One of the most notable changes affects the Visa Waiver / ESTA program, used by EU citizens for short visa-free trips. The current US$21 charge will rise to US$33 per authorization, with future adjustments linked to the Consumer Price Index—an increase of more than 50 % on a doorway that Europeans rely on for brief stays in the United States.
The travel industry is already sounding the alarm. Geoff Freeman, president of the U.S. Travel Association, warns that the policy “amounts to imposing a tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending,” estimating it could shave as much as US$29 billion off inbound tourism revenue.
Across-the-board immigration cost increases may also hit international education and the labour market. Middle-income foreign students—or applicants from high-cost countries—could rethink their options (many U.S. universities depend heavily on international tuition), while sponsoring work visas for tech-sector or engineering talent may become less attractive to small and mid-sized firms facing steeper bills.
At the same time, the U.S. is considering broader entry restrictions on almost 50 countries and plans to reinforce Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staff by hiring an additional 5 000 officers. These tougher measures coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding pressure to the logistics of welcoming international visitors.
For frequent travellers, the price jump is substantial. A family of four using ESTA will pay US$132 instead of US$84; with visas, a single family application could exceed US$1 700.
Why take this step? The stated purpose is to curb abuse of the immigration system—preventing illegal stays and unauthorized employment. Critics counter that it will dampen demand from tourists, foreign students and skilled professionals, and trigger a domino effect as Europe, Canada, Australia and parts of Asia roll out more competitive, user-friendly visa regimes.
Although the Act was signed on 4 July 2025, the exact fee schedule and implementation timeline depend on supplemental regulations from the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, due before January 2026. Those rules are expected to spell out refund procedures and the mechanics of annual CPI-based adjustments.
In the meantime, many travellers are fast-tracking their applications to beat the fee hike; visa consultants in high-volume countries report a surge in enquiries and filings. With the changes looming, the best advice is to plan early and watch official updates closely.
