CBP begins assessing increased HR-1 ESTA authorization fee

Policy effect

From September 30, 2025, CBP began assessing a $40 FY2025 ESTA travel-authorization fee, replacing the previous $21 fee. ESTA is required in advance for Visa Waiver Program travel by air, sea or land.

Conditions and exceptions

Validated condition or limit: From September 30, 2025, CBP began assessing a $40 FY2025 ESTA travel-authorization fee, replacing the previous $21 fee.; ESTA is required in advance for Visa Waiver Program travel by air, sea or land.

Official source excerpt

Quoted verbatim from the official source below. Ellipses indicate omitted text.

CBP will begin assessing the new HR-1 fees described in this notice on September 30, 2025. … Section 100014 of Public Law 119-21 amended section 217(h)(3)(B) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1187(h)(3)(B)) to increase the fee for the use of ESTA to $40. The minimum ESTA fee for FY 2025 is now $40. … ESTA is the online system through which aliens intending to enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an electronic travel authorization in advance of travel to the United States. … Each alien intending to travel by air, sea, or land to the United States under the VWP must receive a travel authorization via ESTA prior to travel.

Review method

Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite extraction with independent Gemini 3.8 Flash verification

Other United States changes operative in 2025

• 2025-01-20Executive Order 14165—Securing Our Borders
• 2025-01-20President suspends physical entry at the southern border under invasion proclamation
• 2025-01-21DHS restores expedited removal to the full statutory scope
• 2025-01-22USCIS Waives COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Adjustment of Status Applicants
• 2025-01-27President suspends refugee admissions under USRAP
• 2025-02-03DHS vacates the January 2025 Venezuela TPS extension decision
• 2025-02-24DHS partially vacates the 2024 Haiti TPS extension and redesignation
• 2025-03-10Extension of the Designation of El Salvador for Temporary Protected Status
• 2025-03-25HHS updates unaccompanied children foundational rule to track statutory text
• 2025-04-11DHS designates a new alien registration form and evidence of registration
• 2025-04-20Extension of the Designation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status
• 2025-04-24DHS terminates CHNV categorical parole processes
• 2025-05-04Extension of South Sudan Designation for Temporary Protected Status
• 2025-05-05ORR shortens refugee cash and medical assistance eligibility to four months
• 2025-05-09President establishes Project Homecoming voluntary departure incentives
• 2025-08-04Termination of the Designation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status
• 2025-08-20State starts a temporary B-1/B-2 visa bond pilot
• 2025-09-08DHS begins assessing HR-1 fee for in-absentia removal followed by ICE arrest
• 2025-09-08DHS begins assessing HR-1 fee for inadmissible apprehension between ports
• 2025-09-08Termination of the Designation of Honduras for Temporary Protected Status
• 2025-09-21President restricts entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers
• 2025-09-30CBP begins assessing additional HR-1 I-94 fee at land-border ports
• 2025-09-30CBP begins assessing HR-1 EVUS enrollment fee
• 2025-09-30President sets FY2026 refugee admissions ceiling at 7,500
• 2025-10-02DHS permits earlier electronic filing of certain H-2A petitions
• 2025-10-30DHS removes automatic extensions for most renewal EAD filings
• 2025-11-07DHS terminates the 2021 Venezuela TPS designation
• 2025-12-26DHS finalizes biometric entry and exit collection for aliens