Applying through our service is a single payment per applicant, with the government fee included. Here is what that covers, and how to judge whether it is worth it for your trip.
What you pay
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Charged per person | Yes, including children and babies |
| Payment method | Card, processed by Stripe |
| Currency | US dollars |
| Anything further to pay | No |
| Amount | Shown on the payment page before you confirm |
The amount covers the official government fee, which we pay on your behalf, plus our service. Nothing else is added at any stage. The full terms are in our terms and conditions.
What the service includes
- A guided form in plain English, with an explanation under each field.
- A manual review of your answers before submission, looking for the errors that cause refusals.
- Submission to the US authorities and payment of the government fee.
- The outcome by email, normally within 2 to 4 hours.
- Email support on your application.
When it is worth it
Assisted application makes sense when:
- You are applying for several people and do not want to repeat the same details six times.
- You are unsure how to answer one of the nine eligibility questions.
- Your passport details are awkward: several given names, a hyphenated surname, no given name at all.
- You want a second pair of eyes before a form goes to a government system.
It makes less sense if you have applied before, you are travelling alone, and your case is simple. That is a fair thing to say, and you should decide on the facts.
Why a refused application is not refunded
The government fee is spent the moment the application is submitted, whatever the outcome. Our work is done at the same point. So the fee pays for the preparation and submission of a correct application, not for a particular decision by the US authorities.
If we fail to submit your application through our own error, you get the full amount back. That is set out in the terms.
How to keep the cost down
- Check your passport before you start. A passport that expires soon means a second application later.
- Apply once, correctly. Most repeat fees come from a typo in a passport number.
- Apply for everyone in one sitting, with all passports on the table.
- Do not reapply while an application is pending. It does not speed anything up.
Our list of the errors that get applications refused is the cheapest thing you can read before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the price per person or per family?
Per person. Every traveller needs their own authorisation, including infants. See applying as a family.
Are there hidden charges?
No. The amount shown on the payment page is the whole amount. Your own bank may apply a currency conversion charge, which is outside our control.
What if I am refused?
The fee is not refunded, for the reason above. Your route is then a B-1/B-2 visa. See ESTA refusals and next steps.
Can I cancel before you submit?
Yes. Email us before submission and we refund in full.
How long does the authorisation last?
Two years, or until your passport expires. Details in our guide to ESTA validity.
Start your application
One form, reviewed before it goes anywhere, result by email.
USA ESTA Portal is a private, independent service and is not affiliated with the government of the United States.
Read next: the six requirements you must meet before applying.
