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ESTA and EVUS Fees to Increase in September 2025

ESTA and EVUS Fees to Increase in September 2025

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.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Ahluwalia Law Offices, P.C. The legal information provided herein may not apply to your individual circumstances and is subject to change based on evolving immigration laws and policies.
Readers are strongly encouraged to consult directly with a qualified immigration attorney for guidance tailored to their specific situation. Our front desk staff is not authorized to interpret legal information or provide legal advice beyond what is explicitly stated in this blog. They are also not permitted to assess eligibility, review case details, or respond to case-specific inquiries.
Please note: Due to the high volume of inquiries and the sensitive nature of immigration matters, we cannot respond to questions or requests for legal analysis via phone or email unless a formal consultation has been scheduled. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to book an appointment with one of our attorneys if you require personalized legal assistance.