International visitors to the United States will soon face increased costs, with new fees implemented on September 30th. The fee changes, part of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ will primarily affect citizens from Middle Eastern countries eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, permitting visits for tourism or business purposes lasting up to 90 days. This encompasses countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, most of Europe, and Qatar. The fee increases are not limited to the ESTA. Travelers entering the US at land borders will experience a sharp rise in the cost of their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, increasing from $6 to $30. Additionally, travelers from China will be charged a new $30 enrollment fee for the Electronic Visa Update System. These new fees are being introduced during a difficult period for U.S. tourism. Projections indicate that the United States is the sole country among 184 economies expecting a decrease in international visitor spending in 2025. The introduction of these new costs, along with the pending $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ for many countries outside of the Visa Waiver Program, may further depress international tourism.
New US Travel Fees to Impact Foreign Visitors Starting September 30th
By The Chhattisgarh1 Min Read