Say Goodbye to the U.S. Visa ‘Drop-Box’: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025

Planning a U.S. trip in late 2025? Big changes are coming for non-immigrant visa applicants from 57 countries. The “drop-box” or Interview Waiver Program is ending, meaning nearly everyone—including kids—will now need to attend in-person interviews. This news could lead to longer waits, higher costs, and trickier travel planning. But it may also improve security and make visa processes more consistent. Here’s what you should know before booking those stateside flights or hotels.

A Big Shake-Up: U.S. Visa “Drop-Box” Ends in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to the United States next year and hoping to breeze through the visa process, there’s some important news you should read before packing your bags. On September 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department will end its ‘drop-box’ system—officially known as the Interview Waiver Program (IWP)—for non-immigrant visa applicants from 57 countries. What does this mean for travelers like you? Here’s the lowdown:

No More Skipping the Interview Line

Up until now, many travelers—especially those renewing their visas, and even children—could just submit their paperwork and passports without an in-person interview. From September 2025 onwards, nearly all applicants will have to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate for a face-to-face interview. Yes, this includes kids!

What Could This Mean For You?

Longer Wait Times: As everyone must interview in person, expect longer waits for appointment slots, especially in countries with lots of U.S. visa applicants.
More Travel and Expense: Get ready to budget not just for your U.S. trip, but also for getting to the U.S. embassy or consulate, possible overnight stays, and taking time off work or school.
Family Hassles: Planning to travel with kids or as a group? Coordinating interviews for everyone could get complicated.
Business Headaches: If your company regularly sends staff to the U.S., expect some delays in getting employees across the border.

Some Upsides Too

Increased Security: The reasoning behind this change is stronger security, letting consular officers review each case more closely in person.
Consistency: Everyone follows the same rules—which could mean fewer surprises for applicants and embassies alike.

Travel Industry Impact: Fewer International Guests?

These changes might make it tougher and pricier to get a U.S. visa, which could discourage some travelers—meaning fewer international faces in American hotels, shops, and tourist spots.

Online hotel bookings may not take an immediate hit, but fewer global visitors could eventually mean fewer reservations from those 57 countries.
Hotels and travel businesses might shift gears to woo more domestic travelers or focus on nations not included in this policy change.

Looking Ahead: Be Extra Prepared

If a U.S. trip is in your future, especially from one of the affected countries, plan early. Schedule those interviews as soon as possible and allow extra time for your visa to process. While none of these changes are instant travel deal-breakers, knowing what’s ahead can help make your journey a smoother one!