U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will raise fees for travel and entry services on Sept. 30, 2025, per an Aug. 28 Federal Register notice. These increases fulfill fee requirements in President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act.’
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will jump from $21 to $40 (a 90% increase) starting Sept. 30. However, applications submitted before then remain $21.
ESTA is required for nationals of 42 VWP countries—including most EU states, Japan, South Korea, and Australia—allowing 90-day visa-free U.S. entry for tourism or business.
Meanwhile, starting Sept. 2, the State Department will require in-person interviews for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under 14 and over 79. Exceptions exist for diplomatic visas (A, G, NATO) and certain B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Card renewals within 12 months of expiration. Consular officers may still require interviews at their discretion.
Anyone entering by land-border crossings from Canada or Mexico also should prepare financially, as I-94 form costs are jumping from $6 to $30, thanks to a new HR-1 fee addition. Flying or sailing? You’re in luck—air and sea I-94s stay the same price. And if you’re a Chinese citizen with that coveted 10-year B visa, prepare to shell out $30 for your EVUS enrollment from now on.
An ESTA remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. Used by 15-18 million travelers annually—according to CBP and the Dept. of Homeland Securty—it permits short-term U.S. visits without a visa under specific conditions. If your ESTA or passport expires, you must obtain and pay for a new authorization.
Take a look: The State Dept announced on X: “From September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including renewals, must attend in-person consular interviews.” CBP’s August 28 Federal Register notice “CBP Immigration Fees Required by HR-1 for Fiscal Year 2025” confirms the new fees and September 30, 2025 implementation date.
You May Also Be Interested In…
U.S. Travel Supports 2028 Olympics Task Force
Americans to Face Hefty Fees When Traveling to Europe Next Year
