US ESTA in 2026: The $40 Fee and the Proposed Social Media Checks

If you are a British citizen planning a holiday or business trip to the United States, you will usually travel under the Visa Waiver Program with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Two things have changed or may change: the ESTA fee is now $40, and US authorities have proposed asking applicants for five years of social media history. Here is what that means for you and how to apply safely.

ESTA in 2026: the key points

• The fee is $40. It rose from $21 to $40 on 30 September 2025.
• Apply at least 72 hours before you travel. Many applications are approved quickly, but US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) advises applying well ahead.
• Use the official site only. Apply through the official CBP ESTA website or the official ESTA Mobile app.
• Social media checks are proposed. A plan to make five years of social media history mandatory was published in December 2025. Check the official ESTA site for the current form before you apply.
• An approved ESTA is usually valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

The $40 ESTA fee explained

The ESTA fee almost doubled in 2025, from $21 to $40 per person. Everyone travelling needs their own ESTA, including babies and children, so a family of four pays $160 in official fees.

The good news is that an approved ESTA covers multiple trips while it remains valid. If you visit the US every year, you will not pay again until your ESTA or passport expires. If you get a new passport, you will need a new ESTA.

Unofficial ESTA websites

Search for "ESTA" and you will often see websites offering to apply on your behalf. Some charge two or three times the official fee for a service you can do yourself in about 20 minutes. Some are designed to look official. Before you enter any card details, check that you are on the official CBP ESTA website, which uses a .gov address, or the official ESTA Mobile app.

The proposed social media requirement

In December 2025, CBP proposed changes to the ESTA application. The main proposal would make five years of social media history mandatory. At the moment the social media question is optional. The plan also asks for more phone number and email address history, and other details about applicants.

At the time of writing, the proposal had not been confirmed as implemented according to the latest reports. Because it could come into force with little notice, the safest approach is simple: check the official ESTA site before you apply, and answer every question honestly and accurately.

How to prepare, just in case

• Make a private note of the usernames for the social media accounts you have used in the last five years.
• List the phone numbers and email addresses you have used over the same period.
• Keep your answers consistent with anything you have provided on earlier US applications.
• Never pay a third party to "check" or "clean" your social media for an ESTA.

How to apply for an ESTA step by step

1. Have your passport ready. UK citizens need an electronic passport with a chip.
2. Go to the official CBP ESTA website or download the official ESTA Mobile app.
3. Complete the form with your passport details, contact details, employment information and travel plans.
4. Answer the eligibility questions carefully. Mistakes can lead to a refusal.
5. Pay the $40 fee by card.
6. Check your status. Most decisions come quickly, but allow at least 72 hours before you fly.
7. Save or screenshot your approval and application number.

If your ESTA is refused, you will usually need to apply for a US visa through the US Embassy in London instead, which takes much longer. That is another reason to apply early.

Arriving in the US: why data matters

Once you land, you will want your phone working straight away. Ride-hailing apps, airport transfers, hotel check-ins and car hire bookings all work best with a mobile connection. US roaming on UK networks can be expensive, so many UK travellers use a travel eSIM for data instead.

• Use maps and ride-hailing apps from the moment you leave the terminal.
• Pull up hotel and car hire confirmations without hunting for airport Wi-Fi.
• Keep using WhatsApp, FaceTime and other apps to stay in touch with home.

Our guide to the best eSIM for the USA covers coverage, data allowances and how to set it up. You can compare current plans on the USA eSIM page, and estimate how much data you need with the travel data calculator.

Before you buy, check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked using our device compatibility checker.

A quick US pre-trip checklist

• Apply for your ESTA on the official site at least 72 hours before departure.
• Check the official ESTA site for any new questions, including social media.
• Make sure your passport is valid for your whole stay.
• Read the GOV.UK travel advice for the USA.
• Arrange travel insurance with medical cover, as healthcare in the US is expensive.
• Install your travel eSIM before you fly and switch roaming off on your UK SIM.

Frequently asked questions

How much is an ESTA in 2026?

The official fee is $40 per person. Any website charging more than that is a third-party service, not the official application.

Do I have to give my social media accounts on my ESTA?

A requirement to give five years of social media history has been proposed but, at the time of writing, had not been confirmed as in force. Check the official ESTA site before you apply, as the form may have changed.

How long before travel should I apply?

CBP advises applying at least 72 hours before you travel. Applying as soon as your trip is booked gives you time to sort out any problems.

Do children need their own ESTA?

Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own approved ESTA and pays the fee.

Does my ESTA last for more than one trip?

Yes. It is usually valid for two years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner, and covers multiple trips of up to 90 days each.

Will a travel eSIM give me a US phone number?

Our travel eSIMs are for data. You can keep your UK SIM in your phone for calls and texts, and use apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime over data.