Home » Latest Travel News of United States » New Visa Fee Increases Make Visiting The United States More Expensive Than Ever With A Two Hundred Fifty Dollar Integrity Fee That Adds Financial Strain For Travelers Worldwide
Published on
October 12, 2025
The United States has become notably more expensive for many international travelers, following a series of recent visa fee hikes. These increases, which went into effect at the end of September 2025, are set to impact a wide range of travelers from around the world. The new fees are part of a broader legislative overhaul, which not only raises existing visa charges but also introduces a new $250 “visa integrity fee” for many non-immigrant travelers. This change comes at a time when the U.S. is preparing to host major global events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, prompting concerns that these higher costs could dampen tourism at a critical time.
At the end of September, the United States implemented increases in the fees associated with several types of visas, impacting a broad spectrum of travelers from around the globe. The fee hikes were part of a larger legislative package passed earlier in the year, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This package, which also created a new $250 “visa integrity fee,” is expected to affect numerous non-immigrant travelers.
The fee increases, which officially took effect on September 30, 2025, come at a time when the U.S. is preparing to host significant global events, such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Experts have raised concerns that these increased fees may discourage international tourism at a time when the U.S. could benefit from a surge of visitors.
Three Existing Visa Fees Now More Expensive
International travelers entering the U.S. will now face higher charges across three existing visa categories. One of the most significant changes is the increase in the I-94 fee. This fee, required for travelers entering the U.S. by land, has increased from $6 to $30. The new $30 charge applies to all individuals, excluding U.S. citizens, returning lawful residents, non-U.S. citizens holding immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens who are visiting or transiting through the U.S.
Another notable hike is the increase in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee. ESTA is required for travelers from the 42 countries included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This fee has nearly doubled, jumping from $21 to $40. The ESTA fee is applicable to travelers visiting the U.S. for business or leisure trips that last no longer than 90 days.
The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) fee, specifically for Chinese travelers, has also seen an increase. The fee for Chinese travelers on temporary business or leisure trips to the U.S. has risen to $30. These new fees are locked in for the fiscal year 2026, which began on October 1, 2025, but may increase in the future in line with inflation.
The New $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’
The most substantial change introduced by the new visa fee structure is the creation of the $250 “visa integrity fee,” which applies to non-immigrant travelers who are not from countries included in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This new fee is expected to be implemented soon, but as of now, the official start date remains unclear.
Travelers from countries not on the U.S. visa waiver list, which includes many from Africa, Latin America, South America, and parts of Asia and the Middle East, will be required to pay this new $250 fee. Additionally, travelers from visa-waiver countries who are applying for certain special visas, including student visas, work visas, and exchange visitor visas, will also need to pay the new fee. The visa integrity fee will be charged in addition to other visa-related fees, such as reciprocity fees, anti-fraud fees, and machine-readable visa (MRV) application fees. These additional costs can vary depending on the type of visa being applied for.
Reimbursement for the Fee
While the $250 fee cannot be waived or reduced, there is a potential for reimbursement. The U.S. government has stated that travelers who fully comply with the terms of their visa agreement, including departing the U.S. promptly when their visa expires or transitioning to lawful permanent resident status, may be eligible for a reimbursement. However, the likelihood of a significant number of travelers seeking reimbursement is low. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), many non-immigrant visas are valid for several years, meaning travelers would only be able to request reimbursement years after initially paying the fee.
Exemptions for Some Travelers
Travelers from countries that do not require a visa to enter the U.S. will not be subject to the $250 fee. This includes citizens from countries within the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, as well as most travelers from Canada and Bermuda. There are 42 countries in total that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, and citizens from these nations will be exempt from the fee if they are visiting the U.S. for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. Some of these exempt countries include:
AndorraAustraliaBelgiumFranceGermanyIsraelItalyJapanNetherlandsUnited KingdomWhen Will the New Fee Be Implemented?
While the new visa fee structure officially took effect at the start of the new fiscal year, many are still waiting for the “visa integrity fee” to be implemented. The delay in implementation is due in part to logistical challenges, particularly with regard to which U.S. agency will be responsible for collecting the fee. The Department of State may oversee the collection process during consular visa appointments, while the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could also be involved. According to immigration experts, the fee will likely be paid upon the issuance of a traveler’s visa.
The complexity of implementing the new fee structure, including updating consular systems, payment infrastructure, and interagency data-sharing, has slowed the process. Additionally, the U.S. government’s ongoing budgetary challenges, including the recent government shutdown, may further delay the fee’s implementation.
As the U.S. continues to prepare for major international events, the introduction of new visa fees may have a significant impact on travel. While the new $250 “visa integrity fee” is not yet in effect, its impending implementation is creating uncertainty among international travelers. With the potential to discourage tourism, this move could affect the influx of visitors to the U.S. during critical global events. As the situation evolves, travelers are advised to stay informed and be prepared for possible fee adjustments in the near future.
