US Visa Waiver via Electronic System for Travel Authorization US$21 (US$40 from October) @ US Department of Homeland Security

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US Visa Waiver via Electronic System for Travel Authorization US$21 (US$40 from October) @ US Department of Homeland Security
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sharepoint on 09/09/2025 - 09:39 esta.cbp.dhs.gov (970 clicks)
Last edited 09/09/2025 - 14:30 by 2 other users

This may not be for all but only for people travelling to the USA soon. The fee for ESTA will be increasing to US$40, from the current US$21 on September 30, so if you are planning, you may want to apply before this date and save a few dollars.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/06/travel/travel-news-us-vis…

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. The total cost is $21. When you apply, you will pay a $4 processing fee. If you are approved to travel to the U.S., you must pay an additional $17 authorization fee.

Each approved ESTA application is generally valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the U.S. within that period without having to apply for another travel approval. If your passport expires in less than two years, you will receive an ESTA approval valid until the passport's expiration date. When you travel to the U.S. for tourism or business under the VWP, you may stay up to 90 days per visit.

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Comments

  • barryquinn on 09/09/2025 - 09:42
    +202

    Another reason for not travelling to the US.

      • penguinswillrise on 09/09/2025 - 10:35
        +87

        Not exactly, the US draws a net migration from every country in the world, except Australia. https://cf.datawrapper.de/dduui/2/

        • BargainBuddy on 09/09/2025 - 10:55
          +21

          I love this comment. No BS, no assumptions.. just facts!!

        • Seni0r El Cheapo on 09/09/2025 - 12:53
          +5

          Data speaks louder then emotions.

      • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 09/09/2025 - 10:37
        +5

        We'd be happy if that were the case. Unfortunately, US rednecks still feel entitled to travel the world.

        • surfingedge on 09/09/2025 - 10:50
          +10

          Rednecks are less likely to travel outside the US than liberals (using the US meaning of liberal, which is obviously mostly opposite to the Aus meaning).

          • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 09/09/2025 - 11:26
            +2

            @surfingedge: That's true. But the wealthy ones who vote redneck still invade other parts of the world for leisure.

        • Chris17 on 09/09/2025 - 11:40
          +2

          Your average American redneck can’t even spell ‘passport’, let alone apply for one.

        • Spamazon on 09/09/2025 - 12:48
          +2

          casual racism is fine

          • LFO on 10/09/2025 - 10:42
            +1

            @Spamazon: what "race" is that one ?

            • Spamazon on 11/09/2025 - 13:28

              @LFO: AI Overview
              "Redneck" is a term, often used pejoratively, to describe white people, particularly from the rural South of the United States, who are perceived as uneducated, unsophisticated, and sometimes prejudiced or racist. The term's origin is likely linked to the sunburn on the necks of agricultural workers from their time spent in the sun. While often considered an insult, the term can also be used by those it describes as a badge of pride, with a complicated political and social history.

      • PhoenixIsRight on 09/09/2025 - 16:26
        +1

        Why are you even on OzBargain?

        • Joxer on 09/09/2025 - 21:09
          -1

          To troll Aussies with their admittedly poor spelling and grammar.

          • garrulous on 10/09/2025 - 09:34

            @Joxer: Last weak I coudent even spel Managar and now I are one!

    • Nebargains on 09/09/2025 - 11:53
      +15

      If a $19 USD increase is stopping you going to the USA then you probably can't afford to go in the first place.

    • bargaino on 09/09/2025 - 22:46

      Another reason for not travelling to the US.

      But you'll still go to Bali, even though you wouldn't know a Subianto from a Sukarno?

      • hypelink on 10/09/2025 - 21:13

        Seems like you know everything about your travel destination

    • sharepoint on 09/09/2025 - 09:51
      +19

      Yes, but there is a price increase that doubles the cost in 19 days,

        • darvian22 on 09/09/2025 - 09:59
          +34

          In this case I beg to differ. Normally I'd Agree with you, however some people put off doing their ESTAs until closer to departure date. This would be a great incentive to ensure you do it earlier than Sept 30th.

          Appreciate OP sharing the information.

        • dealsgrabber on 09/09/2025 - 09:59
          +4

          They are if you are planning to travel and get the ESTA before the price increases

        • putshan on 09/09/2025 - 10:00
          +11

          As someone heading to the US next year I appreciate this post.
          Ordinarily I probably would have applied some time next year, now I'll do it ASAP and save.

          • omblygombly on 10/09/2025 - 10:37

            @putshan: Yep, just passed this on to a friend of mine doing just that.

  • jv on 09/09/2025 - 09:51
    +38

    allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business

    There's no guarantee they'll let you in…

    • sharepoint on 09/09/2025 - 09:54

      That's probably why they have the $4/17 split payment. But even when approved, they may stop you at the border, I guess.

    • starry001 on 09/09/2025 - 11:02
      +12

      Depends on the colour of your skin

      • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 11:36
        +5

        Also depends if you dabble in JD memes

        • Devil on 09/09/2025 - 16:40
          +2

          @DeToxin what if you dabble in @jv memes?

    • raperozbargain on 09/09/2025 - 15:00
      +2

      Depend on how much you've trashed Donald Trump the supreme leader :)

      • jv on 09/09/2025 - 15:59

        Donald Trump the supreme leader :)

        👑

  • itsok on 09/09/2025 - 09:51

    I had previous refusal for b1/b2 on previous esta ineligible passport. I do have Australian passport now , will I get esta approved or previous refusal will effect that?

    • jv on 09/09/2025 - 09:53
      +4

      will I get esta approved or previous refusal will effect that?

      Ask the US embassy.

    • salmon123 on 09/09/2025 - 09:58

      I had previous refusal for b1/b2

      Depends on the reason for refusual.

      I've read posts about people who've visited Syria, Iran, North Korea on an Australian passport being refused an ESTA.

      • whyisave on 09/09/2025 - 11:49

        If you apply in the ESTA form, and tick "yes" to any of the list of countries (eg. Libya, Syria, Iran, etc.) visited in the last <insert number> years, then on submission of that ESTA, the answer on the screen is an automatic, instant rejection.
        You don't get a refund either.

        The next step is to apply for a B1/B2 Visa at the U.S. Embassy, go through an interview and pay the full amount (I think it's US$150?), and wait for their background checks, before they issue you with the B1/B2 Visa.

        • maddoglee on 09/09/2025 - 13:13

          They don’t know if you’ve visited those countries anyway. Mosty of those countries don’t leave evidence in your passport that you’ve been there

          • jv on 09/09/2025 - 13:35
            +2

            @maddoglee:

            They don’t know if you’ve visited those countries anyway.

            They'll find it on your Insta…

            • salmon123 on 09/09/2025 - 13:48
              +2

              @jv:

              They'll find it on your Insta…

              Along with all those trump/Epstein/Vance memes …

            • maddoglee on 09/09/2025 - 15:26

              @jv: Which is why I don’t have insta! But yeah, most perlite would post all their photos online.

          • JeffOz on 09/09/2025 - 18:53

            @maddoglee: Yes the CIA and NSA definitely don't have records on Westerners that have travelled to the US's sworn enemies. <Hits head>

          • whyisave on 09/09/2025 - 19:12

            @maddoglee: US Customs & Border Protection staff can also know, from looking at the passport pages, eg. Visa stamp, etc.

            Also, don't ask me how I know about what I said about the ESTA rejection.

        • zol on 09/09/2025 - 20:08
          +1

          B1/B2 price was increased to US$185 and soon an additional US$250 visa integrity fee will be added on top of that

        • Ryk on 10/09/2025 - 08:25
          +1

          The wait time for a B1/B2 Visa interview can be 12-18 months or more, particularly in the cases where an ESTA would be rejected.

    • housebaratyon on 09/09/2025 - 09:59
      +11

      Just go through the process, they will never tell you the internals of this process. It probably changes day to day, based on what Orange Cheeto is ranting about.

    • dreammerchant1985 on 09/09/2025 - 10:05
      +2

      Apply for your ESTA and the application does ask you if you have previously ever applied for a visa to the US. Say yes and mention about your refusal and honestly completely the application and see what happens. You don't become ineligible to apply for an ESTA simply because your tourist visa was previously denied. Your ESTA may actually get approved with no issues depending on why you were refused earlier. Worst, they will explicitly ask you to apply for a visa and go through an interview at the embassy.

    • MeatyOne on 09/09/2025 - 10:16

      Clearly you're an undesirable and as such your ESTA will be refused.

    • interlocal on 09/09/2025 - 10:20

      I was refused tourist visa long time ago with the passport of another country. I've mentioned that when applied for ESTA and had no issues - ESTA was approved in 4-5 days.

    • Azro on 09/09/2025 - 10:20

      My wife got approved ESTA after her B1/B2 visa was refused 15 years ago. It took about 3 weeks for review, though.

    • safrane on 09/09/2025 - 10:32
      +1

      Just beware that they often won't give you a reason for the refusal, which can be some random arbitrary target of xx% refusals, and if you got refused before it's easy for them to refuse you again, so they hit their targets.

      My advice is to delay travel unless absolutely necessary until the US immigration/political climate changes, because having two refusals in a row will really hurt your chances of ever visiting the US.

    • MDSUXKS on 09/09/2025 - 12:40

      They will check if you have a previous Passaport and they might refuse again. But you only know when you apply so best of luck.

    • Chocobros on 09/09/2025 - 17:46

      If you're still unsure you can ask ICE when you're in America… They seem very eager to help

  • Ellene on 09/09/2025 - 09:52
    +53

    Save another US$21 by not going to the USA ever

    • dealmaker on 09/09/2025 - 11:37
      +1

      There's a post idea for JV

  • MauTauAja on 09/09/2025 - 09:53
    +12

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may check your phone and social media accounts for posts or comments critical of Trump. Make sure to delete them before entering the country.

      • housebaratyon on 09/09/2025 - 10:06
        +16

        Because he's a former head of state and currently Australian ambassador to the US?

        Different rules for normies.

        https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-16/australian-denied-ent…

        https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-immigration-detaine…

          • housebaratyon on 09/09/2025 - 10:29
            +11

            @jv: That was quite a logical leap. Anger issues?

            I'm suggesting the arbitrary nonsensical things that can happen with US immigration are less likely to occur with people on diplomatic passports.

            Buddha bless you my child.

            • jv on 09/09/2025 - 10:55
              -7

              @housebaratyon:

              the arbitrary nonsensical things that can happen with US immigration

              Like identifying people who lie about their purpose to visit the USA ?

          • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 11:38
            +2

            @jv: Their job isn't to refuse people entry to the country based on social media posts that are critical of the POTUS.
            Unless they're a fascist reigeme?

            • jv on 09/09/2025 - 15:44
              -2

              @DeToxin:

              Their job isn't to refuse people entry to the country based on social media posts that are critical of the POTUS.

              They refuse based on why they think you want to enter…

      • smartazz104 on 09/09/2025 - 11:41

        Trump probably forgot about him.

      • MisterQ on 09/09/2025 - 12:48
        +2

        Because they tried to send him back, but Australia didn't want him.

      • Chazzozz on 09/09/2025 - 13:11
        +1

        He’s making sure everyone shakes the sauce bottle fairly. Imagine if he wasn’t there - there’d be sauce everywhere!

      • OpulentLace on 10/09/2025 - 04:33
        +1

        100%, you get to these customs lines, they’re about 500 travellers long with 3 customs officers screening, they stamp you through as soon as they know you have cash and accomodation booked.

    • housebaratyon on 09/09/2025 - 10:09
      -5

      The JD Vance meme story turned out to be a case of the tourist admitting to drug use. Nice story, but yeah, simpler explanation.

      https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-officials-forced-share-bald-16…

      • stephcurry on 09/09/2025 - 10:33
        +12

        https://www.9news.com.au/national/australians-travelling-to-…

        "An Australian writer, Alistair Kitchen, reported last month he was sent home after being interrogated about his blogging on political protests….

        He later claimed officials found "evidence of drug use" on his phone and he felt coerced into admitting he had tried drugs in the past."

        US officials were simply flexing a legal muscle that had always existed.

      • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 09/09/2025 - 10:42
        +8

        "Mikkelsen claims that the officials threatened to fine him $5,000 or send him to prison for five years if he refused to provide them with his phone password."

        As for the drugs thing, tourists have been denied when they reveal they tried cannibis years ago. It's a fig leaf to deny critics entry.

    • T-man on 09/09/2025 - 11:27
      -2

      This is bs. I just returned from my trip to the US and Canada, crossed the US border 4 times, and never had any issues.

    • whyisave on 09/09/2025 - 11:51
      -1

      The deletions won't do much, so best to take a different phone or no phones at all.

    • Nebargains on 09/09/2025 - 11:56

      Pretty much every country can do that, even Australia. But the reality is they almost never do, well not never, but it is such a small number in the grand scheme of things you shouldn't even worry about it. The people that get their devices check probably raised some red flags.What actually happens in reality is that you go, they look at your passport, ask you the same questions pretty much every country does and wave you through.

  • linkavich14 on 09/09/2025 - 09:55
    +22

    I think the neo-nazis would love it there

      • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 11:44
        +5

        If you think celebrating the defeat of fascism is something Dan Andrews should be ashamed to join in on I feel bad for you JV.
        You do know Russia sacrificed more to defeat the Nazi's than any other country right?
        And the Chinese were brutalized by the Japanese for for almost a decade before the end of the war.
        Celebrating the defeat of fascism is great, even if you don't like the people who helped win the war.

        • jv on 09/09/2025 - 12:06
          -3

          You do know Russia sacrificed more to defeat the Nazi's

          They were doing it only for themselves, not sacrificing for others, like Australia did…
          A bit like now, how they are killing Ukrainians so they can take over large parts of the country for themselves…

          But sure, defend Dan for keeping company with dictators and terrorists…
          The current Labor Deputy Premier of Victoria seems to disagree with you too…

          • Chazzozz on 09/09/2025 - 13:18
            +3

            @jv:

            They were doing it only for themselves…

            Cue Annie & Aretha: “The Bolshies are doing it for themselves!”

          • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 14:13

            @jv: "Doing it for themselves?" 🤣
            What do you think every country was doing in WW2?
            I don't care what the deputy premier thinks. If you think western nations are morally above Russia/China/NK then you're mistaken.
            What do you think the US is doing with Venezuela?
            Or Palestine?
            Or did with Iraq? Afghanistan?
            Unless you're going to kick up the same stink any time the US/UK/AU commemorate a war, you're just being hypocritical.

            • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 10/09/2025 - 21:21

              @DeToxin: Interestingly, the Sovierts were so uncivilised, the Japanese were planning for surrender to the Allies were the Russians ever to get close. They were a useful ally for the good guys, but Stalin was little better than Hitler.

          • subwoofer on 09/09/2025 - 20:55
            +1

            @jv: who did Australia sacrifice for LOL, the capitalists in America and the military industrial complex? what were the Anzacs doing in the middle east to begin with? they were invaders lol

            • jv on 09/09/2025 - 21:30
              -2

              @subwoofer:

              who did Australia sacrifice for LOL

              Yeah, really funny that 100,000 Australians died fighting, isn't it…. 🙄

          • LFO on 10/09/2025 - 10:56
            +1

            @jv:

            sacrificing for others, like Australia did

            Very correct!

            killing Ukrainians so they can take over large parts of the country for themselves

            Grossly incorrect. Human rights for Ukrainians Ethnic Russians, freedom of language and religion.

            If taking land were the aim then everything would have been bombed and erased already.

            Compare the relentless destruction of Gaza (seeking to steal their land) versus Donbass neo-nazi cleansing.

        • jv on 09/09/2025 - 12:08

          And the Chinese were brutalized by the Japanese

          and jail and kill their own citizens when they speak their mind…

          • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 14:14
            +3

            @jv: You've been brainwashed too hard

          • subwoofer on 09/09/2025 - 20:52
            +1

            @jv: you mean like Edward Snowden and Julian Assange?

        • jv on 09/09/2025 - 12:09
          +3

          Celebrating the defeat of fascism is great

          Oh the irony…

          • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 14:15

            @jv: No different to if he were hanging out with the POTUS

            • jv on 09/09/2025 - 14:25

              @DeToxin: Except the people of that country voted him in… and they can vote him out…

              • DeToxin on 09/09/2025 - 14:31
                +1

                @jv: Be interesting to see how that pans out.. Trump looked REEEEAL interested when Zelensky mentioned Ukraine hasn't had an election since 2019 due to the imposition of martial law.
                American politics means nothing anyway, Dems and the GOP are defence/offence for the same team and dgaf about everyday Americans, all they care about is lining their back pockets.

                • jv on 09/09/2025 - 14:34

                  @DeToxin:

                  all they care about is lining their back pockets.

                  True.

                  💰

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