Tourists to US may face new $250 'visa integrity fee'
Tourists, international students and business travelers may be required to pay a $250 fee when visiting the United States on a non-immigrant visa.
The new provision applies solely to visitors from countries that require a non-immigrant visa for entry, as outlined in the "big, beautiful" spending bill signed by President Trump, according to the Envoy Global law firm.
No formal start date has been announced to begin the collection of the “visa integrity fee."
Starting in 2026, the $250 price could increase to accommodate inflation, per the law firm.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be tasked with determining the final amount required for entry purposes.
Visitors can be reimbursed for the fee if they abide by the terms of their visa per the legislation and those who are denied entry will not be charged.
However, the provision says compensation is required and cannot be waived and must be paid on top of a charge attached to foreign nationals’ arrival/departure Record known as “Form I-94 fee.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also raised the form price from $6 to $24. Some say the new measure will roil travel plans amid major events set to be hosted in the U.S., including the 2028 Summer Olympics.
“This legislation is a giant step in the right direction when it comes to improving America’s travel infrastructure and security. Bold, necessary investments in air traffic control and Customs and Border Protection will make a meaningful difference in the traveler’s experience,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman in a July 3 statement.
"The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America’s promotion arm, that much harder to swallow. Making America the world’s most visited destination—and capitalizing on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics—requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing,” he added.
The new requirement comes amid the Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and uptick in removal efforts through repeated raids.