How is the program funded?

No U.S. taxpayer dollars are used to fund Brand USA’s marketing efforts.  Instead, the organization is supported by contributions from over 700 partnering organizations that are matched by fees paid by international travelers to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program.

ESTA is an automated system implemented by the Department of Homeland Security in 2008 that determines the eligibility of visitors from 38 international markets to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  ESTA authorizations are generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.