U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that, effective September 30, 2025, fees for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) will increase. These changes are mandated under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (PL 119-21) and will affect many foreign travelers entering the United States.
New ESTA Fee Structure
Beginning September 30, 2025, the ESTA fee will increase to $40, comprised of three components:
- $17 Travel Promotion Fee
- $10 Operational Fee
- $13 Treasury General Fund Fee
Any ESTA applications left unpaid after the system update will automatically be charged the new $40 fee. ESTA remains a required authorization for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the United States for short-term business or tourism.
New EVUS Fee Structure
The EVUS enrollment fee will also increase, effective September 30, 2025. The new cost will be $30 per enrollment. EVUS is mandatory for Chinese nationals holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa before traveling to the United States. As with ESTA, unpaid enrollments in the system after the update will be subject to the new fee.
What Travelers Should Do
- Submit and pay for your ESTA or EVUS enrollment before September 30, 2025 to avoid the higher fees.
- Ensure you have proper documentation when booking travel, particularly if you are a national of a Visa Waiver Program country or a Chinese national holding a long-term B1/B2 visa.
- Monitor CBP and USCIS updates for additional guidance on travel compliance.
Why This Matters
Fee increases are part of broader updates to U.S. immigration systems, reflecting changes in funding priorities and operational costs. Foreign nationals planning to visit the U.S. should account for these adjustments when preparing their travel budget and documentation.
