Visiting the U.S. Is About to Cost More for International Travelers

What’s Changing and When

International trips to the United States will soon come with higher entry costs. Several government fees are scheduled to rise on September 30, affecting travelers who arrive by air and by land. The increases touch multiple programs that many visitors use, so even a short visit may cost more than it did a few months ago.

The Big One: ESTA Fee Nearly Doubles

The largest change hits visitors from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, which includes the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, most of Europe, and partners such as Qatar. These travelers apply online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, widely known as ESTA. The mandatory ESTA charge will climb from $21 to $40 at the end of September. The change stems from new legislation often referred to as “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which bundled several travel related fees into a single package.

Crossing by Land: I-94 Fee Jumps

Travelers who enter the United States at a land border and are required to obtain an I-94 Arrival and Departure Record will also see a significant increase. The I-94 fee will go from $6 to $30. For visitors who make frequent crossings or plan a road trip that starts in Canada or Mexico, this is a meaningful rise that is worth budgeting for in advance.

China Specific: New EVUS Enrollment Fee

Another change targets eligible travelers from China who use the Electronic Visa Update System, known as EVUS. Beginning September 30, EVUS will require a $30 enrollment fee. If you plan to update your information close to your travel date, factor that charge into your costs along with any airline and hotel expenses.

A New Charge on the Horizon: The “Visa Integrity Fee”

Officials have also discussed a proposed $250 “visa integrity fee” for many visitors from non Visa Waiver countries. This fee has not gone into effect. The Department of Homeland Security has said it requires coordination across agencies before any rollout. If implemented, it would add a sizable upfront cost for affected travelers. For now, it remains under review, and there is no start date.

Why These Changes Matter Right Now

The timing arrives as international travel to the United States continues to lag. Industry analysts have flagged a slowdown, with some Canadian and other overseas visitors choosing different destinations. One high profile forecast this spring projected the United States could lose $12.5 billion in international visitor spending in 2025, making it an outlier among major global tourism economies. Higher fees add to the price pressure at a moment when the country is working to regain market share with long haul travelers.

Will Higher Fees Keep People Away

Opinions vary. Some immigration attorneys and travel experts say the individual fee hikes, such as ESTA jumping to forty dollars, are unlikely to stop most trips on their own. They note that airfare, hotels, and exchange rates typically have a bigger impact on a traveler’s decision. The proposed visa integrity fee is different because of its size and because it would be new. Experts say questions remain about how it would be collected, whether any portion would be refundable, and how compliance would be tracked.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If a U.S. visit is on your calendar this fall, a little planning goes a long way. Check whether you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and submit your ESTA application early so you are not rushing at the airport. If you plan to enter by land, assume you will pay the I-94 fee and build it into your budget. Chinese nationals using EVUS should enroll ahead of time and set aside the $30 charge. Keep an eye on official updates regarding the proposed visa integrity fee so you are not surprised before departure. Finally, review your airline and hotel policies so you can shift dates if needed without extra penalties.

The Bottom Line

Starting September 30, visiting the United States will cost more for many international travelers. ESTA nearly doubles. I-94 at land borders jumps. EVUS adds a new $30 enrollment. The potential visa integrity fee remains a “watch this space” item, but it signals a policy trend worth monitoring. None of these changes has to derail a trip, yet they do make planning and budgeting more important. If you confirm your requirements early and set aside the added fees, you can keep the focus on the fun part, which is where to go once you land.

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This article was written by Hunter and edited with AI Assistance