Published on
September 7, 2025
Starting September 30, US visa fees will rise significantly, impacting travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program. This change aims to bolster US border security and immigration systems, with increases in the ESTA fee, land border fees, and additional costs for travelers from China. These adjustments are part of the broader efforts to streamline visa processing, but they come at a time when US tourism is already facing challenges, potentially deterring international visitors and affecting travel budgets worldwide.
Changes to US Visa Fees: What Every Traveler Should Be Aware Of
Travelling to the United States is about to become more expensive for many international visitors. Starting September 30, new fee structures will be implemented, marking a significant increase in the cost of visiting the country. These changes, stemming from the Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” will impact citizens from several countries, particularly those in the Middle East and other regions that participate in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
One of the most notable fee changes will affect the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which allows travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to visit the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without needing a visa. The ESTA fee will increase substantially, from $21 to $40, nearly doubling its current cost. This change will apply to more than 40 countries, including popular travel destinations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, most European nations, and Qatar.
Visa Waiver Program Countries Affected
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for short stays. The program is designed to encourage tourism and business exchanges while streamlining the process of entering the country. The countries currently eligible for the program include:
AndorraAustraliaAustriaBelgiumBruneiChileCroatiaCzech RepublicDenmarkEstoniaFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandIsraelItalyJapanSouth KoreaLatviaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMaltaMonacoNetherlandsNew ZealandNorwayPolandPortugalQatarSan MarinoSingaporeSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandTaiwanUnited Kingdom
The increase in the ESTA fee is just one part of a broader effort to revise the visa and entry fee system for visitors from around the world. While these changes may affect many, they represent a significant hike for those who regularly travel to the United States from the countries listed above.
Rising Costs for Land Border and EVUS Fees
In addition to the ESTA increase, travelers arriving at a U.S. land border will also see a sharp hike in the cost of the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This document, which is required for non-U.S. citizens entering the country, will now cost $30, up from the previous fee of $6. For many travelers, this is a notable increase, especially for those who frequently cross U.S. borders by land for business or tourism purposes.
Furthermore, travelers from China will face an additional fee, a $30 enrollment cost for the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). This system, which was introduced for certain visa holders, requires travelers from China to periodically update their information to maintain the validity of their visas for travel to the U.S. The enrollment fee adds another layer of expense for those seeking to enter the United States, particularly for business or family visits.
Impact on U.S. Tourism and Visitor Spending
The new fees come at a challenging time for U.S. tourism. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the United States is the only country out of 184 economies that is projected to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025. This projected decline is a concerning trend, especially given the significance of tourism as a key component of the U.S. economy.
The increased cost of entry, including the new ESTA and I-94 fees, along with the introduction of a new $250 “visa integrity fee” for travelers from many countries outside of the Visa Waiver Program, could further deter potential visitors. For travelers from countries that are already facing economic challenges, these higher costs may make a trip to the United States seem less affordable or appealing.
Moreover, these increases come at a time when international tourism is recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries around the world are working to restore tourism numbers, and while some nations have reduced or eliminated fees to encourage travel, the U.S. is heading in the opposite direction. This may lead to a decrease in the number of visitors from key markets, particularly those in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Why the Changes Are Happening
The primary reason behind these increased costs is to bolster security and ensure that U.S. immigration systems are adequately funded. The changes were outlined in the Trump administration’s broader immigration reform efforts, which aim to modernize U.S. border security and visa processing systems. However, the implementation of these fees raises questions about the long-term impact on the country’s tourism industry.
Many critics argue that the added financial burden could limit the U.S.’s attractiveness as a destination for international travelers. With travel becoming more expensive in general, tourists are likely to weigh the additional costs when planning their trips. For example, travelers from Europe or Asia, where many countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, will find the added ESTA fee a considerable factor in their travel budgets.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers planning trips to the United States, these fee increases mean that they should factor in the additional costs when budgeting for their trips. The new ESTA fee of $40 is mandatory for travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who plan to visit the U.S. for business or tourism, and the new land border fees will apply to those crossing into the U.S. via its land borders with Canada or Mexico.
Moreover, travelers from China will need to account for the $30 EVUS enrollment fee, which is required for maintaining the validity of their visas. It is also important to note that these costs are subject to change, and further increases may be introduced in the future as part of ongoing efforts to revamp U.S. immigration systems.
The new visa fees will certainly add to the financial burden of visiting the United States, and they come at a critical moment for the country’s tourism sector. While these changes are intended to enhance border security and streamline visa processing, they may ultimately have unintended consequences, including a potential decline in international visitors. For travelers, it is essential to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly, ensuring that they account for the new costs when preparing for their trips.
