Visit the United States It is going to be significantly more expensive due to the new increase in US visa fees.
The federal lawmakers approved a new, hefty visa fee for a number of tourists who will be entering the US soon. As part of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act A new “visa fee” of $250 will be applied to anyone who violates the law signed on July 4. US visitor What is a nonimmigrant Visa?
The bill states that the fee applies to “any alien who is issued a nonimmigrant Visa at the time such issuance.” The $250 fee will be charged to anyone applying for any nonimmigrant visa, regardless of the category. Envoy Global.
When the US Treasury Department begins collecting fees (which is yet to be determined), the money collected will go into the general fund.
Travel industry experts worry that the new charge could reduce US tourist numbers further. have already dipped In 2025. Geoff Freeman called the new charges “foolish”. a statement After the Congress passed the Bill on July 3,
Increased fees for lawful international visitors Freeman stated that the fees “amount to a tariff we impose on our largest export: international travel expenditure.” These fees do not improve the travel experience, and they only serve to discourage visitors at a time of high tourism. foreign travelers are already concerned The welcome experience is not good and the prices are high. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must … ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.”
The new charges are implemented just as the US prepares to host major events around the world, such as the World Cup 2026 or the Summer Olympics 2028. These could be a serious setback for both travel companies and potential tourists.
Travelers need to be aware of the new $250 fee.
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Who will be required to pay for the new visa fee
Travelers who are not immigrants from any of the countries on this list US visa waiver list The fee is required to enter the US. Most tourists are coming from AfricaLatin America South AmericaSelect countries are included in the. Asia You can also read about the Middle EastA new $250 tax will be applied to all.
The fee will be charged to travelers from countries that do not require visas, but are visiting the US in order to obtain a visa. These fees apply to all work visas as well as student visas. This includes F-1 and F-2 visas for students, J-1 and J-2 visas for exchanges, H1-b visas (temporary work visas) and H4 visas.
This $250 fee is in addition to all other visa fees. The $250 payment will be charged in addition to any other visa fees.
Can the fee be reimbursed?
The fee for visa integrity will not be waived or reduced. Envoy Global reports that the Department of Homeland Security could potentially reimburse visitors who fully comply with their visa terms by leaving the US as soon as their visa authorization period expires, extending their nonimmigrant visa status or changing their status from lawful permanent resident.
What countries are excluded?
Tourists from countries that do not require a visa for entry into the US are not charged. This includes citizens from countries that are a part of the US visa waiver programAs well as most travelers from Canada and Bermuda.
