Overview

• The ESTA application fee for Visa Waiver travelers increases from $21 to $40 effective September 30, affecting citizens of 41 participating countries, with applications paid before the update processed at the prior rate.
• CBP raises the land‑port I‑94 fee from $6 to $30 on September 30, a charge that does not apply to air or sea arrivals and is generally unnecessary for travelers who remain within designated border zones.
• A new $250 Visa Integrity Fee will be charged to approved nonimmigrant visa applicants starting October 1, with the U.S. consulate in Ciudad Juárez noting DHS will manage details and further guidance is pending.
• Pandemic‑era interview waivers have been eliminated, so most applicants, including many renewals and certain age groups, will require in‑person consular interviews beginning in October.
• Industry groups and analysts cited by Reuters and local outlets expect the higher costs and tighter procedures to weigh on travel, with forecasts pointing to lower tourism spending and a roughly 3% drop in arrivals.