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.
Top questions about ESTA
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat are the new visa waiver policies for certain countries effective May 22, 2025?
On May 22, 2025, the Cabinet approved a major visa waiver for citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, and for foreign nationals who hold valid residence permits from the United States, the European Union and the Schengen Area, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Read: Armenia Reports Nearly 3,600 Foreign Nationals Gained Residency in Six MonthsWhat changes were made to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025 for non-African countries?
In 2025, Romania was added to the VWP, while interview waiver renewals now require submission within 12 months instead of 48 months.
Read: No African Nations Included in U.S. 2025 Visa Waiver ProgramWhat changes were made to the visa-waiver program in July 2024?
Visa-free land entry was expanded to 35 additional European countries, allowing entry at international road and rail checkpoints.
Read: Belarus Sees 167,506 Visa-Waiver Travelers by Sept 2025What changes were made to U.S. visa policies in 2025?
In 2025, the U.S. tightened visa rules for some countries by suspending visas for nationals of 19 countries due to security concerns, making the process more stringent.
Read: Woman Shares Struggle After B1/B2 and F-1 Visa Denials to USWhat new rules did the U.S. introduce in March 2025 regarding travel authorizations?
Non-U.S. citizens must register their local address while in the United States and carry proof of registration at all times; visa waiver program travelers face separate requirements, potentially including fingerprinting.
Read: USA Blocks Lee Dohyun From World Cup StageEurope 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; airlines may deny boarding. Europe and the UK are launching ETIAS, EES,…
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…
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…