The fee went up to $40
The ESTA fee rose from $21 to $40 on 30 September 2025, which is roughly £31 depending on the exchange rate. Every traveller needs their own, including children and infants, so a family of four is now looking at around $160 rather than $84.
It lasts two years, or until your passport expires
An approved ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you already hold a valid one you do not need to reapply for this trip. If you renew your passport, you need a new ESTA.
Apply on the official site only
Apply through the official US Customs and Border Protection site. A large number of copycat sites appear in search results and charge substantially more for what is the same application, sometimes without submitting it correctly. There is no paid fast-track: the official service is the only one.
Apply before you book anything non-refundable
Approval is usually quick but is not guaranteed and is not instant in every case. Official advice is to apply well before travel rather than at the airport. Do it before committing to non-refundable flights or hotel rates.
An ESTA is permission to travel, not entry
It authorises you to board the plane. The decision to admit you is made by a border officer on arrival. Have your accommodation address and return booking to hand, as they are commonly asked for.
Hotel mini reviews
Shortlist these hotels first.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
- Best for
- Design-led luxury, couples, special occasions
- Avoid if
- You want the cheapest central room or a pure Times Square theatre base.
- Nearest subway
- 23 St / 28 St area, depending on line
- Booking notes
- Compare refundable rates and breakfast-inclusive options; this is a hotel where room category matters.
Hotel Beacon
- Best for
- Families, roomier stays, kitchenette convenience
- Avoid if
- You want nightlife on the doorstep or a design-led luxury hotel.
- Nearest subway
- 72 St nearby
- Booking notes
- Check kitchenette, sofa-bed and bed-type details; these matter more than star rating for families.
Riu Plaza New York Times Square
- Best for
- Broadway, first trips, simple sightseeing logistics
- Avoid if
- You want quiet residential streets or boutique character.
- Nearest subway
- Times Square-42 St / 50 St area
- Booking notes
- Useful for theatre-heavy trips; compare final totals because central hotels can add fees and deposits.
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask before booking.
How much does an ESTA cost in 2026?
$40 per person, up from $21 on 30 September 2025. That is roughly £31 at typical exchange rates, and every traveller including children needs their own.
How long is an ESTA valid?
Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you hold a valid ESTA you do not need a new one for each trip.
Do children need their own ESTA?
Yes. Every traveller needs an individual ESTA regardless of age, including infants, and each one carries the full fee.
Where should I apply for an ESTA?
Only through the official US Customs and Border Protection website. Copycat sites charge more for the same thing and appear prominently in search results. Check GOV.UK for the current official guidance before applying.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.