Latest news with #ElectronicSystemforTravelAuthorization
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
US could force tourists to pay up to £11k to visit country in new visa rules
The United States could demand a bond payment of up to $15,000, around £11,300, to enter the country as Donald Trump steps up his aggressive approach to immigration The US State Department is proposing a costly new requirement for business and tourist visa applicants if they want to enter America. The United States could potentially demand a bond of up to $15,000, around £11,300, to gain entry. A State Department notice, published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, outlined the year-long pilot scheme as President Donald Trump continues his aggressive approach to immigration. Under the potential programme, individuals from nations identified as having high visa overstay rates or deficient internal document security controls may be forced to pay thousands when applying. It comes after a lip reader revealed exactly what Donald Trump and Keir Starmer said to each other on the golf course. It has been reported that most of the 42 countries enrolled in the program are in Europe. Others included are in Asia and the Middle East. The bond, which could be waived depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant, would enable travel for for up to 90 days. The notice specifies: "Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program." The pilot program is set to commence within 15 days following its official publication, according to the announcement. It is not the first time such a proposal has been put forward, with a similar isa bond pilot scheme poised to launch in 2020, before the COVID pandemic put paid to the plan. Currently, UK holidaymakers wanting to visit the US for tourism need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), under the Visa Waiver Program. According to the UK Foreign Office: "All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry." To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. The ESTA application costs $21 and is generally valid for two years from the date of authorisation, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, the US Congress has approved new legislation which includes a price hike for the ESTA from $21 to $40. As a result, the travel experts at Journeyscape have issued a warning for travellers, urging them to apply for the ESTA now if they have US travel plans. They explained: "While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval." Common mistakes that could see your application rejected include incorrect passport information, failing to disclose previous travel plans, or applying too close to travel dates, as if there's an issue you may not get the document in time, and therefore you'll be unable to travel. They also issued advice for Brits around third party services that could leave you paying even more, explaining: "Only use the official ESTA website to avoid additional fees from third-party services. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it's set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Many third-party sites charge even more, often without offering any added value." Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape added: "Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams. "Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials. Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba. "Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimising stress and maximising your trip's success."
CNA
30-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
US tightens visa interview rules: What Singaporeans need to know
SINGAPORE: The United States will tighten its rules for visa interviews from Sep 2, requiring all non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, to attend in-person interviews. The changes, announced on Jul 25 by the US State Department, reverse earlier waivers and signal a shift toward stricter screening for short-term travel and business visas. The update follows the introduction of a new US$250 processing fee for non-immigrant visa applications earlier the same week. On Tuesday (Jul 29), the US Embassy in Singapore posted about the upcoming visa interview changes on its Facebook page. But do these new rules apply to most Singaporeans? Here's what you need to know. WHAT'S CHANGING ON SEP 2? Starting Sep 2, all non-immigrant visa applicants, regardless of age, will require an in-person interview. Non-immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to enter the US for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, study or other temporary stays. The updated rules also tighten eligibility for interview waivers during certain visa renewals. Under the updated guidelines, applicants who are renewing their B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visas will only qualify for an interview waiver if they were at least 18 years old at the time their prior visa was issued. The B-1 visa is for business, the B-2 for tourism, while the B1/B2 visa is a single visa that allows for both business and tourism activities. WILL THIS AFFECT MY HOLIDAY? In response to CNA's queries, the US Embassy in Singapore said on Wednesday that Singaporeans travelling under the Visa Waiver Program are unaffected by these changes. However, they must still apply for authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Singapore is part of the US Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of certain countries and territories to travel to the US for tourism or business without needing a visa. If you do not need a visa, there is no visa interview to worry about, so the Sep 2 changes will not apply to you. However, travellers who are ineligible for the Visa Waiver Program are required to apply for a visa to travel to the US and must attend an interview. This is unrelated to the interview waiver changes, the embassy added.
Miami Herald
29-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Countries That Are Part of US Visa Waiver Program
United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday that Argentina was likely to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel to the U.S. Noem said that part of the reason for the move was a rise in Argentinian tourism to the U.S. in the past year, along with low visa overstays. Adding a country to the VWP takes time and requires it to meet strict security requirements, but getting on the list means a far easier process for nationals visiting the U.S., including avoiding a new $250 "visa integrity fee" being introduced by the Trump administration. The VWP allows visitors to the U.S., including those traveling for business, to spend up to 90 days in the country without needing to apply for a visitor visa, with some caveats. There are currently 41 nations on the list, with Chile the only other South American country as of July 2025. Nationals from these countries have to apply for a what is known as an ESTA, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ahead of traveling, and must be approved by the U.S. Department of State through this. An ESTA currently costs $21 per application, but this will rise to $40 from October 1, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While that cost may affect some travelers, it will still be less than for those from other countries applying for a B visitor visa, which costs $185. That will soon have the $250 visa integrity fee added on top. For VWP applicants, there are certain criteria that must be met. The State Department will not approve ESTAs for those who: Have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011Have traveled to or been present in Cuba since January 12, 2021Are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. The VWP is also not applicable to those coming to the U.S. to study for credit, for employment, to work as foreign press or other media, or to live as a permanent resident. All of these require different immigration pathways. As for Argentina-which was part of the VWP until 2002 when economic instability and concerns around illegal immigration were raised during the Bush administration-it will have to comply with the American rules in order to rejoin. According to the State Department, a country has to share enhanced law enforcement and security-related data with the U.S., issue e-passports, have a low visitor-visa refusal rate, timely reporting of passport issues, and be able to prove it maintains high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and border controls. In the Department of Homeland Security's press release on the intention to get Argentina back on the VWP, Noem said Argentina now had the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press release: "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year-the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals. That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats. This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." Republican Florida Representative Maria Salazar, on X: "This marks a powerful step toward restoring trust, deepening U.S.-Argentina ties, and bringing Argentina back onto the world stage. Under [Javier Milei], Argentina is emerging as a regional model of economic freedom, transparency, and strong democratic values." Argentina will have to be vetted further by the U.S. government before it can rejoin the VWP. Related Articles Green-Card Changes Threaten Pastors' Ability To Remain in USTrump Admin Reveals Planned Changes to US Citizenship Test, H-1B VisasTrump Admin Identifies Gang Immigration 'Loophole'US Denies Visas to Venezuelan Little League Baseball Team 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
29-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows Countries That Are Part of US Visa Waiver Program
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said Monday that Argentina was likely to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), allowing visa-free travel to the U.S. Noem said that part of the reason for the move was a rise in Argentinian tourism to the U.S. in the past year, along with low visa overstays. Why It Matters Adding a country to the VWP takes time and requires it to meet strict security requirements, but getting on the list means a far easier process for nationals visiting the U.S., including avoiding a new $250 "visa integrity fee" being introduced by the Trump administration. What To Know The VWP allows visitors to the U.S., including those traveling for business, to spend up to 90 days in the country without needing to apply for a visitor visa, with some caveats. There are currently 41 nations on the list, with Chile the only other South American country as of July 2025. Nationals from these countries have to apply for a what is known as an ESTA, through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, ahead of traveling, and must be approved by the U.S. Department of State through this. An ESTA currently costs $21 per application, but this will rise to $40 from October 1, 2025, following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While that cost may affect some travelers, it will still be less than for those from other countries applying for a B visitor visa, which costs $185. That will soon have the $250 visa integrity fee added on top. For VWP applicants, there are certain criteria that must be met. The State Department will not approve ESTAs for those who: Have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen since March 1, 2011 Have traveled to or been present in Cuba since January 12, 2021 Are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. The VWP is also not applicable to those coming to the U.S. to study for credit, for employment, to work as foreign press or other media, or to live as a permanent resident. All of these require different immigration pathways. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (L) and Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich shake hands after signing a bilateral agreement at the Casa Rosada government palace in Buenos Aires on July 28, 2025. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem (L) and Argentina's Security Minister Patricia Bullrich shake hands after signing a bilateral agreement at the Casa Rosada government palace in Buenos Aires on July 28, 2025. ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images As for Argentina—which was part of the VWP until 2002 when economic instability and concerns around illegal immigration were raised during the Bush administration—it will have to comply with the American rules in order to rejoin. According to the State Department, a country has to share enhanced law enforcement and security-related data with the U.S., issue e-passports, have a low visitor-visa refusal rate, timely reporting of passport issues, and be able to prove it maintains high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and border controls. In the Department of Homeland Security's press release on the intention to get Argentina back on the VWP, Noem said Argentina now had the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America. What People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, in a press release: "Argentina now has the lowest visa overstay rate in all of Latin America and 25 percent more Argentines traveled to the U.S. in the first four months of this year compared to last year—the biggest jump of any of the top 20 international arrivals. That is why we are now taking steps to allow Argentina back into the Visa Waiver Program. "This statement of intent I signed alongside Minister Werthein and Minister Bullrich highlights our strong partnership with Argentina and our mutual desire to promote lawful travel while deterring threats. This kind of diplomatic leadership, spearheaded by President Trump, will help increase the safety of both countries." Republican Florida Representative Maria Salazar, on X: "This marks a powerful step toward restoring trust, deepening U.S.-Argentina ties, and bringing Argentina back onto the world stage. Under [Javier Milei], Argentina is emerging as a regional model of economic freedom, transparency, and strong democratic values." What's Next Argentina will have to be vetted further by the U.S. government before it can rejoin the VWP.
Miami Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Traveling to the U.S.? Two key entry documents will soon cost you more
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.
