Most visitors to the USA do not need a visa. They are admitted under what is known as the "visa waiver scheme" which is covered by the ESTA application. Apply for the ESTA form direct with the US Embassy web site:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

anywhere else will charge you a handling fee. Hence the higher charge from the travel agent.

You can check that you are eligible for the visa waiver scheme (ESTA) by clicking here:

http://london.usembassy.gov/vwpnewcountries2.html

You are required to apply for an ESTA not a Visa (unless other specific conditions apply to you, all details in the above link) use only the official site, you don't need to use travel agent.

There is full information in the dedicated topic http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/forum/passports-apis-esta-visas-security-usa-only-t148-280.html

I will now lock this post to avoid duplication

Graham

tinymcfc wrote:

Some sites suggest an ESTA is needed and its a $14 charge, my travel agent is saying I need to go through them and its £19.99 charge

If you are eligable to travel under an ESTA, what your travel agent has said is rubbish and they're trying to extract more money from you. Just apply for your ESTA online, it's $14 and takes about 5 minutes per person. Most get approval straight away, mine took 24 hours. Don't pay anything more than $14 and only do it through the official ESTA site as others charge a commission for doing it for you, as your travel agent is trying to do.

Darren