The US is raising fees and tightening visa rules. What will change in September 2025?
Starting in September, the United States will introduce major changes to visa rules and entry-related fees. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that new charges will take effect on September 30, 2025, while the State Department will restrict interview waivers from September 2.
What changes on September 30?
The biggest increase affects ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which applies to travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries, including Poland. The fee will rise from $21 to $40, almost doubling. Applications submitted before September 30 will still pay the old rate.
The I-94 form, required for land border entries from Canada or Mexico, will jump from $6 to $30. Air and sea entries are not affected.
Additionally, EVUS, the online update system for Chinese nationals with 10-year visitor visas, will now charge $30.
In-person interviews for most applicants
From September 2, 2025, the State Department will narrow exemptions from in-person visa interviews. The change includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who until now were generally exempt.
Exceptions remain for diplomatic and official visas, as well as for renewals of tourist and business visas within 12 months of expiration. However, consular officers will retain discretion to require interviews in all cases.
What does this mean for Poles?
For Polish travelers, the biggest impact will be the higher ESTA fee. A family of four will now pay nearly $160 instead of $84.
Visa interview changes affect mostly those not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or renewing visas in other categories.
Why does it matter?
The changes follow the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” part of President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda. According to CBP, the higher fees cover the costs of maintaining border and visa systems.
Each year, 15–18 million travelers use ESTA. For many Europeans, including Poles, it is the main way to visit the U.S. without applying for a traditional visa.
