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Starting September 8, 2010 international passengers traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program will be required to pay a fee of US$14 for the compulsory ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) application or renewal prior to travel.
Revenue from the new fee will be used to cover operational costs for administering the system and to promote US travel.
Travelers are encouraged to apply for travel authorization 72 hours prior to entering the US by air or sea. Once approved, authorisations are generally valid for multiple entries into the US for up to two years or until the applicant's passport expires, at which point travelers will be required to pay the fee again.
All payments for electronic travel authorization applications must be made by credit card or debit card at the time of application. Accepted forms of payment include MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover cards.
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