According to Spanish newspaper Markthe U.S. government has approved the fee increase for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) from $21 to $40.
The ESTA is a mandatory travel authorization for citizens of countries within the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), including Spain, allowing them to enter the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days.
This policy change coincides with the highly anticipated World Cup, where the U.S. shares hosting rights with Mexico and Canada. This means hundreds of thousands of international supporters will now be forced to pay a new fee to watch their national teams compete on American soil.
While a $19 increase may seem relatively minor on an individual basis, it adds an extra layer of expense to what is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive tournaments in football history. The layout across three North American nations means fans will face increased costs in domestic travel, accommodation and food. Hotel prices in U.S. host cities are already projected to skyrocket.
President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup trophy as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. Photo by AP |
Besides the financial impact, the ESTA application process may soon change its requirements. U.S. authorities are reportedly considering requiring applicants to provide years of social media history, current phone numbers, email addresses, biometric data and access to certain official applications. While these enhanced security measures are still in the beginning stages, they could be implemented ahead of the tournament to tighten security.
The 2026 World Cup is unfolding amid complicated geopolitical circumstances. On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, prompting missile and drone strikes across the Middle East in retaliation. This rapid escalation has raised global concerns regarding the safety and ability to organize the World Cup smoothly, though related parties maintain that all tournament plans remain unchanged.
The conflict has also fractured diplomatic relations between Washington and Madrid. On March 3, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly condemned the U.K. and Spain for refusing to participate in the airstrikes or allow the U.S. to utilize their military bases for the operation. Trump went as far as threatening to sever bilateral trade agreements with the Spanish government.
In response, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez firmly rejected the intimidation tactics. He declared that his government’s stance could be perfectly summarized in four words: “no a la guerra” (no to war).
Sánchez emphasized that Spain will not compromise their core values or interests simply out of fear of retaliation. Furthermore, Madrid reinforced its position by stating it will prohibit the U.S. from using joint military bases on Spanish territory for any activities that fall outside established bilateral treaties or the UN Charter.
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