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.
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.
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.
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.
Election day in the US, but defection for travelers heading to Uncle Sam’s country after a breakdown in the ESTA system.
In the last fiscal year, the United States issued over 11 million visas, including 8.5 million visitor visas.
“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.
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.
