From 2026, the price of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), mandatory for travelers from countries benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program, such as France, is set to rise from $21 to $40. This increase, included in the U.S. budget bill known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, represents a rise of almost 90%. Although the implementation date is not yet known, the measure has already been passed.
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This new rate is the result of the addition of several fees: a $17 "Travel Promotion Fee", a $13 surcharge, and a $10 processing fee. The government justifies this increase by the need to modernize customs and security infrastructures, particularly with a view to the World Cup in 2026 and the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
But the decision has tourism professionals worried. The U.S. Travel Association fears a negative impact on the country's attractiveness, especially as the number of international visitors is already falling. The sector could lose up to $12.5 billion in revenue by 2025, according to the WTTC.
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