The prospect of the 2026 World Cup is driving a sharp increase in ESTA applications for visa-free travel to the United States. U.S. authorities report that, between October and December 2025, they approved more than one million authorizations for nationals of countries qualified for the competition.
While several recent reports incorrectly announced that new ESTA application requirements had taken effect as of February 9, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in France has issued an official clarification. The proposed changes, including the possible requirement to provide social media identifiers, remain under review and could, at the earliest, be implemented starting in mid-2026, according to a projected timeline.
Commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council, a large-scale international survey highlights the potentially deterrent effects of proposed changes to U.S. entry requirements under the ESTA program. The planned requirement to provide social media information could discourage some international travelers and place a significant burden on the U.S. tourism economy.
Just over four months before kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. authorities, in coordination with FIFA, are today launching an unprecedented priority appointment system for visa applications. Known as FIFA PASS, the program is designed to facilitate entry into the United States for international ticket-holding fans, while fully maintaining standard screening and security procedures.
The U.S. administration has unveiled a new immigration program that offers a fast-tracked path to permanent residency in the United States in exchange for a $1 million contribution. Presented as a preferred route for attracting investors, the “Gold Card” marks a new chapter in Donald Trump’s immigration policy.
In an official notice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing a sweeping overhaul of the ESTA application process, including mandatory new personal data, exclusive use of a mobile app, and expanded biometric checks. These measures, now open for public comment, could significantly reshape the procedure for travelers eligible for visa-free entry.
After nearly doubling a few weeks ago, the ESTA fee will soon undergo another adjustment. This change, scheduled every year, remains very modest and is simply the result of applying the inflation-indexing mechanism.
Announced jointly by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, the “FIFA PASS” promises expedited visa interview appointments at U.S. consulates for holders of 2026 World Cup tickets.
After several years of restrictions on Hungarian travelers, the United States is restoring standard ESTA validity for Hungary. Starting September 30, 2025, Hungarian citizens will once again be eligible for two-year authorizations valid for multiple entries into the U.S.
As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has implemented a new rule: nonimmigrant visa applications must now be filed in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality. This measure comes as part of a broader series of recent reforms tightening entry requirements to the United States.
The American dream will cost a little more: authorities have just confirmed that the price of ESTA will increase from $21 to $40 starting September 30, 2025. This is a significant increase that all travelers wishing to visit the US without a visa should anticipate.
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.
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.
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.
Travelers heading to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program must now meet a new requirement when submitting their ESTA application online.
