U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that effective September 8, 2010 a fee of $14 will be charged for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications.

An approved ESTA application is required to use the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows visitors from several countries, including the Netherlands, to travel to the United States for up to 90 day without applying for a visa under certain conditions. The ESTA registration does not apply to holders of a U.S. visa and permanent residents (green card holders).

All new registrations or renewals on or after that date will require a $14.00 fee payment by credit or debit card. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration date. $4 of the fee goes to administrative costs; $10 will go towards funding the activities of the Corporation for Travel Promotion.

Background

A valid ESTA approval has been required since January 2009 for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States but up to now it has been free of charge. The Department of Homeland Security, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers fill out en route to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans.

More information at the Department of State.