Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

by Bill Magargal (suggested by Alexis Soule)

Although 2025 global tourism saw a 6.7% rise in spending compared to the previous year, the United States had a 6% drop in foreign tourists. Many tourists, especially younger people, are travelling more frequently, but concerns including U.S. anti-immigration policies pushed tourists to visit European countries such as Spain and France, as well as Japan. US tourism revenue dropped 7% due to fewer arrivals from Canada, Mexico and Europe according to WTTC estimates. (Reuters 1/14/26).

For US Servas hosts this trend is likely to hold, i.e., we will see fewer travelers in 2026. That said, we can assist the International Servas travelers who request a stay by helping them navigate the new US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) process for determining their eligibility to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  

Travelers from eligible countries (see list) must apply online or via the app at least 72 hours before departure. The cost is $21, nonrefundable. It is valid for two years for multiple visits of up to 90 days. The process is fully automated and fairly simple to navigate.

You can also help you travelers avoid being scammed. Apparently, there are numerous look-alike scam websites that trick people into overpaying for expedited ESTA approval and other dubious benefits. You might direct your visitors to the FTC webpage How to Avoid Scams while Applying for ESTA .