Accidental Americans and the hidden US tax obligation
Being born on US soil can follow you across the world. For so-called “accidental Americans,” it comes with a tax obligation most never see coming.
U.S.: 12 additional countries subject to visa bonds of up to $15,000
The U.S. has expanded the list of nationalities that may be required to post a bond to obtain a B1/B2 visa. Twelve additional countries will be added as of April 2, bringing the total number of countries covered by this pilot program to 50, an initiative Washington is highlighting as a tool to combat visa overstays.
New $250 Visa Integrity Fee: What It Means for B1/B2 Applicants
The US now charges $435 for a tourist visa after adding a $250 Visa Integrity Fee under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Here’s what changed, who pays, who’s exempt, and when collection begins.
The European Data Protection Board raises concerns with Brussels over proposed ESTA reforms
The European Data Protection Board has sent a letter to the European Commission expressing concerns about changes being considered by U.S. authorities to the operation of the ESTA system. The body believes that some of the new data collection requirements could raise important questions regarding the protection of European travelers’ personal data.
U.S.: Hawaii raises concerns over tourism impact of possible ESTA tightening
As U.S. authorities consider expanding the information required from travelers under the ESTA system, a Hawaii representative is warning about the potential consequences for destinations that depend on international tourism.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the U.S. celebrates the “tremendous success” of the ESTA system
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.
ESTA reform: U.S. Embassy in France confirms current requirements remain in place and clarifies timeline for possible changes
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.
US: proposed tightening of ESTA rules raises concerns across the international tourism sector
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.
2026 World Cup: The US launches the FIFA PASS priority visa appointment system for fans
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.
Donald Trump launches the “Gold Card,” a visa based on a $1 million contribution
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.
US: social media analysis, mandatory mobile app, biometric data… ESTA is about to undergo major changes
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.
U.S.: ESTA fee to increase (again)
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.
World Cup 2026: the United States opens a priority pathway for fan visas with the “FIFA PASS”
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.
U.S.: Hungary regains full access to ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program
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.
U.S.: visa applications now restricted to country of residence or nationality
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.
