Since its establishment in September 2010, if you are going to make a tourist trip to the United States requesting authorization through the ESTA form, you must pay a tourist tax.
Below is the information you should know about this requirement prior to your trip.
All the information in detail
1.- What is the tourist tax
Paying a tourist tax is a requirement established by the United States authorities for all people who travel to said country by completing the ESTA form.
Residents of many European countries, including Spain, benefit from this procedure, since in this way we do not need to apply for a visa.
This tourist tax is a requirement that was very controversial when it was approved by the United States Senate in 2010 because in practice it represents a impuesto for the tourists We traveled to the United States.
2.- How much does the tourist tax cost in the United States
El amount to pay for the tourist tax It's 14 dollars.
This amount is justified by the United States Customs Department, on the one hand, to pay the costs of the health system ESTA form (4 dollars), and on the other hand, 10 dollars as “travel promotion”…which seems like a contradiction.
3.- How to pay the tourist tax
In any case, when fill out the ESTA form, or renew it (always at least 72 hours before the start of the trip to the United States), you must previously make the online payment of the tourist tax of 14 dollars.
This payment is carried out only through the official website of the Customs Department, exclusively with credit or debit cards MasterCard, VISA, American Express: Discover.
Specifically, in the application process, before filling out the form you must provide your bank card information so that they can charge you the 4 dollars that correspond to the management fee.
And once you have been approved authorization to travel to the United States, they will charge you the other 10 dollars.
In conclusion, if you are organizing your trip to the United States for the next few weeks, you already know that you will have to pay that tourist tax that will allow you to travel to said country during the period of two years after your application has been approved.
I am going to take a trip to the United States. I have Spanish nationality. How do I find out if my application is approved and I want to pay for it and my card is not approved?
Carmen, when you make the reservation through the ESTA form website you will immediately receive confirmation information. Your request will only be approved if the card payment is also approved.
IT'S BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH AGO I FILLED OUT THE FORM TO GO TO THE WEST COAST ON SEPTEMBER 18, AND THEY GAVE ME APPROVAL, AM I OBLIGED TO PAY THE FEE? THEY HAVE NOT TOLD ME ANYTHING,
Fernando, don't worry.
Those who request the ESTA form from tomorrow, September 8, must pay, so it does not affect you.
Enjoy the trip.