Particle.news
Download on the App Store
14 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

U.S. Raises Travel Charges: I-94 and ESTA Go Up Today, $250 Visa Fee Begins Oct. 1

The increases flow from a July law directing agencies to fund integrity measures through higher application costs.

El incremento de la tarifa, que antes era de 185 dólares, forma parte de la política migratoria denominada “tarifa de integridad”. FOTOS: ALESSANDRO CURRARINO / EL COMERCIO
Permiso I-94 Aumenta de $6 a $30 USD (400% más). Es obligatorio para viajar más allá de los 25-75 millas de la frontera.
Image
En la frontera terrestre, los viajeros reciben el Formulario I-94 electrónicamente y ya no recibirán un talón impreso

Overview

  • CBP’s I-94 fee at land ports rises from $6 to $30 effective Sept. 30, applying to visitors who travel beyond border zones or stay over 30 days, with exemptions for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, immigrant visa holders and most Canadian visitors.
  • ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travelers increases from $21 to $40 starting Sept. 30, with applications submitted after the software update charged the new amount.
  • The State Department’s $250 Visa Integrity Fee takes effect Oct. 1 for approved nonimmigrant visas, lifting the B1/B2 out-of-pocket cost to about $435 for new applicants.
  • U.S. embassies and consulates state that applicants who paid earlier fees or hold confirmed appointments before Oct. 1 are not charged the new $250 surcharge, while refund procedures are still being finalized.
  • Border posts reported long lines and delays as travelers rushed to file I-94s before the change, and the end of pandemic-era interview waivers is adding pressure for in-person consular appointments.