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…
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…