ESTA
ESTA and Visa Waiver Program (VWP) news for travelers from eligible countries visiting the United States without a visa for up to 90 days.
What the US entry rules mean: ESTA, social media checks
Beginning late 2025, CBP will require five years of social media history and additional data through a redesigned ESTA. Executive Order 14161 and a June 9 proclamation expand vetting and…
DNA Not Required for ESTA Right Now, CBP Sees Future Data Use
A CBP proposal would expand I-94 and ESTA data collection—potentially including DNA and extended social media, phone and…
US Expands ESTA Checks to Include Five Years of Social Media
A December 2025 CBP proposal would make social media disclosure and expanded biometrics mandatory for VWP travelers applying…
Europe Catches Up as US Expands Visa Waiver to 41 Countries
The U.S. expanded the VWP with Romania and tightened ESTA rules requiring 72‑hour advance applications and biometric passports;…
ESTA Fee Increases to $40: What Travelers Should Know
The ESTA fee jumped to $40 on September 30, 2025, due to HR‑1, moving from $21. The increase…
China’s Expanded Visa Waivers Drive Travel Surge and Global Ties
In 2025 China expanded visa waivers and the 240-hour transit program, spurring a 35%+ rise in international arrivals.…
Digital Entry Under VWP: ESTA Enables 90-Day Travel Without Visas
U.S. border processing is shifting to digital ESTA authorizations tied to e-passport chips for 42 VWP countries. 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…
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,…
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…