The United States has increased the ESTA application fee to $40 and added a new $24 surcharge to Form I-94 applications at land ports (total $30). The changes are grounded in HR-1and are reflected in DHS/CBP’s Federal Register notice effective September 30, 2025 (Federal Register notice, govinfo mirror).
Please note: These fee changes take effect on September 30, 2025.
The information provided here does not constitute legal advice.
In this guide you’ll find:
- What ESTA and I-94 are — and who needs them
- Exactly what changed in 2025 (old vs. new fees, effective date)
- Who pays, who’s exempt, and how to avoid common mistakes
- The policy rationale and legal basis
- Practical payment/retrieval steps and timelines
- Economic and traveler impacts
- Comparisons with other countries’ systems
What Are the ESTA and I-94 Programs?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-travel screening requirement for eligible Visa Waiver Program visitors traveling without a visa to the U.S. by air or sea. Travelers must enroll in the ESTA system (or EVUS, if applicable) by submitting an online application and receiving authorization before boarding. The admission process at the port of entry determines whether a traveler receives an ESTA or I-94, and citizens of the U.S. are generally not subject to these requirements. Official details and application are on the ESTA portal (ESTA official site). The ESTA fee will also increase for Fiscal Year 2025.
The Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is the official record of admission for many nonimmigrant visitors. The form is issued to an alien (non-citizen) and serves as evidence of lawful admission and registration. Aliens arriving at land border ports of entry are typically required to apply for and carry the I-94. Each person (traveler) must keep their I-94 record on their person as proof of status. Aliens must retrieve their I-94 record after admission, and international travelers visiting the U.S. can use the I-94 portal to verify their arrival and departure dates, as well as view their travel history of U.S. entries and exits. You can retrieve or print your electronic I-94 after entry, or pre-apply for certain land entries using the CBP I-94 website (CBP I-94 information page, CBP I-94 overview).
CBP, an agency within DHS, operates both systems as part of border screening, admission processing, and stay-tracking.
What Changed — The New 2025 ESTA and I-94 Fees
Immigration Lawyer Richard Herman: “Effective September 30, 2025, the ESTA fee rises from $21 to $40, and I-94 applications filed at land border ports add a $24 surcharge to the existing $6 land-border fee (total $30).” These new fees are legally required under HR-1. The increased fees are applicable to most travelers using the ESTA system and to such aliens submitting I-94 applications at land border ports of entry. The fee is not assessed at an air or sea port, as travelers arriving through an air port or sea port do not submit an I-94 application. See DHS/CBP’s Federal RegisterGeneral Notice (Federal Register notice, govinfo mirror)
At-a-glance (Old vs. New):
- ESTA (VWP travelers): $21 → $40 (CBP help guidance confirming date/amount)
- I-94 at land ports: $6 → $30 total (existing $6 + new $24 HR-1 surcharge) (Federal Register notice)
- Air/Sea arrivals: No HR-1 I-94 application fee applies because travelers do not submit an I-94 application for air/sea entries (Federal Register notice).
Timeline & Implementation Details
- Effective September 30, 2025, as mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (CBP help article, I-94 portal banner, Federal Register notice).
- Unpaid ESTA applications after the system update are subject to the $40 fee (CBP help article).
- The I-94 land-port surcharge is assessed when you submit an I-94 application for land entry (Regulations.gov document).
Why Did DHS Raise the Fees? (Legal Basis & Policy Rationale)
DHS/CBP cite the authority of the statute HR-1, a law passed by Congress, as the legal basis for the fee increases and the need to fund border operations, system modernization, and screening costs, memorialized in a Federal Register notice (Federal Register notice, govinfo mirror). In certain cases, the fee may be waived for specific categories of travelers or under special circumstances.
Key points:
- Statutory authority: CBP references HR-1 mandates for FY2025 immigration-related fees; the notice explicitly increases the ESTA fee to $40 and sets the I-94 land-application total at $30 (Federal Register notice, full-text XML).
- Cost recovery & modernization: DHS notes ongoing investments in biometrics, automation, and digital infrastructure at ports of entry, plus staffing and operations the fees help fund (Federal Register notice).
- Scope clarification: The I-94 surcharge applies only where an applicant submits an I-94 application (i.e., land port contexts), not for air/sea travelers whose I-94s issue without an application (Federal Register notice).
Who Must Pay the New ESTA Fee?
Applies to:
Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries using ESTA to visit the U.S. without a visa by air or sea (and in limited land contexts). Official info and application are on the ESTA portal (ESTA official site).
What’s changing:
The ESTA fee is now $40 per application/authorization (CBP help article, Federal Register notice). This fee is broken down into $17 for travel promotion, $10 for operational costs, and $13 for the U.S. Treasury General Fund.
Validity:
Typically two years or until passport expiration — whichever comes first (ESTA official site).
Special notes/exemptions:
- ESTA is only for eligible VWP nationals. If you’re not VWP-eligible, you’ll need a visa (not ESTA).
- Some government/diplomatic travelers may have different rules; consult official guidance or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate pages (U.S. Department of State: Visas).
- Most Canadian citizens are exempt from needing an I-94 when visiting the U.S. and generally do not require ESTA for land entry.
Who Must Pay the New I-94 Fee?
Applies to:
Nonimmigrant entrants who submit an I-94 application for land-border processing (for example, entering by car/bus from Canada or Mexico) (Federal Register notice, document).
What’s changing:
A $24 HR-1 surcharge is added to the existing $6 land-border I-94 fee for a total $30 (Federal Register notice).
Does not apply to air/sea arrivals:
For air and sea entries, you do not file an I-94 application, and CBP does not assess the $24 surcharge (Federal Register notice).
Frequent land crossers:
Expect cumulative cost increases if you regularly apply for I-94 at land ports. You can pre-apply (where available) through the I-94 portal to speed processing (I-94 portal).
How to Pay and Retrieve Your ESTA and I-94 (Step-by-Step)
ESTA (VWP Travelers)
- Go to the official ESTA portal (ESTA official site).
- Complete the application with passport and travel details.
- Pay the $40 fee using an accepted method (CBP help article).
- Track your status and save/print the authorization.
- Re-apply only when required (e.g., passport changes, expiration).
Common mistakes to avoid (ESTA)
- Typo in passport number or biographic data
- Applying via non-official sites (risk of overcharges/scams)
- Waiting until the last minute — submit days/weeks in advance
I-94 (Land-Port Applicants)
- Pre-apply (if available) via the CBP I-94 site up to a few days before travel (I-94 portal).
- Pay $30 total (existing $6 + $24 surcharge) when you submit your application (Regulations.gov document).
- Present your application and documents at the land port for processing.
- Retrieve your I-94 record after admission from the same portal (CBP I-94 information page).
Pro tips
- Always verify your I-94 class and admit-until date after entry (I-94 portal).
- Keep digital and printed copies of approvals and receipts.
- Use the CBP Help Center for technical/payment issues (CBP Help Center).
- A traveler lawfully admitted into the U.S. may look up their most recent Form I-94 going back to 1983.
When Will the New Fees Take Effect?
The fee changes are effective September 30, 2025 under DHS/CBP’s Federal Register notice (Federal Register notice).
Key timing points
- ESTA applications unpaid as of the system update are charged $40 (CBP help article).
- Land-port I-94 applications submitted on/after that date incur the $24 surcharge (total $30) (Federal Register notice).
- Expect future CPI adjustments to the I-94 surcharge in later fiscal years if provided by the rule/notice (monitor the Federal Register for updates). These fee changes are subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
How Will This Affect Travelers and the Economy?
For travelers
- Higher upfront costs: Families and frequent VWP visitors now budget $40 per ESTA.
- Land crossers pay more: Repeated I-94 land applications at $30 can add up quickly.
- Plan earlier: System updates and higher demand may create processing spikes; pre-apply and pay early (I-94 portal, ESTA site).
For the travel/tourism sector
- Potential demand elasticity effects for price-sensitive markets.
- Longer-term benefits may include better staffing and infrastructure, which could reduce bottlenecks at ports — dependent on appropriations and operational choices documented in future Federal Register materials.
Reactions from Travelers and Policy Experts
Public commentary reflected both support for cost recovery and concerns over tourism impacts. While industry statements appear in trade outlets, the official record of DHS’s implementation and rationale remains the Federal Register notice and related DHS communications (Federal Register notice, govinfo mirror). For any future tweaks or clarifications, watch document, CBP newsroom index).
Comparison: U.S. Fees vs. Other Countries (Context)
Many countries now use digital pre-travel authorizations; the U.S. increase places ESTA at the higher end of comparable systems, but scope/validity rules differ. The new fee structure introduced by HR-1 also incorporates the electronic visa update system, similar to digital systems used by other countries for enrolling or updating travelers’ visa information.
CBP overview on I-94, ESTA portal.)
How to Avoid Travel Delays (Checklist)
- Apply early: Submit ESTA weeks before travel; don’t wait until check-in (ESTA official site).
- Pre-apply for land I-94 (if available): Use the I-94 portal to reduce time at the booth (I-94 portal).
- Verify data carefully: Names, passport numbers, dates.
- Save everything: Keep PDFs/screenshots of approvals and receipts.
- Double-check I-94 after entry: Confirm class and admit-until date; correct errors quickly (I-94 portal).
- Use official help: For questions about payment or access, consult the CBP Help Center (CBP Help Center).
- Stay current: Bookmark the Federal Register document and CBP Newsroom for updates (Federal Register notice, CBP newsroom index).
Frequently Asked Questions: ESTA and I-94 Fee Increase (2025)
What are ESTA and I-94, and why are they important for U.S. travelers?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-screening tool for travelers entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The I-94 form records nonimmigrant arrivals and departures. Both are managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to track lawful entries and stays.
When did the new ESTA and I-94 fees take effect?
The new fees took effect September 30, 2025, according to DHS and CBP’s official notice in the Federal Register.
How much did the ESTA fee increase in 2025?
The ESTA fee increased from $21 to $40, nearly doubling in cost for Visa Waiver Program travelers applying through the ESTA portal.
What is the new I-94 fee for land border travelers?
The I-94 fee for land entries rose from $6 to $30, which includes the existing $6 charge plus a new $24 surcharge required under HR-1.
Do air or sea travelers have to pay the new I-94 surcharge?
No. The $24 I-94 surcharge applies only when travelers submit an I-94 application, which occurs primarily at land ports of entry, not at airports or seaports.
Why did DHS and CBP raise the ESTA and I-94 fees?
The agencies cite several reasons:
- Cost recovery for upgraded border systems
- Infrastructure modernization and biometric screening
- Funding mandates from the HR-1 law
- Inflation adjustments and sustainable staffing at ports of entry
Who must pay the new ESTA fee?
Anyone entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program who uses ESTA for travel authorization must pay the $40 fee for each application.
Does everyone entering the U.S. need to pay these new fees?
No. ESTA applies only to visa-exempt VWP nationals, and the I-94 surcharge applies only to nonimmigrants entering by land who must file an I-94. Air or sea passengers usually have the form issued automatically at no additional cost.
How long is an ESTA approval valid after paying the new fee?
An approved ESTA remains valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever occurs first.
Can travelers reuse an existing ESTA after the fee increase?
Yes. Travelers with a valid ESTA authorization do not need to reapply or pay again until renewal or passport expiration.
Does the new fee apply to existing, already-approved ESTA applications?
No. The higher $40 rate applies only to new applications submitted after the effective date. Existing, paid, or approved ESTAs remain valid.
Can travelers avoid paying the new ESTA fee?
Only certain diplomatic, official, or government-sponsored travelers may be exempt. All other Visa Waiver travelers must pay the new rate.
How can travelers pay the new ESTA fee?
Payments are made online through the official ESTA portal using accepted credit or debit cards. Travelers should avoid unofficial websites that charge extra or misuse data.
How can travelers pay the new I-94 fee?
Nonimmigrants entering by land can pay online in advance through the CBP I-94 website or at the port of entry. Proof of payment is required for issuance.
What happens if travelers submit an ESTA application before the fee change but pay after September 30, 2025?
If payment occurs after the system update, the new $40 fee applies even if the application was started earlier.
Are the new ESTA and I-94 fees refundable?
Generally no. Once payment is processed, CBP does not issue refunds unless a clear duplicate transaction or technical error occurred. If an ESTA application is denied, the applicant must pay a $10 processing charge.
Will these fees increase again in the future?
The I-94 surcharge will be automatically adjusted for inflation each fiscal year after 2026. DHS may review the ESTA fee periodically under similar cost-recovery guidelines.
What is the legal authority for raising these fees?
The increases are authorized by H.R. 1 (2025) and codified in DHS/CBP’s Federal Register General Notice, establishing cost-recovery funding for border management programs.
How does this compare to other countries’ travel authorization fees?
The new U.S. $40 ESTA fee is higher than Canada’s CAD $7 eTA and the EU’s €7 ETIAS, reflecting broader U.S. security screening and technology costs.
Will the fee increase slow down travel processing?
CBP says no — the funds will help enhance automation and expand staffing, improving overall processing times at ports of entry.
How much revenue does DHS expect to collect from the new fees?
Estimates vary, but the combined changes could generate hundreds of millions annually to fund CBP operations, border technology, and system upgrades.
Do these fees fund border wall construction or enforcement operations?
No. The revenue is primarily earmarked for CBP processing infrastructure, inspection systems, and entry/exit modernization, not physical barriers or deportation initiatives.
Will frequent land travelers from Canada or Mexico be affected most?
Yes. Cross-border commuters and visitors who regularly file new I-94s will experience the greatest cost impact, as each new land-port application triggers the $30 fee.
Can a traveler pre-apply for I-94 to save time?
Yes. Travelers entering by land can pre-apply online up to seven days before travel to speed up inspection and reduce wait times.
What should travelers do if they make an error in their I-94 or ESTA submission?
They should contact CBP promptly through the official Help Center and provide supporting documents. Errors can delay entry or invalidate authorization.
What happens if a traveler is denied ESTA after paying the new fee?
The fee is non-refundable, even if authorization is denied. Applicants may instead pursue a visitor visa through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Are there any discounts for families or groups applying together?
No. Each traveler must submit a separate application and pay the full fee individually, even in a group or family itinerary.
How can travelers verify their ESTA or I-94 record after paying?
- ESTA applicants can log back into the ESTA portal to confirm status.
- I-94 applicants can retrieve their record from the CBP I-94 website after entry.
Will fee increases affect business travelers or short-term visitors?
Yes. While the amounts are modest for one-time trips, they add cost for frequent business travelers, cross-border professionals, and international students.
What can travelers do to minimize travel disruptions after the fee change?
Apply early, verify payment confirmation, use only official DHS/CBP portals, and keep printed proof of approval before traveling.
Can an immigration lawyer help with ESTA or I-94 issues?
Yes. An immigration attorney can help travelers understand eligibility, resolve I-94 errors, appeal denials, and ensure compliance with all U.S. entry requirements.
Where can travelers find official updates about these fees?
Travelers should check the Federal Register, CBP Newsroom, and official DHS.gov announcements for verified updates, policy adjustments, or future fee reviews.
Summary for Snippet Optimization
- ESTA fee = $40 as of Sept 30 2025
- I-94 land-port fee = $30 total ($6 + $24 surcharge)
- Authorized by H.R. 1 (2025)
- Collected by CBP / DHS for modernization and system upgrades
- Applies to new applications only
- No refunds except for technical errors
Have Questions About the New ESTA and I-94 Fees in 2025? Talk to an Immigration Lawyer Who Can Give You Straight Answers.
The Department of Homeland Security’s 2025 increases to ESTA and I-94 fees have left millions of travelers, employers, and cross-border professionals confused about who pays, when it applies, and what it means for future travel. Whether you’re planning a short visit under the Visa Waiver Program, crossing a land border for work, or managing compliance for international staff, understanding these new rules is critical. A single mistake—paying the wrong fee, missing a deadline, or misunderstanding your I-94 record—can delay travel, trigger denials, or cause compliance headaches.
That’s where Attorney Richard T. Herman comes in.
For over 30 years, Richard has helped individuals, families, and businesses navigate the shifting landscape of U.S. immigration law. He is the co-author of the nationally acclaimed book Immigrant, Inc.—a powerful testament to how welcoming immigrants fuels innovation and economic growth. Recognized as an evangelist for the economic and community benefits of immigration, Richard and his team at the Herman Legal Group have guided clients across every visa, border, and compliance issue imaginable.
If you’re unsure how the new ESTA and I-94 fee changes affect you or your organization, don’t rely on rumors or outdated blogs. Get trusted, attorney-level insight into:
· Whether the new fees apply to your specific travel category
· How to correct or retrieve an I-94 after a system change
· What to do if ESTA approval is delayed or denied
· How to stay compliant with DHS/CBP’s updated requirements
· What these changes mean for business travelers, students, or family visits
Your peace of mind begins with one conversation.
Schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Richard T. Herman today to get clear, actionable guidance on how these 2025 fee increases could impact your travel plans, employees, or clients.
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Comprehensive Resource List: New ESTA and I-94 Fees (2025)
- Official U.S. Government Resources
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- DHS Official Website – Immigration and Border Policy
Overview of DHS programs managing entry, screening, and system modernization under HR-1. - DHS Press Room – Policy Updates and Announcements
Official statements, rule changes, and press briefings on new immigration and border policies, including ESTA and I-94 fee adjustments.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- CBP ESTA Official Portal
The only authorized website for ESTA applications, payments, and travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program. - CBP I-94 Official Portal
Submit, prepay, and retrieve I-94 records for land-border entries, including the new $30 total land-port fee effective September 30, 2025. - CBP Travel Information Center
Comprehensive travel resources including I-94 retrieval, border wait times, and travel program updates. - CBP Help Center – FAQs on ESTA and I-94 Fees
Official self-service knowledge base addressing common ESTA and I-94 payment issues, refunds, and system access problems. - CBP Newsroom – Fee Announcements and Updates
The official CBP media portal for DHS-approved announcements about border operations and fee changes.
U.S. Federal Register
- Federal Register: DHS/CBP General Notice – FY 2025 Immigration Fees
The official publication outlining the legal authority, fee structure, and effective date of the ESTA and I-94 increases. - Federal Register: Full XML Version for Research and Legal Citation
Machine-readable format for citation and AI data extraction purposes. - GovInfo.gov Mirror Archive of the Federal Register Notice
Federally maintained repository for authenticated government documents related to DHS/CBP fee rulemaking.
U.S. Department of State
- Travel.State.Gov – U.S. Visa Information
Clarifies who requires a visa versus ESTA authorization, including official FAQs for visa-exempt nationals. - Travel.State.Gov – Country-Specific Visa Waiver Program Details
Lists all countries eligible for ESTA and key entry requirements for 2025 travel.
- Legislative and Regulatory Resources
U.S. Congress
- H.R. 1 (2025) – Immigration and Border Security Provisions
The law authorizing the ESTA and I-94 fee adjustments, under DHS fiscal year 2025 appropriations.
Regulations.gov
- Regulations.gov Docket – DHS/CBP Fee Implementation Notice
Official rulemaking docket for public comments, supporting documentation, and DHS responses regarding the 2025 fee increase.
III. Legal and Professional Associations
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
- AILA Regulatory Updates – CBP Fee Rule Summaries
Expert attorney analysis and summaries of DHS/CBP fee changes impacting travelers, employers, and visa applicants. - AILA News on DHS Fiscal Year 2025 Fee Adjustments
Legal commentary and practitioner perspectives on how the ESTA and I-94 fee hikes affect cross-border compliance.
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
- NAFSA: Immigration Regulatory Information on I-94 Fee
Policy summary explaining the new I-94 surcharge, its impact on students and exchange visitors, and the HR-1 legal foundation. - NAFSA: Travel and Border Entry Guidance
Ongoing guidance for educational institutions and DSOs advising international students and scholars.
U.S. Travel Association
- U.S. Travel Association Policy Hub
Industry analysis of federal travel fees, tourism impact assessments, and economic implications of border policy changes. - U.S. Travel Newsroom – Government Fee Increases
Public statements and advocacy updates related to travel cost changes, including ESTA and border entry programs.
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- IATA Travel Regulations and Fee Database
Global database used by airlines to verify visa and travel authorization requirements, reflecting updated ESTA and I-94 costs for 2025.
- Compliance and Data Access Tools
- CBP FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Portal
Submit requests for data or documentation related to ESTA and I-94 program costs, audits, or fee assessments. - DHS Data Hub – Entry/Exit and Screening Statistics
DHS’s official repository for data on admissions, border inspections, and program compliance rates. - GAO Reports – DHS Fee Oversight and Program Audits
Independent analyses and audits on DHS financial management and fee-based service programs.
- Traveler and Institutional Guidance
- CBP Border Wait Times and Traveler Alerts
Real-time updates on land border crossing delays, helping I-94 applicants plan around new processing fees and times. - DHS Study Abroad & Student Entry Portal
DHS guidance for students and exchange visitors subject to I-94 entry procedures. - U.S. Embassy & Consulate Directory
Official directory for consular contact and support for ESTA or entry-related questions abroad.
- Monitoring and Policy Watch Resources
- Federal Register – DHS Subscription for New Rules
Sign up to receive email updates on all new DHS/CBP rules, including future fee adjustments or procedural changes. - Regulations.gov – Subscribe to DHS/CBP Dockets
Set alerts for public comment periods or notices involving immigration, travel, and border fees. - CBP Media and Social Updates
Official CBP channels announcing system updates, outages, or portal maintenance affecting ESTA or I-94 users.
VII. Legal Help and Compliance Support
- Herman Legal Group – Immigration Law Services
Nationwide immigration law firm assisting travelers, employers, and cross-border professionals in navigating ESTA, I-94, and related compliance challenges. - FindLaw: Immigration and Travel Law Overview
General reference on federal entry documentation and visa categories impacted by fee rule changes.
