U.S.: ESTA fee to increase to $40 starting September 30, 2025
Starting September 30, 2025, the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the U.S. will increase from $21 to $40.
U.S. may offer $1,000 fast-track option for tourist visa interviews
As visa appointment wait times at U.S. embassies stretch into several months in some locations, the Trump administration is reportedly considering a new proposal: a $1,000 fee to expedite access to tourist visa interviews.
Donald Trump reinstates travel ban: 12 countries barred from entering the U.S.
President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation restricting entry into the United States for nationals of multiple countries. Framed as a response to security threats, the measure imposes a full entry ban on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others.
Travel to the U.S.: new requirement for ESTA application
Travelers heading to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must now meet a new requirement when submitting their ESTA application online.
U.S. may increase ESTA fee to $40
Congress is currently reviewing a proposal that would nearly double the cost of the ESTA, the essential travel authorization required for visa-exempt visitors to the United States. The measure, assessed by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), still needs to go through several legislative steps before it can take effect.
US: Cuba maintained on list of state sponsors of terrorism; its visitors remain ineligible for ESTA
As soon as he took office, Donald Trump reinstated Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision blocks access to ESTA for travelers who had visited the island, forcing them to go through a more complex visa process.
US removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism: what impact on travel and ESTA?
The removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism paves the way for more peaceful diplomatic relations and simplifies procedures for travelers who have visited the island since 2021.
US: Visa Waiver Program for Qatari citizens begins today
Qatar officially joins the US Visa Waiver Program this November 22, 2024. Qataris can now apply for ESTA authorization to travel to the USA.
US: travelers stranded at airports due to ESTA system failure
Election day in the US, but defection for travelers heading to Uncle Sam’s country after a breakdown in the ESTA system.
United States: more than 11 million visas issued in 2024
In the last fiscal year, the United States issued over 11 million visas, including 8.5 million visitor visas.
Qatar joins the US Visa Waiver Program
“No later than December 1, 2024”, Qatar will become the 42nd country included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program and ESTA electronic travel authorization system.
World Cup 2026: hurry up and apply for your US visa!
For citizens of certain countries, it may already be too late to obtain a visa to enter the United States to attend the 2026 Soccer World Cup.
