Italy And Netherlands Joins France, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, And Other European Countries In Facing A Challenging Visa Fee Hike For US Travel As Visa Waiver Program Exemptions Tighten

Published on November 22, 2025

Italy and Netherlands join France, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, and other European countries in facing a challenging visa fee hike for US travel as Visa Waiver Program exemptions tighten, starting in autumn 2025, European travelers, including those from Italy and the Netherlands, will experience significant increases in US visa and travel authorization fees, as the US government adjusts its visa policies to accommodate rising operational costs and enhance security measures. These changes come amid a broader overhaul of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and traditional visa processes, significantly impacting millions of travelers planning to visit the US for business, tourism, or events. With the increased fees, both the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and traditional tourist visa costs are set to rise, affecting many countries in Europe that are not part of the VWP, leaving travelers with higher upfront costs and tougher conditions to navigate.

Starting in late 2025, European travelers to the United States will face a significant hike in visa-related costs, marking a tough new reality for many would-be visitors. This fee increase is part of a broader move by the U.S. government to adjust its visa and travel authorization fees to meet rising operational costs, especially as the country prepares for major events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Both the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and traditional tourist visa processes are undergoing changes, with tougher conditions affecting travelers from various European nations. Whether you’re planning a quick vacation, attending an event, or applying for a student visa, this fee surge is set to impact millions of Europeans looking to visit the U.S.

The Key Changes: What Travelers Need to Know

Starting in autumn 2025, the cost of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will nearly double. For citizens of the 41 countries that benefit from the Visa Waiver Program, the ESTA fee will rise from $21 (€18) to $40 (€34), marking a steep increase. The ESTA is required for travelers seeking to enter the U.S. for business or tourism purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.

But the fee increases don’t stop there. For citizens of European countries that are not part of the VWP or for those applying for a traditional U.S. tourist visa, a new $250 “visa integrity fee” will be added to the application process. This fee is part of the U.S. government’s broader visa reform initiatives aimed at strengthening security measures and ensuring visa processes are more transparent.

Visa Integrity Fee: A Significant Hike for Non-VWP Countries

Starting October 1, 2025, citizens from non-VWP European countries applying for a tourist visa will be required to pay this new $250 fee, on top of the existing visa application charges. This will dramatically increase the total cost of a U.S. tourist visa, which will rise to approximately $442 (€379).

This steep increase affects travelers from nations that are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, or who require a full visa to enter the United States. These countries are now facing higher upfront costs, which could deter potential tourists, students, families, and business travelers from planning their trips.

The Visa Waiver Program: Rising Costs and Tightened Conditions

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens from 41 countries, including several European nations, to visit the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without needing to apply for a visa. However, the increased ESTA fee and stricter entry requirements will add to the cost and complexity of travel for many European citizens.

The new fee structure includes a $10 processing charge and an additional $30 authorization fee, aimed at covering costs related to travel promotion and security enhancements for U.S. entry procedures. These adjustments reflect rising inflation and the U.S. government’s push to ensure its visa and entry systems remain secure and efficient.

Countries Facing Significant Visa Fee Increases

As part of the 2026 U.S. visa fee overhaul, several European countries will be impacted, with both increased ESTA and tourist visa costs. Below is a table listing the countries that will face tough new visa charges for U.S. travelers:

The Timing: What’s Driving the Hike?

The new visa fee increases are expected to be particularly impactful for travelers planning to attend major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This iconic event, hosted by the United States, is expected to draw a massive influx of visitors, many of whom will be affected by the new costs. Additionally, the fee hikes are part of an overall strategy by the U.S. government to ensure that visa processing remains secure and efficient while balancing rising administrative costs.

These fee changes are being implemented as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (HR-1), which includes a variety of adjustments to ensure that the U.S. immigration system remains robust. As global security concerns increase and the number of visa applications surges, these price hikes are seen as necessary to maintain the operational integrity of the U.S. visa system.

What This Means for Travelers

The new fee hikes will undoubtedly place a financial burden on travelers from many European countries, particularly those who had previously enjoyed more affordable access under the VWP or through traditional visa processes. Families, students, tourists, and business professionals will all need to factor in these increased costs when planning their trips to the U.S.

It’s also important to note that these hikes come at a time when international travel is recovering post-pandemic, and countries around the world are competing for tourism dollars. The U.S. is not alone in raising visa and travel fees—many other nations have made similar moves in response to growing demand and inflationary pressures. However, the new fees in the U.S. stand out for their sheer scale and broad impact, particularly on travelers from Europe.

How Travelers Can Prepare

For those planning to visit the U.S. from Europe, it’s important to factor in these new costs when budgeting for upcoming trips. Travelers should apply for their ESTA or tourist visas as early as possible to avoid delays, especially with the added complexity of the new fees.

Additionally, travelers should stay informed about any further changes in the visa and entry requirements, as the U.S. government has indicated that there may be more shifts in the coming years. Travelers can also explore alternative visa options for longer stays or those requiring different types of entry permits.

Impact on the Tourism Industry

The new fee hikes could have a ripple effect on the broader tourism industry. With the U.S. poised to see a higher number of international tourists in 2026, the increased costs may discourage some travelers from booking their U.S. vacations. However, the ongoing global appeal of American cities, landmarks, and cultural events means that the U.S. will remain a top destination for many.

In addition, the U.S. may see a rise in demand for other types of visas, such as student and business visas, which will also be impacted by the new fees. The question remains whether these cost increases will ultimately harm or help the U.S. tourism industry, as it continues to recover and position itself as a key destination for international visitors.

The new visa fee structure marks a turning point for U.S. travel policies, with tough increases hitting many European countries in the form of higher ESTA and visa fees. As the world approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup and other major international events, the implications of these fee hikes will be felt by millions of would-be travelers.

Italy and Netherlands join France, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, and other European countries in facing a challenging visa fee hike for US travel as Visa Waiver Program exemptions tighten. Starting in autumn 2025, travelers from these nations will see significant increases in both ESTA and tourist visa fees, driven by the US government’s efforts to strengthen security and cover rising operational costs.

For Europeans planning a trip to the U.S., the increased costs are a harsh reality. The hope is that the U.S. government will continue to improve the efficiency and transparency of its visa processes, ensuring that travelers from around the world can visit without unnecessary financial barriers. Nonetheless, the future of U.S. travel for Europeans will certainly look different under these new rules.