US ESTA scams: the only official site and the real fee
- Official site
- esta.cbp.dhs.gov 1
- Official app
- ESTA Mobile on Android and iOS 2
- Fee from 16 October 2026
- US$40.62 approved, US$10.62 denied 3
- Fee from 1 January 2026
- US$40.27 4
- Fee before 30 September 2025
- US$21 5
The official ESTA address and fee
ESTA is run by US Customs and Border Protection. The UK government's travel advice tells British visitors to apply through the Official ESTA Application Website or the ESTA Mobile app 2.
The fee is set by law and adjusted for inflation each year. A Federal Register notice published on 1 October 2026 set the ESTA fee at US$40.62 per approved authorisation from 16 October 2026. It is made up of US$17, US$10.62 and US$13. If your application is denied, you pay only the US$10.62 part 3.
The fee rose fast in a short time. It went from US$21 to US$40 on 30 September 2025 5, then to US$40.27 on 1 January 2026 4.
What governments say about unofficial ESTA sites
The Consulate General of Sweden in Houston puts it plainly: “If you used a private ESTA vendor (not the official DHS site), you will need to contact that company directly. Many charge additional fees and are not affiliated with the US government.” It adds: “The only official site is: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/” 1.
In June 2025 two Danish payment firms, Danske Bank and Nets, warned travellers about sites that copy the US, Canadian and UK systems. They said the sites buy high places in Google results and look like official pages 6.
How the overcharge works
The pattern is the same in most warnings. A private site looks like a government page. You fill in your details and pay. The site passes your details to the real system and keeps a service fee.
The Danish banks said victims often get a genuine authorisation in the end. Their details go on to the real authorities. They pay an administration fee far above the real cost 6. The Hong Kong Consumer Council found the same with ETA sites for Canada and Australia. It said the fees were often several times the official price 7.
The bigger risk is your data. Danske Bank's head of fraud prevention said victims hand their payment details to people “whose main objective is to extract money from you” 6.
What to do
- Type esta.cbp.dhs.gov yourself, or use the ESTA Mobile app 2.
- If you already paid a private site, check on the official site whether an application exists. The Swedish consulate says you can apply on the official site if none is registered 1.
- Call your card issuer about the payment and ask for a refund 8.
- Report the site to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov 8.
Common questions
How much does an ESTA cost in October 2026?
US$40.62 for an approved ESTA from 16 October 2026. A denied application costs US$10.62 3.
Is an ESTA site that charges US$80 or more a scam?
It is not the US government. The official fee is US$40.62 3. Any extra goes to a private company 1.
Will my ESTA from a third-party site still work?
It may. Danish banks said victims often receive a genuine authorisation after paying a higher fee 6. Check its status on esta.cbp.dhs.gov 1.
Is there an official ESTA app?
Yes. The UK government lists the ESTA Mobile app on Android and iOS 2.
Rules and fees change. Check the official site linked above before you apply or pay. Spotted an error? Email [email protected] with the official link.
Sources
- Consulate General of Sweden in Houston: ESTA (accessed 19 October 2026)
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: USA entry requirements (updated 18 August 2026)
- Federal Register: Certain DHS Immigration-Related Fees Required by HR-1, Fiscal Year 2027 Adjustments for Inflation (1 October 2026)
- Federal Register: Certain DHS Immigration Fees Required by HR-1, Fiscal Year 2026 Adjustments for Inflation (19 November 2025)
- Federal Register: CBP Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 for Fiscal Year 2025 (28 August 2025)
- The Local Denmark: Danish travellers warned to avoid scam US, Canada and UK visa websites (19 June 2025)
- Consumer Council (Hong Kong): Unofficial Visa Agency Websites Charge Exorbitantly but No Protection for Unsuccessful Applications (17 June 2019)
- US Federal Trade Commission: What To Do if You Were Scammed (updated 21 August 2026)
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