≡-New ESTA Fee Of Forty Dollars Set To Disrupt Travel Plans For Millions Starting September 30, 2025, As U.S. Implements Groundbreaking Increase Under The Visa Waiver Program – Viral of Today

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August 29, 2025Beginning September 30, 2025, the U.S. will raise the ESTA fee to forty dollars as part of a broader effort to fund updates to immigration systems and enhance border security. This increase is designed to support the modernization of U.S. travel and security infrastructure, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of global security measures. With millions of international travelers relying on the Visa Waiver Program for short visits, the fee hike will have a significant impact, particularly for families and those planning multiple trips.Starting September 30, 2025, travelers seeking entry into the United States through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will see a significant increase in the cost of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The cost of acquiring an ESTA will increase from \$21 to \$40, representing a significant surge of almost 90%. This change will affect millions of business and leisure travelers from the 42 countries participating in the VWP, which includes most European Union member states.The ESTA system allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for short stays without requiring a visa. These travelers, under certain conditions, can secure ESTA authorization for visits of up to 90 days. However, this convenience will come at a higher price starting in 2025.The increase in the ESTA fee is driven by the recent passage of federal legislation HR-1, officially known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which came into effect on July 4, 2025. This comprehensive law aims to revamp the financial framework governing U.S. immigration procedures and border security systems. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detailed the revised ESTA fee structure in an official Federal Register notice. According to CBP, the new fee will consist of three separate charges: \$17 for the original authorization fee, an added \$10 charge, and a new \$13 fee, bringing the total cost to \$40. This fee hike represents the most substantial increase since the program’s establishment, reflecting the government’s broader efforts to enhance the country’s security infrastructure.Travelers who plan to visit the U.S. before September 30, 2025, can still benefit from the current rate of $21. After that date, all new ESTA applications will be subject to the higher $40 fee, with no exceptions. For families or groups, the financial impact could be considerable. For example, a family of four applying for ESTA authorization before the fee increase would pay $84, compared to the new cost of $160 after the hike takes effect.The fee increase could potentially discourage some travelers, particularly families and young people who may be more sensitive to higher costs. Tourism professionals are already expressing concerns about the deterrent effect this price change could have on some occasional visitors. However, it’s worth noting that the ESTA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple trips to the U.S. within the 90-day stay limit.In addition to the ESTA fee increase, other procedures and forms related to entry into the U.S. are also seeing fee hikes. The I-94 form, which is required for land entries into the U.S., will increase from $6 to $30. Additionally, Chinese citizens holding 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visas will now face a $30 registration fee for the EVUS system. All these changes are set to go into effect on the same date, September 30, 2025.The overarching aim of these fee adjustments is to support and secure the U.S. immigration and border control systems. By increasing revenue through these various fee hikes, the U.S. government intends to enhance the security and efficiency of its immigration procedures.For travelers, this is a reminder to plan ahead and consider the cost implications of ESTA and other related fees. While the increase may be substantial, those looking to avoid the hike should apply for their ESTA before the end of September 2025. Families and frequent travelers, in particular, will want to factor this change into their travel budgets and make applications early to save money.

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