Need to Know: VISA Fees Set to Double

Our CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, shares her view on how these changes could impact travellers and the wider travel industry

For brits looking to travel over the pond, the price of an ESTA (Travel Authorisation Document) is set to double. While it might seem like a small admin update, it’s part of a wider trend that’s making international travel more expensive and less straightforward. Combined with rising travel costs and the upcoming introduction of the EU’s ETIAS scheme, travellers are now facing more fees, more forms, and more friction. 

Our CEO, Julia Lo Bue-Said OBE, shares her view on how these changes could impact travellers and the wider travel industry: 

“The price of an ESTA doubling under the Trump administration is a blow to British travellers and will have an impact on already challenged US visitor numbers.  This year we are already seeing that UK travellers are primarily concerned with the rising cost of visiting the US and this increased fee is an added expense that may discourage some from visiting the US especially when combined with existing travel costs. 

 The increase in the ESTA fee, coupled with the upcoming implementation of the ETIAS, marks a significant financial and administrative burden on UK travellers. These added costs and bureaucratic layers represent a move away from the principle of frictionless travel that benefits all. Discouraging travel through cost barriers can reduce tourism revenues and harm the wider economy that benefit from the travel eco-system. 

These changes are also often implemented without an impactful consumer awareness campaign which can have significant implications for travellers. Travellers must be well informed, and this is where booking with a trusted travel agent becomes increasingly valuable. Travel agents not only help navigate changing requirements like ESTA and ETIAS but also ensure that customers are fully compliant with new rules and avoid unexpected costs or complications.” 

Booking with a Travel agent matters now more than ever with new rules, restrictions and rising fees. You agent is your go-to expert for navigating everything from VISAs to hidden costs and last-minute changes. For those considering a trip to the US, click here to find your nearest travel agency. 

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