ESTA for the USA will be more expensive: Entry will soon cost 40 dollars

And once again, entry into the United States is a much-discussed topic. After the rejection of international travelers at border controls attracted attention in the spring of 2025, US travelers now face more bad news.

Because entering the USA is set to become significantly more expensive soon. The reason for this is the controversial tax and spending bill "One Big Beautiful Bill," which US President Donald Trump signed on Friday. According to this bill, the fees for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) for the USA will almost double. Without the so-called ESTA, entry into the USA is only possible with an expensive visa.

Instead of the current $21, an ESTA will then cost $40 per person – the equivalent of approximately €34. The law still needs to be signed by President Donald Trump. Therefore, it is not yet clear when the fee increase will officially take effect.

However, public criticism is already coming from the US Travel Association, which fears that the increase in ESTA fees could deter travelers.

"Increasing fees for legitimate international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tax on one of our nation's largest exports: international traveler spending. These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and only discourage foreign visitors at a time when they already have concerns about the unwelcome environment and high prices," said Geoff Freeman, president of the US Travel Association.

The higher ESTA fees are not the only cost factor that is becoming more expensive for US travelers.

In the future, tourists will also have to pay more to visit national parks. President Trump announced this at a campaign event . However, it is not yet known how much more expensive admission will be for foreigners. Implementing this will likely require the creation of a new access system, as locals will also be given priority for reservations required for the most popular parks.

There is some good news for tourists traveling to the USA, however. As several US media outlets report, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has decided in its guidelines that travelers are no longer required to remove their shoes at border control.

According to CBS News, the annoying procedure is no longer required on a trial basis at the following airports: Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Portland International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and Piedmont Triad International Airport in North Carolina. Departures at LaGuardia Airport in New York and Los Angeles International Airport also weren't required to remove their shoes.

The rule was introduced after a terrorist allegedly attempted to detonate an explosive device hidden in shoes on a flight to the USA.

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