Travelling in the United States

The essentials, updated for 2026

ESTA, Visa Waiver countries

$40.62From 16 October 2026 (it was $40.27). Apply only on the official CBP website; other sites charge extra. Approval is usually quick, but apply at least 72 hours before you fly.

Visa applicants

$250 extra feeA new "visa integrity fee" is added to most visitor visas. Some consulates are already collecting it and others are not yet, so check with yours. It may be refundable if you keep to your visa's terms.

National parks, non-US residents

+$100 per personOn top of the entrance fee at 11 busy parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion, for visitors aged 16 and over.

Annual parks pass, non-residents

$250Covers entry and the $100 surcharge at all national parks for a year, so it pays off if you visit two or more of the 11 parks. US residents pay $80.

Money and tipping

US dollar ($)Prices usually exclude sales tax, which is added at the till. In restaurants, a tip of 15 to 20% is expected.

Plugs

Type A/B, 120 VFlat two-pin plugs. Check that hair dryers and similar devices work on 120 volts.

Sources: UN Tourism arrivals via Falstaff, ESTA fee (VisasNews, citing the Federal Register, 1 Oct 2026), visa integrity fee (Ellis, June 2026) and the National Park Service, checked 12 October 2026. Confirm before you pay.