{"id":692,"date":"2026-04-07T11:30:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/esta-usa-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T11:52:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T11:52:22","slug":"esta-usa-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"ESTA USA: New rules for entering the United States"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"866\">Conditions for entry into the United States change regularly, and 2026 marks an <strong data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"672\">important transition phase for travelers using ESTA<\/strong>. With stricter controls, increased data requirements and other changes still under discussion, it&#8217;s essential to understand what&#8217;s changing &#8211; and what may soon change. <\/p>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a complete, up-to-date update.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Stricter_entry_controls_in_2026\"><\/span>1. Stricter entry controls in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">  Contents :<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a67f3fc5d87d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a67f3fc5d87d\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#1_Stricter_entry_controls_in_2026\" >1. Stricter entry controls in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#2_Towards_expanded_personal_data_collection\" >2. Towards expanded personal data collection<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#3_A_recent_ESTA_price_increase\" >3. A recent ESTA price increase<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#4_The_rise_of_biometrics\" >4. The rise of biometrics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#5_Changes_still_under_discussion_but_to_be_watched\" >5. Changes still under discussion (but to be watched)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#6_Who_is_affected_by_these_changes\" >6. Who is affected by these changes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#7_What_you_need_to_do_before_you_leave_in_2026\" >7. What you need to do before you leave in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Since early 2026, the US authorities have tightened border controls, particularly for travelers benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1143\">In concrete terms :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More thorough checks on arrival<\/li>\n<li>Enhanced analysis of passenger profiles<\/li>\n<li>Tighter controls even with a valid ESTA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Travelers can now expect a <strong>more thorough analysis of their personal situation<\/strong> when passing through immigration.<\/p>\n<p>&#x26a0;&#xfe0f; Important:<br \/>\nEven with an approved ESTA, <strong>entry is at the discretion of the immigration officer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Towards_expanded_personal_data_collection\"><\/span>2. Towards expanded personal data collection<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>This is currently the most striking development.<\/p>\n<p>The U.S. authorities are considering (and in part already testing) an <strong data-start=\"1854\" data-end=\"1918\">extension of the information required on the ESTA form<\/strong>, including :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>5-year social networking history<\/li>\n<li>E-mail addresses used over 10 years<\/li>\n<li>Past phone numbers<\/li>\n<li>Detailed family information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This data could be used to <strong>enhance passenger safety analysis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Please note: These measures are still in the process of being validated, but are scheduled for implementation <strong>from mid-2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_A_recent_ESTA_price_increase\"><\/span>3. A recent ESTA price increase<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Since September 30, 2025, the cost of ESTA has risen sharply:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>&#x1f4b2; Former rate: $21<\/li>\n<li>&#x1f4b2; New rate: about $40<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This increase is part of a drive to finance :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>border security<\/li>\n<li>tourism promotion<\/li>\n<li>control systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This trend has a direct impact on travelers&#8217; budgets, even for short stays.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"gxigxo\" data-start=\"2871\" data-end=\"2918\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_The_rise_of_biometrics\"><\/span>4. The rise of biometrics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"3004\">The United States continues to invest heavily in control technologies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Facial recognition at the airport<\/li>\n<li>Biometric data collection<\/li>\n<li>More precise tracking of entries and exits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some functions, such as exit declaration via mobile application with biometric data, are already being tested.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Objective<\/strong>: to improve the safety and tracking of international travelers.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Changes_still_under_discussion_but_to_be_watched\"><\/span>5. Changes still under discussion (but to be watched)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>All the new rules are not yet officially in force.<\/p>\n<p>Current developments are subject to an administrative process (public consultation, federal validation, etc.).<\/p>\n<p>Things to remember :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The current rules remain applicable for the time being<\/li>\n<li>New obligations could arrive soon<\/li>\n<li>An official announcement will precede any implementation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Who_is_affected_by_these_changes\"><\/span>6. Who is affected by these changes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These changes affect all travelers using ESTA, including :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>European nationals (France, Belgium, etc.)<\/li>\n<li>Tourists and business travelers<\/li>\n<li>Stays of less than 90 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In short: <strong data-start=\"4219\" data-end=\"4301\">if you&#8217;re traveling to the United States without a visa, you&#8217;re directly affected.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_What_you_need_to_do_before_you_leave_in_2026\"><\/span>7. What you need to do before you leave in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To avoid any problems on boarding or arrival:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Apply for ESTA in advance (minimum 72 hours)<\/li>\n<li>Check information entered<\/li>\n<li>Anticipating potential new requirements<\/li>\n<li>Watch for official announcements<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: apply as early as possible to avoid any impact from ongoing changes.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The year 2026 marks a <strong>turning point in ESTA requirements for entry into the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Between :<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>tighter controls<\/li>\n<li>increased data collection<\/li>\n<li>technological developments<\/li>\n<li>cost increase<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Travelling to the United States remains accessible, but <strong data-start=\"5020\" data-end=\"5067\">more supervised and more demanding than before<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For travelers, the watchword is simple:<br \/>\n<strong>anticipate, keep up to date and prepare your file thoroughly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-right kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;right&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;692&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;0\\\/5 - (0 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;ESTA USA: New rules for entering the United States&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 0px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            <span class=\"kksr-muted\">Rate this post<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conditions for entry into the United States change regularly, and 2026 marks an important transition phase for travelers using ESTA. With stricter controls, increased data requirements and other changes still under discussion, it&#8217;s essential to understand what&#8217;s changing &#8211; and what may soon change. Here&#8217;s<\/p>\n<p class=\"entry-excerpt-more\"><a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/esta-usa-2026\/\">Read More <i class=\"fa fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":771,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_titles_title":"ESTA USA 2026: new rules for entering the United States","_seopress_titles_desc":"The latest developments in ESTA and entry requirements for the USA in 2026: new rules, tighter controls, prices.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"both","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":301,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=692"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":722,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions\/722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.riverwatch.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}