ESTA
Electronic System for Travel Authorization and Visa Waiver Program rules for 41 eligible countries. Covers application process, denial reasons, ESTA vs B-1/B-2 comparison, and CBP entry inspection procedures.
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. The measures include mutual exemptions with 29 countries, unilateral visa-free access for…
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…
Do ESTA Authorizations Remain Valid During a U.S. Government Shutdown?
ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program remain fully operational during U.S. government shutdowns as border security functions are…
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…
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…
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%…
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…