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 StageLG 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 ESTA, which forbids hands-on work. Internal documents show LG encouraged…
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…
Why CNMI Grants Visa Waivers to Chinese Nationals, Not the U.S. Mainland
The CNMI’s 2025 local visa waiver lets Chinese nationals enter CNMI with Form I-736 for short stays up…
ESTA fee to rise to $40 in U.S. starting September 30, 2025
CBP set the ESTA fee increase to $40 effective September 30, 2025. Applications approved before that date remain…
Romania removed from U.S. Visa Waiver Program; B-1/B-2 required
DHS rescinded Romania’s VWP status on May 2, 2025; ESTA approvals are void. Romanian citizens must apply for…
S. Korea Visa Waiver Extension Drives Surge in U.S. Travel Interest
A December 11, 2024 K-ETA exemption lets U.S. citizens visit South Korea visa-free up to 90 days through…
US Ends ‘Dropbox’ Visa Waivers — Even Children Now Require Interviews
On July 25, 2025, the State Department announced that Dropbox interview waivers end September 2, 2025. Most nonimmigrant…
Vietnam’s New Visa Waiver Initiative: Pathway for Foreign Contributors
Effective August 15, 2025, Vietnam’s Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP creates digital and physical visa waiver cards granting multi-entry access…
US Visa Waivers Slashed: Prepare for Mandatory Interview Queues
From September 2, 2025, the U.S. will require in-person interviews for most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including renewals. Age-based…
Romania Removed from U.S. Visa Waiver Program as of July 2025
Romania’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program effective May 2025 requires Romanian travelers to apply for B-1/B-2…