US could force tourists to pay up to £11k to visit country in new visa rules

The US State Department is proposing a costly new requirement for business and tourist visa applicants if they want to enter America.

The United States could potentially demand a bond of up to $15,000, around £11,300, to gain entry. A State Department notice, published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, outlined the year-long pilot scheme as President Donald Trump continues his aggressive approach to immigration.

Under the potential programme, individuals from nations identified as having high visa overstay rates or deficient internal document security controls may be forced to pay thousands when applying. It comes after a lip reader revealed exactly what Donald Trump and Keir Starmer said to each other on the golf course.

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It has been reported that most of the 42 countries enrolled in the program are in Europe. Others included are in Asia and the Middle East. The bond, which could be waived depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant, would enable travel for for up to 90 days.

The notice specifies: "Aliens applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure and who are nationals of countries identified by the department as having high visa overstay rates, where screening and vetting information is deemed deficient, or offering citizenship by investment, if the alien obtained citizenship with no residency requirement, may be subject to the pilot program."

The pilot program is set to commence within 15 days following its official publication, according to the announcement. It is not the first time such a proposal has been put forward, with a similar isa bond pilot scheme poised to launch in 2020, before the COVID pandemic put paid to the plan.

Currently, UK holidaymakers wanting to visit the US for tourism need to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), under the Visa Waiver Program. According to the UK Foreign Office: "All Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travellers intending to enter the US by land, sea and air will be required to obtain an approved ESTA prior to application for admission at land border ports of entry." To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

The ESTA application costs $21 and is generally valid for two years from the date of authorisation, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, the US Congress has approved new legislation which includes a price hike for the ESTA from $21 to $40.

As a result, the travel experts at Journeyscape have issued a warning for travellers, urging them to apply for the ESTA now if they have US travel plans. They explained: "While many travellers report receiving approval within minutes, ESTA applications can sometimes take up to 72 hours for approval."

Common mistakes that could see your application rejected include incorrect passport information, failing to disclose previous travel plans, or applying too close to travel dates, as if there's an issue you may not get the document in time, and therefore you'll be unable to travel.

They also issued advice for Brits around third party services that could leave you paying even more, explaining: "Only use the official ESTA website to avoid additional fees from third-party services. The current application fee is $21, but it was recently announced that it’s set to rise to $40, nearly double the current cost. Many third-party sites charge even more, often without offering any added value."

Kerry Manley, Head of Marketing at North America travel specialist Journeyscape added: "Navigating the ESTA process can indeed be smooth and hassle-free if you take a proactive approach. The key is to apply early, ideally at least a week before your departure, to account for any unexpected delays. Using the official ESTA website is crucial to avoid unnecessary fees or scams.

"Double-checking your details—such as passport information and travel itinerary—can prevent common mistakes that lead to denials. Additionally, staying informed about recent rule changes is essential, especially for travellers who may be affected by the latest restrictions, such as those related to travel history in Cuba.

"Even with a valid ESTA, remember that entry to the U.S. is ultimately determined at the border by Customs and Border Protection. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel purpose and itinerary. Following these steps will help ensure a seamless travel experience, minimising stress and maximising your trip's success."