CBP to Charge New Fee: Here’s What You’ll Pay to Cross the Border

Attention! Starting September 30, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will implement several new fees and cost increases for various immigration procedures, travel authorizations, and land border crossings. These changes were authorized by the budget reconciliation law H.R. 1, approved in July of this year.

What Changes and How Much Will It Cost?

Among the main adjustments are:

• ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization): the fee increases from US$21 to US$40 for those traveling under the Visa Waiver Program for tourism or business stays.

• EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System): previously free of charge, starting on the mentioned date there will be a fee of US$30 if you hold a Chinese B-1/B-2 visa that needs to be updated before traveling.
• Form I-94 for land border crossings: those crossing at land border ports will need the Arrival/Departure Record Form. The current cost of US$6 increases to US$30 (including the new fee imposed by H.R. 1 of US$24).

Who Do These Charges Apply To?

These fees primarily affect foreign nationals who are not U.S. citizens and cross land borders. They also impact those who request electronic travel authorizations or use the EVUS visa update system. They do not apply to U.S. citizens, but do apply to tourists, temporary visitors, travelers entering under visa waiver programs, and those who need the I-94 when entering by land.

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Reason for the Changes

The increases respond to a regulatory update established by law H.R. 1, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and CBP to impose new fees to finance immigration operations, border controls, and processing of electronic authorizations.

They also reflect a general inflation adjustment and a trend toward greater revenue collection to cover rising operational costs.

These adjustments represent a significant increase for frequent travelers and those who make land border crossings. The imposition of higher fees on procedures that were previously low-cost or free can particularly impact those who frequently cross for tourism or family visits, and will generate an additional cost when planning trips to or within the U.S.