Esta officially going to charge

[Val]

The statement below was on Martin Lewis's money tips I received this morning.

Going to the US within 2 yrs? Do the ESTA NOW to beat charges
Compulsory ESTA security form due to charge. Do it free NOW, it lasts 2 years
Everyone from the UK going to the USA, even those just passing through, must fill out an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) form in advance or you'll be turned back. A $10 each fee's coming: A bill passed in the US Congress has given permission for a "cover the cost" charge on ESTAs, expected to be $10 and likely (though unconfirmed) to start this Sept-Oct. Do it now to save: As the ESTA lasts two years, simply fill out the form now while it's free if you're planning to travel. Frankly, even if you're not, do it anyway just in case. Renew existing ESTAs: If you already have an ESTA, there's no official renewal system so just complete a new application now and you'll be given another two years free.

Val

[shockey]

There's still no official start date for this. Martin Lewis's guesstimate is September.