Navigating the New CBP Fee Increase Effective September 30, 2025
- Sep 1, 2025
- 2 min read
A recent announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms significant changes to its fee structure for key immigration and travel programs. Published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025, these updates will be implemented on September 30, 2025, for the remainder of the fiscal year.
Understanding the 2025 CBP Fee Increase
This CBP fee increase is not an administrative adjustment but a legislative mandate. It was enacted through the H.R. 1 Reconciliation Bill, known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The changes specifically impact three primary areas: I-94 applications at land borders, ESTA for visa-waiver travelers, and EVUS for certain Chinese nationals.
The following table breaks down the current costs versus the new fees taking effect:
Service | Previous Fee | New Fee (Effective Sept. 30, 2025) |
I-94 Application (at land border ports of entry) | $6 | $30 |
ESTA Authorization (Visa Waiver Program) | $21 | $40 |
EVUS Enrollment | N/A | $30 |
What Travelers and Applicants Need to Know
I-94 Fee: The new $30 charge for the Form I-94 Application for arrival/departure records will only apply to noncitizens entering the U.S. by land.
ESTA Fee: The cost for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will rise to $40. This is a requirement for all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries before they board a flight or ship to the U.S.
EVUS Fee: Eligible Chinese passport holders with a 10-year B1/B2, B1, or B2 visa will now pay a $30 fee to enroll in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS), which is required for travel authorization.
It is important to note that these new rates are for FY 2025 and are subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index, meaning this CBP fee increase could be followed by smaller adjustments in subsequent years.
Context and Related Updates
This announcement from CBP follows a separate, earlier round of fee increases implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that began on July 22, 2025. It is also worth noting that another provision of H.R. 1, a new "visa integrity fee," is still pending inter-agency coordination and will be announced at a later date. For the most accurate and official information, always refer to the official CBP website.
Comments