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 StageU.S. Visa Waiver Travelers Face a $40 ESTA Fee. What Changed?
The U.S. ESTA fee remains at $40 in 2026 to support tourism marketing and operations, impacting travelers from 41 countries under the Visa Waiver Program.
National Assembly Approves Limited Visa Waiver for Special Category Foreigners
In June 2025, a limited visa waiver was approved for special foreign categories, allowing 90-day visits with electronic…
Bulgaria Nears U.S. Visa Waiver Program Entry by 2026
Bulgaria is close to joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program by lowering visa refusals and signing security agreements.…
U.S. Suspends Romania’s Visa Waiver Bid Citing Crime and Visa Refusals
Romania’s removal from the Visa Waiver Program on June 1, 2025, requires Romanian citizens to obtain B-1/B-2 visas…
U.S. Proposes Raising ESTA Fee to $40 for Visa Waiver Travelers
Congress reviews a proposal to raise the ESTA fee from $21 to $40 to support border security. This…
Donegal man in Boston faces deportation after visa waiver violation
Since January 2025, the U.S. enforces stricter immigration laws, detaining over 1,800 noncitizens daily. Irish nationals, including visa…
US Travel Authorization rules to tighten for visa and ESTA in 2025
In 2025, US travel authorization updates impose stricter digital checks and require e-passports for ESTA applications costing $21.…
Visa Waiver Program grows, but India remains outside US travel list
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program grants faster entry to citizens from 41 countries using ESTA, but excludes India…
American Visa Waiver Program streamlines US visits for ESTA nations
The American Visa Waiver Program lets travelers from 42 countries visit the U.S. for short stays. Indian nationals…
Barbados grants visa waiver to Liberian passport holders for 90 days
Liberians can visit Barbados visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport and two blank pages.…