As of the new fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2025, the U.S. government has significantly increased fees for several key travel documents. This immigration news will impact a wide range of travelers to the United States. The fee for the Form I-94, required for land border entry, has seen a dramatic 400% increase, jumping from $6 to $30. Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program will also see a substantial hike, with the cost of an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) rising from $21 to $40. Additionally, the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), which was previously free for Chinese nationals with 10-year B1/B2 visas, will now cost $30. These visa updates are part of a broader trend of increasing costs for immigration and travel to the U.S. The government has also announced that these fees will be adjusted annually for inflation starting in fiscal year 2026, so travelers can expect further increases in the future.
U.S. Hikes Fees for I-94, ESTA, and EVUS in October 2025
The U.S. government has implemented significant fee increases for the I-94, ESTA, and EVUS travel documents, effective October 2025, with further annual increases planned.
What This Means for You:
- Key Point 1: Be prepared for higher costs when planning your travel to the U.S. The I-94 fee for land entry is now $30, ESTA is $40, and EVUS is $30.
- Who Should Be Concerned: Anyone traveling to the U.S. by land, using the Visa Waiver Program, or who is a Chinese national with a 10-year B1/B2 visa should be aware of these new fees.
- Timeline for Action: These fees are already in effect as of October 1, 2025.
- Next Steps: When planning your trip to the U.S., factor these new fees into your budget. Check the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website for the most up-to-date fee information before you travel.
Source: Boundless.com