U.S. ESTA Fee Increase: Portugal Among 42 Countries Affected

Portugal Among 42 Nations Affected as U.S. Raises Entry Fees for Short-Term Visits Under Visa Waiver Program

Washington / Lisbon — Travelers from Portugal and 41 other countries will soon have to pay significantly more to enter the United States for short-term visits, following a major change announced under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The updated policy increases the cost of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a mandatory requirement for visa-free travel to the U.S.

The new fee structure is set to take effect from September 30, 2025, and will directly impact millions of travelers who visit the United States for tourism, business meetings, or family visits lasting up to 90 days.

U.S. ESTA fee increase affecting Portugal and other Visa Waiver Program countries for short-term travel — Travelers from Portugal will now pay $40 for U.S. entry under the Visa Waiver Program starting September 30, 2025

What Is Changing?

Under the current system, travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries are required to apply for ESTA before boarding a flight or ship to the United States. Until now, the ESTA application fee stood at $21. However, the U.S. government has announced that this amount will increase to $40 per applicant, nearly doubling the cost.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the revised fee reflects rising operational costs, enhanced border security measures, and upgrades to digital screening systems used to evaluate incoming travelers. Washington / Lisbon — The United States has announced a major increase in entry fees for short-term travelers from Portugal and 41 other countries under the Visa Waiver Program. Starting September 30, 2025, visitors will be required to pay a higher fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is mandatory for visa-free travel to the U.S.

Under the new rules, the ESTA fee will rise from $21 to $40 per traveler, nearly doubling the cost for tourists and business visitors planning stays of up to 90 days. The decision will affect millions of travelers from Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, including citizens of Portugal, Germany, France, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and several other nations.

U.S. authorities say the increase is necessary to strengthen border security systems, improve traveler screening, and upgrade digital infrastructure. While the Visa Waiver Program will continue to allow visa-free entry, travelers are being advised to plan ahead and apply early to avoid the higher fee.

BREAKING NEWS: Portugal Among 42 Countries Affected as U.S. Raises Entry Fees for Visa-Free Travel

Portugal Among 42 Nations Affected as U.S. Raises Entry Fees for Short-Term Visits Under Visa Waiver Program

Portugal Included in the Affected Countries

Portugal is among the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows eligible citizens to enter the U.S. without applying for a traditional visa. Other countries on the list include Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and several others across Europe and Asia.

Citizens of these countries will now need to factor the higher ESTA fee into their travel plans, even though the visa-free privilege itself remains unchanged.

Impact on Travelers

While the Visa Waiver Program continues to offer convenience, the increased fee is expected to have a noticeable impact, particularly on:

Families traveling together
Frequent business travelers
Budget-conscious tourists

For example, a family of four traveling from Portugal to the United States previously paid $84 for ESTA authorization. Under the new system, that cost will rise to $160, adding to already increasing travel expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and insurance.

Travel industry experts say the increase may discourage short, spontaneous trips and could slightly reduce travel volumes from some countries.

Is ESTA a Visa?

It is important to note that ESTA is not a visa. It is an automated travel authorization system that determines whether a traveler is eligible to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

An approved ESTA:

Is generally valid for two years
Allows multiple entries
Permits stays of up to 90 days per visit
Expires earlier if the traveler’s passport expires

Despite the higher cost, ESTA remains far less expensive and time-consuming than applying for a full U.S. visa.

Who Can Still Pay the Old Fee?

Travelers who submit and pay for their ESTA application before September 30, 2025, may still benefit from the current $21 fee, provided their application is approved before the new pricing takes effect.

As a result, travel advisors are encouraging those with upcoming U.S. trips to apply as early as possible to avoid paying the increased amount.

Why Has the U.S. Increased the Fee?

U.S. officials say the decision is driven by several factors:

Rising global travel demand
The need for stronger border and cybersecurity systems
Expanded traveler screening and data verification

The move also comes as the U.S. prepares to host major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to bring millions of foreign visitors into the country.

The increase in ESTA fees marks a significant change for travelers from Portugal and other Visa Waiver Program nations. While the convenience of visa-free travel remains intact, visiting the United States will now come at a higher upfront cost.

As international travel continues to rebound, travelers are advised to stay informed, plan ahead, and account for the updated fees when organizing trips to the United States

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