Flying to the US From Germany? Your ESTA Now Costs 40.62 Dollars

A long weekend in New York, a family visit in Florida or a business trip to Chicago: for most German passport holders, the United States is still easy to reach without a visa. But the online permit you need before you fly has become more expensive again.

Since 16 October 2026, a new ESTA costs 40.62 US dollars. A year ago it cost 21 dollars. The rise is small this time, but it is the third change in about a year, and more rule changes are being discussed in Washington.

Here is what you pay now, what stays the same, and what to watch before your next trip.

What Changed on 16 October

The ESTA fee is made up of three parts. Two of them are fixed. The third part pays for running the system and is adjusted every year for inflation. That part went from 10.27 to 10.62 US dollars, so the total moved from 40.27 to 40.62 US dollars. If your application is refused, you only pay the system part.

Good News for Existing ESTA Holders

If you already have an approved ESTA, nothing changes for you. It stays valid for two years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You do not need to apply again or pay the difference.

Remember that your ESTA is linked to one passport. If you renew your passport, for example because it is full or expiring, you need a new ESTA for the new passport, and you will pay the new fee.

The Social Media Question

In December 2025, US Customs and Border Protection proposed that ESTA applicants should share five years of social media history, plus more family and personal details. Many travellers and travel companies objected. By May 2026, officials said they were reviewing the comments and might limit extra questions to certain travellers based on risk. As of October 2026, no final rule had been published, and reports suggested it was unlikely to start before the end of 2026.

For now, the social media question on the form stays as it is. If the rule becomes final, the official ESTA website will show the new questions.

What ESTA Allows and What It Does Not

• Tourism, visiting family and short business meetings.
• Stays of up to 90 days per visit.
• No paid work, no study for credit and no long stays.
• No extension of stay in the US in normal cases.

If you have been refused entry before, have certain criminal records, or have travelled to some countries since 2011, you may not qualify for ESTA and may need a visitor visa instead.

How to Apply Safely

1. Use only the official CBP ESTA website or the official ESTA Mobile app.
2. Check that your passport is an electronic passport with a chip.
3. Answer every question honestly, including past travel.
4. Apply at least 72 hours before you fly, ideally earlier.
5. Save your approval and check it is still valid before each trip.

Copycat websites often appear first in search results and charge much more than 40.62 US dollars. If a site does not end in an official US government address, do not pay it.

Planning Tips for German Travellers

Many Germans apply for ESTA once and forget about it. That works well, as long as you remember the two year limit. Before you book flights, open the official site, enter your passport details and check the status. If it expires before or during your trip, apply again before you travel. An ESTA only needs to be valid when you enter the US, but it is safer to keep it valid for the whole trip.

If you have dual nationality, use the passport you will travel with. If you hold both a German and another passport, the questions about your other citizenship must be answered honestly. Families should apply for each person separately, including babies, and each application carries its own fee.

Finally, keep in mind that ESTA approval is not a promise of entry. A US border officer makes the final decision when you land. Carry proof of your return flight, your hotel or host address, and enough money for your stay, especially if you plan a longer visit close to 90 days.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

The fee history above reflects official US notices and reports as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

Your US trip still starts with a simple online form, but it now costs 40.62 US dollars. Existing permits stay valid, the social media rule is not final yet, and the safest way to apply is always the official site.

Key takeaways

• From 16 October 2026, a new ESTA costs 40.62 US dollars.
• An ESTA you already hold stays valid; you do not pay again.
• A plan to make social media details mandatory was still not final as of mid 2026.
• Only use the official CBP website or app to apply.