Seoul: The United States will increase the application fee for its electronic travel authorization, a requirement for short-term travelers under the visa waiver program, later this month. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul announced this decision on Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) will rise from US$21 to $40, effective September 30. This adjustment is part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to tighten visa policies for foreigners, including international students, reflecting the Trump administration's firm approach to immigration.
The ESTA was the permit used by many of the 316 South Korean workers who were visiting the U.S. for short-term work trips when they were arrested in a significant immigration raid at a car battery plant in Georgia on September 4. These individuals were released after a week in detention, following diplomatic negotiations.
South Korean companies have expressed the need for clearer visa guidelines for short-term business trips. They argue that the prolonged U.S. visa process impedes their capacity to execute large projects, which contribute to the U.S. economy.