U.S. Entrance Fee Hike for Certain Tourists: unlike Portuguese travelers, others may face an additional $250 charge; a surcharge is set to rise
New Visa Integrity Fee: Impact on International Tourism
Starting October 1, 2025, foreigners applying for non-immigrant visas to the United States, including tourists, business visitors, students, temporary workers, and medical visitors from countries like Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa, and the Philippines, will face a new $250 fee. This fee, known as the "visa integrity fee," is in addition to the existing visa application fees, effectively raising the total visa cost to around $435.
The new fee applies mainly to nationals from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program, meaning that citizens of many Western European countries, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Canada are exempt. The fee may be adjusted for inflation starting October 2025, and while it could be refundable if travelers comply with visa regulations, the government has not clearly specified the refund process or criteria, leaving travelers to currently consider it non-refundable.
The U.S. government intends this fee to fund immigrant enforcement efforts and reduce visa overstays and illegal residency. However, industry experts warn that the higher fees and uncertainty around refunds might deter many travelers, especially from impacted countries like Brazil, China, and India, which are significant source markets for U.S. tourism.
The timing and implementation details remain unclear, which adds to traveler uncertainty and could negatively affect visitor numbers and U.S. tourism revenue in the near term. Given that in 2024 over 11 million non-immigrant visas were issued (including millions for tourism and business purposes), the added cost could reduce the appeal of the U.S. compared to other vacation destinations without such fees.
Moreover, the most common type of visa, the ESTA, will also increase in price. The sector is concerned about the new charges at a time when fewer people are choosing the U.S. as a vacation destination. The potential impact on U.S. tourism is significant, and it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to these changes.
Portugal is exempt from the increased fees, making it a potentially more attractive destination for tourists from the affected countries. Brazil, China, and India are among the countries affected by the increased fees, and the uncertainty surrounding the new charges could lead to a shift in tourist behaviour towards destinations with more favourable visa policies.
References:
- CNN
- USA Today
- The Hill
- The Washington Post
- The New York Times
The new "visa integrity fee" may dissuade travelers, particularly from countries like Brazil, China, and India, due to the increased costs associated with applying for U.S. non-immigrant visas. As a result, some tourists might choose destinations with more favorable visa policies, such as Portugal.
