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New ESTA Rules Cause Travel Delays and Concerns

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. esta-rules-cause-travel-delays-and-concerns.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 6:28 GMT by Euronews
      Locales: California, New York, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - February 9th, 2026 - Travelers planning trips to the United States should be aware of significant changes to visa application procedures, implemented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which are already causing delays and raising concerns within the tourism industry. The updates primarily impact the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program, used by citizens of 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but the ripple effects are expected to be felt by all international visitors.

The USCIS began rolling out revised ESTA questionnaires and enhanced security protocols late in 2025, with the full implementation now being felt across all applications. While framed as a necessary measure to bolster national security, the changes are leading to increased scrutiny and substantially longer processing times, leaving travelers facing uncertainty and potential disruption to their travel plans.

What's Changing with ESTA?

The core of the new regulations lies in a significantly expanded and more detailed ESTA questionnaire. Previously focused on basic biographical information and travel history, the updated form now delves into a traveler's entire history of international travel, including previous visa applications (successful or denied), any instances of border control issues, and detailed inquiries about associations with individuals or organizations flagged for security concerns. Crucially, the questionnaire now asks about digital activities, including social media usage and online affiliations - a departure from previous iterations.

USCIS officials maintain these expanded questions are vital for identifying potential threats. "The evolving global security landscape demands we continuously adapt our screening processes," explained Eleanor Vance, a USCIS spokesperson, in a press conference last week. "The updated ESTA questionnaire provides our officers with a more comprehensive understanding of each applicant's background, allowing us to proactively mitigate risks."

Beyond the Questionnaire: Enhanced Security Protocols

The changes aren't limited to the questionnaire. USCIS has also implemented enhanced security protocols including increased data cross-referencing with international law enforcement agencies, more rigorous background checks, and a greater reliance on automated risk assessment algorithms. These algorithms flag applications deemed 'high-risk' for manual review, adding further to the processing backlog.

Industry Concerns and Traveler Impact

Travel industry professionals are voicing strong concerns about the impact of these changes. "We're seeing approval times stretch from the typical 72 hours to weeks, even for straightforward applications," reports Marcus Bellwether, CEO of Global Horizon Travel, a leading agency specializing in international travel. "This is creating a crisis of confidence among travelers. Many are delaying bookings, fearing their applications won't be approved in time, and this is having a significant detrimental effect on tourism revenue."

Bellwether adds that the increased number of applications flagged for 'further review' is disproportionately impacting business travelers. "The lack of transparency around what constitutes a 'flagged' application is particularly problematic. Business travelers need certainty and predictability, and these delays are making it difficult for companies to conduct international operations."

The changes also raise privacy concerns. Critics argue that the extensive data collection and the probing questions about personal beliefs and online activities are intrusive and may violate privacy rights. Civil liberties groups are calling for greater transparency and oversight of the program.

Preparing for Your Trip: What Travelers Need to Know

For those planning to travel to the U.S., experts advise the following:

• Apply Well in Advance: Don't wait until the last minute. Submit your ESTA application at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date. If you require a visa, allow even more time.
• Be Thorough and Accurate: Answer all questions on the ESTA questionnaire truthfully and completely. Any discrepancies or omissions could lead to delays or denial.
• Gather Documentation: Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as copies of previous visas, travel itineraries, and proof of funds.
• Monitor Your Application: Regularly check the status of your application online.
• Consider Visa Options: If you anticipate potential issues with the ESTA application (e.g., previous visa denials, complex travel history), consider applying for a traditional visa instead.

The Future of US Travel The USCIS maintains that these changes are a necessary step to strengthen border security. However, the potential economic consequences for the travel and tourism industries, coupled with the privacy concerns, are sparking a debate about the balance between security and accessibility. The coming months will be critical in assessing the long-term impact of these new visa regulations on international travel to the United States.