New fee imposed on travelers entering the US
The United States is rolling out a new travel fee. It is not cheap. A provision in the recently-signed Big, Beautiful Bill Act will require thousands of individuals to pay a new 'visa integrity fee.'
It's a $250 charge for anyone entering the US on a nonimmigrant visa, which includes tourists, business travelers, and international students. The fee applies only to approved visas. Travelers who later leave the US and can prove they didn't overstay their visa may be eligible for reimbursement, according to the law. For years, Republicans and Trump officials have argued that taxpayers shouldn't foot the bill for immigration enforcement and visa processing.
Supporters say this new fee shifts that cost to travelers — and creates an incentive to follow the rules. But immigration lawyers are pushing back, warning that the federal government hasn't explained when the fee will take effect or how travelers will get their money back. They also worry the process will require burdensome paperwork and red tape.
'This fee is supposed to be reimbursable after the expiration of the visa, provided the visa holder can document full compliance,' Loren Locke, a Georgia-based immigration lawyer, told DailyMail.com. 'Many B1/B2 visitor visas are valid for a full decade. That is a long time to compile and save records, and a long time to wait to get your money back.' Meanwhile, visa holders can likely expect costs to rise.
The law sets a minimum fee of $250 for the 2025 fiscal year, but allows the Department of Homeland Security to raise the amount — and requires it to adjust for inflation . The increasing cost could have a terrible economic impact, according to Locke. 'Additional fees can deter legitimate travelers while doing little to address actual visa violations,' she said. 'But the new fee does send a clear message to would-be vacationers: the US government sees you as a potential threat, not as a valued guest.'
The fee comes down as international travel to America keeps slowing . And for American vacationers, that's making it pricier to move around. Leading the way in US travel boycotts is the neighbor to the north: Canada.
The long-time ally has sparred with the Trump Administration over tariffs, US threats of a takeover, and immigration policy. Canadians, who have long been the top international travelers to the US, are instead withholding much of the $20.5 billion they typically spend traveling to the US. Now, if the visa fee is fully launched, it will likely become even more cost prohibitive for Canadians to come into the US.
International Airlines, like Air Canada, have already cancelled dozens of US-based trips because of slumping demand. Meanwhile, multiple US-based airliners are shutting off the valve of US domestic flights because of cost pressures at home. This year, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines have all said they're cutting US domestic flights, especially for economy passengers.
