Foreign travelers will soon find U.S. trips becoming costlier due to projected price increases.
In the realm of travel, Southwest Airlines is making safety a priority by equipping their new planes with a cockpit barrier for protection during mid-flight door openings.
Meanwhile, travelers arriving through land borders should be prepared for an increase in fees. The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record cost is set to rise from $6 to $30 at the end of the month. This increase in fees is not isolated, as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee, which processes travel applications from residents of countries in the Visa Waiver Program, will also increase from $21 to $40 on September 30.
These changes come at a time when travel to the US from abroad is in a major slump. The US is increasing travel fees for visitors from certain countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and most of Europe, as well as a handful of countries in other regions, such as Qatar in the Middle East.
Moving beyond borders, we find ourselves in the rich and ancient history of the Hagia Sophia, a 1,600-year-old house of worship. This majestic structure, located in Istanbul, Turkey, contains Christian mosaics of saints and Byzantine rulers, as well as Islamic calligraphy, specifically Hüsn-i Hat.
Turkish coffee, a nearly 500-year-old drink, originated in Yemen but has found a significant place in Turkish culture. It was inscribed by UNESCO on its intangible cultural heritage of humanity list.
In the United Arab Emirates, daytime temperatures often top 104 degrees, making mall runs and night swims popular summer activities to beat the heat.
Meanwhile, in North Korea, the newly built Wonsan-Kalma resort aims to be the country's answer to Waikiki. The resort is divided into domestic and international zones, with a group of Russian tourists among the few visitors found in the international section.
Elsewhere, China's bullet trains make travelers feel as if they've been whisked back 1,200 years.
Belencia Wallace, known as Ladybug Travel, is a registered nurse living full-time on cruise ships. Her unique lifestyle offers a glimpse into the world of permanent cruise ship residency.
Lastly, the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is being introduced in the United States, specifically for Chinese B-1/B-2 visa holders. The system, handled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will be put into use starting September 30, 2025, when a new $30 fee for EVUS authorization will also be implemented. Travelers from China will be asked to pay a $30 enrollment fee for the EVUS system.
Read also:
- Peptide YY (PYY): Exploring its Role in Appetite Suppression, Intestinal Health, and Cognitive Links
- Toddler Health: Rotavirus Signs, Origins, and Potential Complications
- Digestive issues and heart discomfort: Root causes and associated health conditions
- House Infernos: Deadly Hazards Surpassing the Flames
