Big Change Ahead: U.S. Ditches 'Drop-Box' Visa Renewals for 57 Countries

Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. will require travelers from 57 countries to attend in-person interviews for visa renewals, ending the convenient 'drop-box' system. This move might slow down travel plans and increase costs, but there's more to the story. Here’s what globetrotters need to know about making future trips to the States.

Planning to Visit the U.S. Next Year? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’re dreaming about Broadway lights in New York or California’s coastal sunshine after September 2025, you might want to pay close attention to a new policy announced by the U.S. State Department.

No More 'Drop-Box' Visa Renewals

For years, travelers from 57 countries enjoyed an easy visa renewal process: just send your documents, skip the long lines, and wait for your new visa to arrive. Well, starting September 2, 2025, that shortcut is going away. Everyone from the affected countries will now need to schedule an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate—even if you’ve visited before.

How Could This Affect You?

Longer Waits: With everyone needing interviews, you might face a longer wait for appointment slots and visa approvals.
Bigger Travel Costs: If the nearest consulate is a road-trip or flight away, prepare for additional expenses—think transport, overnight stays, and maybe even missing workdays.
More Hassle for Popular Travel Times: Expect especially cramped schedules during holiday seasons and school breaks when more people are applying.

Is There Any Silver Lining?

Security Boost: The U.S. hopes these interviews will make travel safer by giving officers a better sense of each visitor.
Clearer Guidance: More face-time with consulate staff might mean fewer visa misunderstandings or paperwork mistakes.

What About the Bigger Travel Scene?

If your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (like most of Europe), you’re off the hook—this change doesn’t affect you. But for everyone else, it could mean more hurdles. Mild dips in tourist numbers from these 57 countries might lead to quieter hotels and restaurants in the U.S. And for hotel owners and booking sites, expect some last-minute reservation changes and a bit more administrative juggling.