ESTA
Latest in ESTA
US Visa Waiver Program 2025: Updated Countries and Key Requirements
The VWP in 2025 covers 42 countries for 90-day visits; ESTA approval and an e-passport are mandatory. Qatar joined in…
Brunei Records Surge in Chinese Tourists in 2025 with Visa Waiver
From March 8, 2025, Brunei’s 14-day visa waiver for Chinese ordinary passport holders drove 28,714 arrivals by August, making China…
Senate Committee Backs Philippines Visa Waiver to Boost CNMI Tourism
CNMI’s Senate Committee backed Resolution No. 24-1 on October 2, 2025, asking DHS to add the Philippines to the Guam-CNMI…
Are VWP and ESTA Still Valid During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
ESTA authorizations and the VWP remain operational during a U.S. government shutdown because CBP and DHS deem them essential. Approved…
State Department Ends Pandemic-Era Visa Waiver, In-Person Interviews
From September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews worldwide, removing age-based waivers and affecting renewals for…
U.S. Restores Hungary’s Visa Waiver Status; ESTA Valid Two Years
DHS restores Hungary’s VWP status effective September 30, 2025, reinstating two-year, multiple-entry ESTAs with 90-day stays. The ESTA fee rises…
LG Energy Solution Used ESTA Waivers as Workarounds, Documents Show
A September 2025 raid near Savannah detained over 300 South Korean workers linked to LG Energy Solution; 44% entered on…
US Increases ESTA Fee to $40, Effective Sept 30, 2025 Under H.R. 1
Starting September 30, 2025, ESTA will cost $40 (from $21) under H.R. 1; apply before that date to pay $21…