ESTA Official Fee 2026: What Dutch Citizens Need to Know

If you're a Dutch citizen planning a trip to the United States in 2026, you've probably wondered: how much does ESTA cost, and is the fee changing? The official ESTA application fee for 2026 remains $21 USD (approximately €19 EUR) — the same rate that has been in place since 2010. But with so many third-party websites offering to process your application, it's easy to overpay. In this guide, we break down the official 2026 ESTA fee, what it covers, and how to avoid unnecessary service charges.

What Is the Official ESTA Fee for 2026?

The official ESTA fee is set by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and consists of two parts: the

1. Authorization fee: $4 USD — covers the processing of your ESTA application
2. Travel promotion fee: $17 USD — funds the US Travel Promotion Act

Together, these make up the total official fee of $21 USD (€19 EUR). This is the exact same amount you'll pay if you apply directly on the official CBP website.

Has the ESTA Fee Changed for 2026?

No. The ESTA fee has remained unchanged at $21 USD since 2010. There have been no official announcements from CBP indicating a price increase for 2026. Despite occasional rumors online about ESTA fee increases, the official rate has stayed consistent for over 15 years.

That said, the US government periodically reviews visa and travel authorization fees. Any future changes would be announced through official channels well in advance. We'll update this guide immediately if any changes are confirmed.

Official Government Fee vs Third-Party Service Charges

This is where many Dutch travelers get confused. While the

Official ESTA fee: $21 USD — paid directly to the US government when you apply at the official CBP website.

Third-party service fees: $30–$100+ USD — charged by private companies that submit your application on your behalf. These are optional and unnecessary.

Many third-party websites design their pages to look like the official government site. They charge inflated fees for services like 'application review,' 'priority processing,' or '24/7 support.' In reality, your application is processed exactly the same way as if you'd applied directly. Always check the URL — the official ESTA website is esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

How Dutch Citizens Can Pay the ESTA Fee

As a Dutch citizen, you can pay the $21 ESTA fee using:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit card (with Visa or Mastercard logo)
• PayPal (accepted on some authorized platforms)

Important: You cannot pay with iDEAL directly on the official CBP website. If you don't have an international credit card, you may need to use PayPal or a prepaid travel card. The fee is charged in USD, so your bank may apply a small currency conversion fee (typically 1-2%).

What Does the $21 ESTA Fee Actually Cover?

When you pay the $21 ESTA fee, your application undergoes:

• A security check against US law enforcement and intelligence databases
• A review of your biographical information and travel history
• A determination of your eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program
• A decision (Authorization Approved, Travel Not Authorized, or Pending)

If approved, your ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to the US during this period without reapplying. The $21 fee covers the entire 2-year validity, not per trip.

Is the ESTA Fee Refundable?

No. The $21 ESTA fee is non-refundable — even if your application is denied. This is why it's important to apply well in advance of your trip and double-check your information before submitting. If your ESTA is denied, you'll need to apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa instead, which involves a separate fee.

ESTA Fee vs US Visa Fees: What Dutch Travelers Save

One of the biggest advantages of the Visa Waiver Program is cost savings:

ESTA via Visa Waiver Program: $21 (€19) — valid 2 years, no interview required

B1/B2 visitor visa: $185 (€170) — valid up to 10 years, but requires embassy interview

F-1 student visa: $350 (€320) — plus SEVIS fee of $350, interview required

For short tourist or business trips (under 90 days), ESTA is by far the most cost-effective option. The $21 fee is less than the cost of many single-day travel insurance policies, and it covers you for two full years of multiple entries.

How to Avoid Overpaying for Your ESTA Application

Dutch travelers lose thousands of euros each year to third-party ESTA services. Here's how to avoid being one of them:

1. Apply directly at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — the only official US government ESTA website
2. Look for the .gov domain — not .com, .nl, or any other TLD
3. Check the price before entering your personal details — if it shows anything above $21, you're on a third-party site
4. Ignore 'priority processing' offers — CBP does not offer expedited ESTA service
5. Bookmark the official site for future renewals

If you've already paid a third-party service, you may be entitled to a refund under Dutch consumer protection laws. Contact your bank or payment provider to dispute the charge if the service was misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ESTA fee the same for all nationalities?

Yes. The $21 ESTA fee is the same for citizens of all 41 Visa Waiver Program countries, including the Netherlands. There are no country-specific discounts or surcharges.

Will the ESTA fee increase in 2026 or 2027?

As of June 2026, there are no official announcements about an ESTA fee increase. The fee has remained $21 since 2010. Any future change would be published on the official CBP website and widely reported in travel news.

Do I need to pay the ESTA fee every time I apply?

Yes. Each ESTA application requires a new $21 fee. However, since an approved ESTA is valid for 2 years, you'll typically only pay once per passport validity period. If your passport expires before 2 years, you'll need to reapply (and pay again) with your new passport.

Can I get a refund if my flight is cancelled?

No. The ESTA fee covers the application processing, not your travel. It is non-refundable regardless of whether your trip goes ahead. Travel insurance is your best protection against cancelled flights or trips.

What if I accidentally paid more than $21?

If you paid a third-party website by mistake, contact them directly for a refund. If they refuse, you can dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank under Dutch consumer protection laws. Be aware that third-party sites may have terms and conditions that make refunds difficult.

Does ESTA cost more for business travel?

No. The $21 ESTA fee is the same for tourism, business meetings, or transit. However, if your business trip involves work (paid employment in the US), you may need a different visa category entirely. ESTA only permits business activities like meetings, conferences, and consultations — not active employment.

The Bottom Line

The official ESTA fee for Dutch travelers in 2026 is $21 USD (approximately €19 EUR) — unchanged since 2010. This fee covers a two-year travel authorization for multiple trips to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. The only website where you should pay this amount is esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Any website charging more than $21 is a third-party service, and you are not required to use it.

Planning your US trip? Apply for your ESTA today and save your money for what matters — exploring the United States.