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.
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 to 90 days, but it does not allow mainland U.S. travel. Mainland…
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DHS rescinded Romania’s VWP status on May 2, 2025; ESTA approvals are void.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…
DHS Initiates Process to Reinstate Argentina in Visa Waiver Program
Argentina started the long process to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025. Approval could take two…
Cyprus Nears U.S. Visa Waiver Program Entry After Resolving Key Hurdles
Cyprus completed key VWP technical and legal steps. U.S. Congress will review membership in September 2025. Visa-free travel…