstances (visiting eight countries). It does not replace a visa. You can stay 90 days in the US but stays in Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and Caribbean islands also count towards the 90 days.
Passengers travelling to the US by air still need to show a test made 24 hours before departure in addition to full vaccination.
Information & Tips for USA
The United States offers a wide range of tourist sights, from national parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. The currency is the U.S. dollar (USD), and card payments are widely accepted. Prices vary by region but can be high in major cities, especially for accommodation and dining. Weather differs greatly across the country—winters can be harsh in the north, while the south often stays mild; summers are generally hot and humid in many areas.
The U.S. transport infrastructure is highly car-dependent, especially outside major cities. Urban centres like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco have functional public transit, but many other cities have limited options. Between cities, domestic flights are common for long distances, while intercity buses and Amtrak trains cover some routes, though often with slower speeds and less frequency compared to other countries. Without a car, getting around can be inconvenient in many parts of the country.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as Knowroaming and Ubigi. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for the USA 🇺🇸 Compared
→ All Dealz for USA
Cover Picture: White House | Johannes Kinast