If you're heading Stateside this summer, be very careful.

Before travelling to America, most Irish people have to register for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) form before they go on their trip. However, despite the fact that the ESTA only costs $14 on the official website, a number of other websites that are supposed to help travellers before they embark on their journey have been charging up to $150 (approximately €127) for the form. That's a fairly big difference. If you're heading to the States, just think about how many IHOPs (International House of Pancakes) and Dennys you could get with that extra 136 dollars... The US Embassy in Dublin is urging people to apply for the ESTA on the official website, here. Ireland South MEP, Deirdre Clune spoke about the importance of using the official website, saying:

“People have to be very careful when booking their Esta form as many sites are charging ten times the price being charged on the official website. Many sites are charging very high ‘processing fees’ at the last minute and people might think this is standard but it is not.”

According to the US Embassy in Dublin, a number of third-party websites will complete the ESTA on your behalf and may charge fees that are significantly higher. They have urged travellers to check carefully before submitting any information or payment to a third-party website. Heading Stateside in the near future? Take note.