Originally Posted by
baggersup
Not sure about ESTA $15, but thought it was just a fee to process an additional security check for visitors prior to their boarding under the visa waiver program.
ESTA simply replaces the green paper visa waiver form (although for a while you had to have both the paper form and the ESTA). The paper form was processed by the immigration officer, but was not charged for (although there are charges for customs and 'agriculture'. It isn't a security check either, but an immigration check. You know, keep out the commies and those possessing moral turpitude. (I kid you not)
If it was marketed outside the U.S. as an "easier" way to visit, then guess that comes under tourist promotion.
Not easier, by any means - it does mean the traveller must have access to the internet. There are still some (like my in-laws) who are not comfortable with the web.