A separate Department of Homeland Security notice, also effective 16 October 2026, adjusts a range of travel-authorization surcharges created by H.R. 1. The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) fee paid by most 10-year B-visa holders from China climbs from $30.75 to $31.75, while the total ESTA cost for Visa Waiver Program travelers rises to $40.62. In addition, DHS confirmed that every parole grant—whether humanitarian, re-parole or parole-in-place—now triggers a $105 HR-1 surcharge, matching USCIS’ Form I-131 increase. Although the dollar amounts are modest, the changes have a disproportionate impact on high-volume business-travel programs. Global assignment teams that preload company credit cards for EVUS renewals should adjust stored values, and travel managers must re-price short-notice trips for executives from VWP jurisdictions. Failure to pay the updated fee results in a denied authorization, effectively grounding the traveler. Multinational employers with Chinese assignees rotating through U.S. headquarters should review EVUS enrollment schedules; the system requires re-enrollment every two years or upon obtaining a new passport. An expired EVUS record prevents boarding even with a valid B-visa. Airlines have already updated their APP/API validation tables to the new fee codes. The notice also foreshadows larger increases ahead. Markwayne Mullin, the new DHS Secretary, stated in a press briefing that the department is “reviewing all travel facilitation programs for full cost recovery,” hinting that Global Entry and SENTRI fees could rise in FY 2028. Corporate mobility teams should prepare for incremental cost creep across trusted-traveler schemes. Action items: 1) update corporate travel booking platforms with the new ESTA total; 2) alert frequent travelers who self-fund EVUS renewals; and 3) revise cost estimates for humanitarian parole applicants, particularly medical transfers and accompanying family members.
Source: Federal Register
