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.
September 16, 2025The U.S. is ending the popular 'drop-box' visa renewal system for 57 countries, meaning many travelers will now need to attend in-person interviews. Here’s how this change, set for September 2025, might impact your future trips—and the ripple effect it could have on hotels and the tourism industry as a whole.
September 14, 2025Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department plans to end the convenient ‘drop-box’ or Interview Waiver Program for visa renewals in 57 countries. Travelers from these countries—including Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, and Venezuela—will soon need to attend in-person interviews for U.S. visas, a change expected to bring longer processing times, higher costs, and hassles for tourists and businesses alike. While officials say the goal is better security and consistency, the travel industry could feel the pinch.
September 6, 2025