Travelers to the U.S. must pay a new $250 'visa integrity fee'

[Allan]

This applies to all tourists planning on visiting the US. I don't know of any other developed country that does this and expect it will further erode America's reputation as a preferred tourist destination.

Visitors to the United States will need to pay a "visa integrity fee," according to a provision of the Trump administration's recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The fee applies to all visitors who need nonimmigrant visas to enter, and cannot be waived.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/18/visa-integrity-fee-what-to-know-about-new-travel-fee-to-enter-the-us-.html

 

[NatMorton]

This applies to all tourists planning on visiting the US. I don't know of any other developed country that does this and expect it will further erode America's reputation as a preferred tourist destination.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/18/visa-integrity-fee-what-to-know-about-new-travel-fee-to-enter-the-us-.html

This seems to be the new game for many countries. Europe as introduced ETIAS and the UK has ETA. They're essentially a tax on incoming, foreign tourism.

 

[BirdinHand]

Well, this will help the diminishing tourist industry

 

[Allan]

This seems to be the new game for many countries. Europe as introduced ETIAS and the UK has ETA. They're essentially a tax on incoming, foreign tourism.

ITIAS cost is $20. ETA is £16. That's a reasonable processing fee in my opinion.

The US $250 is simply a cash grab from anyone still dumb enough to visit.

 

[NatMorton]

ITIAS cost is $20. ETA is £16. That's a reasonable processing fee in my opinion.

The US $250 is simply a cash grab from anyone still dumb enough to visit.

Agree.

 

[L88]

This applies to all tourists planning on visiting the US. I don't know of any other developed country that does this and expect it will further erode America's reputation as a preferred tourist destination.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/18/visa-integrity-fee-what-to-know-about-new-travel-fee-to-enter-the-us-.html

Many cities in Europe have various Tourist Taxes and Tourist Fees.
There is also a European Travel Information and Authorisation System Fee, which will go from 7 euros to 20 euros shortly.

 

[L88]

ITIAS cost is $20. ETA is £16. That's a reasonable processing fee in my opinion.

The US $250 is simply a cash grab from anyone still dumb enough to visit.

I don't like the tourist fees for U.S. visitors, but in Europe, with a 2-week visit to various cities, you'll easily pay up to 200 Euros in tourist fees.

 

[PeacefulWarrior]

The USA is a parody of its former self.

The Shining City on the Hill, to 'Murca!!!! And all in 2 generations time.

LOL. Crazy.

 

[Lovebug]

ITIAS cost is $20. ETA is £16. That's a reasonable processing fee in my opinion.

The US $250 is simply a cash grab from anyone still dumb enough to visit.

From the article

How can travelers get reimbursed?

To get their money back, visa holders must comply with the conditions of the visa, which includes “not accept[ing] unauthorized employment,” and not overstay the visa validity date by more than five days, according to the provision.

Reimbursements will be made after the travel visa expires, it says.

 

[The Brad Dad]

Well, this will help the diminishing tourist industry

The attack on our economy is 9/11 levels.

 

[Allan]

From the article

An annoying extra step. Why should everyone pay the damn fee on the assumption some might overstay their visa or work?

 

[Lovebug]

An annoying extra step. Why should everyone pay the damn fee on the assumption some might overstay their visa or work?

Yet, of all the hills to die on, I opt out of this one. It is neither here nor there.

 

[ttwtt78640]

From the article

Yep, but if that new fee isn’t being collected (due to the confusing new law?) then getting a refund is moot. The new ‘refundable’ visa processing fee does seem unreasonably large. I suppose the idea was to make it large enough to discourage visa overstays, but I doubt it would do so.

 

[Cameron]

Does this apply to business travelers?

Another horrible idea brought to you by a party intent on scapegoating foreigners for all of America's problems.

 

[SNOWFLAKE]

Does the 10$ tariff get added to the $250 fee?
What if I just want to go for a weekend?
Not that I would right now, I might get pulled over and jailed just for being a liberal snowflake.

 

[Lursa]

An annoying extra step. Why should everyone pay the damn fee on the assumption some might overstay their visa or work?

How about they get it back when they leave on time?

Heh, fat chance. But absolutely doable.

 

[Allan]

How about they get it back when they leave on time?

Heh, fat chance. But absolutely doable.

I'd be worried the refund would be in DJT stock

 

[Lursa]

Well, this will help the diminishing tourist industry

Just another TACO shakedown...one that will harm businesses in the US. Many of them MAGA-run.

Stupid stupid MAGA...cause/effect.

 

[Lord of Planar]

From what I read, it is a refundable fee.

 

[Lursa]

I'd be worried the refund would be in DJT stock

Then there's this:

Stay Compliant
– The law allows for a possible refund of the Visa Integrity Fee, but only if you follow all visa rules. This means:

– Do not overstay your visa​

– Do not work without permission​

– Maintain your legal status at all times​

– Leave the United States on time or make sure you have a legal extension or change of status​

link

Why would it only be "possible" if you are compliant? I guess we'll only find out once the policy is implemented.

 

[Lord of Planar]

Then there's this:

Stay Compliant
– The law allows for a possible refund of the Visa Integrity Fee, but only if you follow all visa rules. This means:

– Do not overstay your visa​

– Do not work without permission​

– Maintain your legal status at all times​

– Leave the United States on time or make sure you have a legal extension or change of status​

link

Why would it only be "possible" if you are compliant? I guess we'll only find out once the policy is implemented.

Once again, much ado about nothing by the haters.

 

[WorldWatcher]

From what I read, it is a refundable fee.

So let me get this correct, there are going to be government bureaucrats that will have to be employed to collect and process the fees, then after the trip bureaucrats are going to have to process and refund the money that was collected.

So the net gain for the US coffers is $0 from the fees and yet the taxpayers have to pay people to process them.

That seems like a very wasteful and abusive use of their time and expenditure of funds.

Where is DOGE when you need it.

WW

 

[Lursa]

Once again, much ado about nothing by the haters.

Complaining is not debate. I see you recognize and are embarrassed for MAGA. Well, those dependent on tourism/service industries will find out.

 

[dockside]

I don't like the tourist fees for U.S. visitors, but in Europe, with a 2-week visit to various cities, you'll easily pay up to 200 Euros in tourist fees.

Since when? I was there 3 years ago for two weeks (Italy, Germany Switzerland, and France) and didn't pay one centime in a tourist fee. I have been to Europe 15 times in the last 50 years and have NEVER paid one cent/centime/pence in a tourist fee.

 

[Lursa]

So let me get this correct, there are going to be government bureaucrats that will have to be employed to collect and process the fees, then after the trip bureaucrats are going to have to process and refund the money that was collected.

So the net gain for the US coffers is $0 from the fees and yet the taxpayers have to pay people to process them.

That seems like a very wasteful and abusive use of their time and expenditure of funds.

Where is DOGE when you need it.

WW

I was going to bring up the added "big govt" bureaucracy...so thank you.

Good points, all.