The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) fee will almost double starting at the end of this month.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the 20th (local time), it announced that the electronic travel authorization fee for visa-free entry will be raised from the current $21 to $40 starting September 30th.

The visa-free electronic travel authorization system is a program introduced by the United States for citizens of countries granted visa-free entry. South Korea is also a subject of this system, and using it for tourism allows for a stay of up to 90 days in the U.S.

However, those who have already applied for and received approval for their visa-free electronic travel authorization do not need to pay the additional fee. The CBP stated that if the fee has not been paid by the time the visa-free electronic travel authorization application site is updated, it will automatically be $40.

U.S. authorities have explained that this measure is based on the "One Big and Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)" which passed Congress in July of this year, and according to this bill, further fee increases are also expected.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]