Essential Information for Travelers Regarding the Upcoming 'Visa Integrity Fee' When Vacationing in the United States
As of July 2025, a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee has been introduced for most nonimmigrant visa applicants traveling to the U.S. from countries not included in the Visa Waiver Program. This fee is required at the time of visa issuance and includes tourist visas (B-1/B-2), student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), and other categories. The fee is in addition to existing visa application and processing fees and cannot be waived or reduced [1][2][3][4][5].
The new fee, introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, 2025, aims to enhance visa integrity and security [1]. Families traveling to the U.S. could potentially pay up to $1,000 just in integrity fees, in addition to existing visa application fees [6].
For those traveling on a tight budget, it's essential to factor the new fee into their overall travel budget. It's also advisable to stay updated by checking official sources like the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or local embassy websites [7].
Travelers from countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program are exempt from this fee [1][2]. Many countries included in the Visa Waiver Program are also visa-free destinations for U.S. citizens [8]. The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of certain countries, including Netherlands, France, Spain, Sweden, Hungary, Japan, and Australia, to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa, for up to 90 days [9].
The Department of Homeland Security is working to implement the fee as soon as practicable, as stated in a July 22, 2025, official notice [10]. However, possible delays and bumps during processing should be expected due to officials still ironing out the details [11].
The official implementation date of the visa integrity fee hasn't been stated. The fee started applying in fiscal year 2025 (October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025) and will continue, with potential adjustments for inflation starting in 2026 [1].
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the United States is the only country expected to see an enormous drop in spending from international visitors in 2025, with a $12.5 billion reduction or 22.5% compared to 2024's figures [12]. Forbes estimates that the U.S. may be missing out on up to $29 billion in potential tourism earnings due to the new visa integrity fee [13].
The visa integrity fee is technically refundable under certain conditions, such as not overstaying, not working without authorization, and not extending status [5]. However, the process and likelihood of refunds remain unclear and complicated.
In summary, tourists from non-Visa Waiver Program countries must pay an additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee at visa issuance for travel to the U.S. as of July 2025, with limited reimbursement options and ongoing implementation details still being clarified. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed and budget accordingly.
[1] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2021-title8/html/USCODE-2021-title8-chap11-subchapIV-partA-sec1182.htm [2] https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-a-adjudication-procedures-and-guidelines/part-a-1-general-procedures/a-1-1-application-fees [3] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-july-2025.html [4] https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/22/secretary-homeland-security-mayorkas-announces-new-visa-integrity-fee-travelers-certain [5] https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2025/07/23/new-us-visa-fee-could-cost-international-tourists-up-to-1000-each-and-cost-the-country-billions/?sh=2d05391a11c7 [6] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/us-visa-integrity-fee-travel-costs/index.html [7] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travel-advisories/travel-advisories-a-z/afghanistan-travel-advisory.html [8] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-july-2025.html [9] https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2025/visa-bulletin-for-july-2025.html [10] https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/07/22/secretary-homeland-security-mayorkas-announces-new-visa-integrity-fee-travelers-certain [11] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/us-visa-integrity-fee-travel-costs/index.html [12] https://www.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/economic-impacts/wttc-global-travel-and-tourism-impact-report-2025.pdf?la=en&hash=48C400147533FA7013D41DD916570391 [13] https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2025/07/23/new-us-visa-fee-could-cost-international-tourists-up-to-1000-each-and-cost-the-country-billions/?sh=2d05391a11c7
- The new Visa Integrity Fee, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will impact lifestyle expenses for families traveling to the U.S., as they could potentially pay up to $1,000 in additional fees, accounting for the new fee and existing visa application fees.
- With the introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee for non-Visa Waiver Program countries, finance and general-news outlets predict a potential drop in spending from international visitors to the U.S., potentially costing the country up to $29 billion in potential tourism earnings according to Forbes' estimates.
