Traveling to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)? Be aware of the upcoming changes:
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💰 Proposed Fee Increase
The U.S. Congress is considering raising the ESTA fee from $21 to $40. This proposal aims to boost federal revenue and cover immigration and national security costs. -
📈 Revenue Generation
The fee hike could generate $3.8 billion in additional revenue and reduce the deficit by $3.1 billion between 2025 and 2034. -
🏛️ Legislative Process
The proposal must pass through the House of Representatives, the Senate, and receive the President’s signature before becoming law. -
🕒 Implementation Timeline
If approved, relevant agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would update their procedures and systems, likely by publishing new regulations in the Federal Register. -
🌐 Who Needs ESTA?
Citizens from 42 VWP countries, including most of Europe, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, must apply for ESTA to travel to the U.S. without a visa. -
🧾 Current ESTA Fee
The current fee is $21, comprising a $4 processing fee and a $17 authorization fee. -
🕒 Validity and Usage
An approved ESTA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple entries for stays up to 90 days. -
📅 Application Timing
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your departure to ensure timely processing. -
📱 Application Platforms
Apply through the official ESTA website or the “ESTA Mobile” app available on iOS and Android. -
⚠️ Stay Informed
Monitor official channels for updates on the fee increase and any changes to the application process.
Stay Ready, Stay Informed! Drop us a message at visa@gogpl.in or visit www.greenoutdoors.in for updates.
