Traveling to the U.S.? Two key entry documents will soon cost you more

Miami Herald

6 days ago

Planning to visit the U.S.? Get ready to pay more for two key travel documents.
Starting in fiscal year 2025, international travelers heading to the United States — even for a short stopover — will face new higher fees for two essential documents: the I-94 form and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permit.
The price increases come under the new immigration package introduced by the Trump administration and passed by Congress. The goal is to fund expanded border security operations, but the changes will impact millions of people who visit the U.S. temporarily or travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
New mandatory fee for the I-94: From $6 to $24 minimum
For the first time, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will charge a mandatory base fee of at least $24 for each I-94 application. This is a steep increase from the current $6 fee charged for many land-border travelers or those who completed the form online before entering by air. The new amount may increase through future regulations and will be automatically adjusted for inflation starting in 2026.
Previously, some travelers received the I-94 as part of other immigration or travel-related payments. Under the new law, it must now be charged separately — with no exemptions, not even for financial hardship.
Part of the revenue will be used for border enforcement, while the remainder will go to the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.
Read more: USCIS just raised immigration fees. See what work permits and asylum now cost
What is the I-94, and who needs it?
The I-94 is an official record that the U.S. government uses to document when nonresident foreign nationals enter and exit the country. It's essential for proving legal entry and tracking how long someone is permitted to stay.
Who needs to apply for an I-94?
▪ Foreign nationals entering the U.S. on a temporary visa (such as students, workers, or tourists)
▪ Individuals applying for a change or extension of immigration from within the U.S.
▪ Some travelers entering through land borders, unless they are explicitly exempt.
ESTA visa waiver fee increase: from $21 to at least $30 per application
The HR-1 law also sets a new minimum fee of $30 per ESTA application. This represents an increase from the current $21 fee, which previously included both a processing charge and an authorization fee. That amount was often bundled into other travel costs or covered by third parties, making it less visible to many travelers.
The fee may increase through future rule changes and will also be adjusted annually for inflation. Of the total collected, $5 will go directly to the U.S. Treasury, with the rest used to maintain the ESTA system.
As with the I-94, the law bars any exemptions: every traveler must pay, regardless of age, nationality or financial need.
What is ESTA and when do you need it?
ESTA is an online system used by travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries who plan to visit the U.S. without a visa. It's mandatory even for short stays for tourism, business or connecting flights.
Who needs to apply for ESTA?
▪ Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program
▪ Travelers from these countries who don't hold a U.S. visa and plan to stay for less than 90 days
▪ Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries must have a valid ESTA, even if they are only transiting through the U.S. without leaving the airport.