US travelers will now need to pay a $250 'visa authenticity fee' upon entry
The United States has introduced a new visa fee of at least $250 for international visitors who require nonimmigrant visas. This fee, known as the "visa integrity fee," will apply to leisure and business travelers, international students, and other temporary visitors.
The new fee, established as part of a law signed in July 2024, is currently effective from the fiscal year that started on October 1, 2024. However, official implementing guidance, including the refund claim process and documentation requirements, has not yet been published.
The fee is intended as a compliance incentive, functioning like a refundable security deposit that rewards those who follow immigration rules. To be eligible for a refund, visa holders must have fully complied with all terms and conditions of their nonimmigrant visa status and either have departed the U.S. no later than 5 days after the visa expiration or obtained a lawful extension or adjustment of status during the visa’s validity period.
However, it's important to note that the refund is not automatic. Visa holders will likely have to prove compliance and request the refund through a process which has not yet been defined or implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The U.S. Congressional Budget Office has indicated that due to long visa validity periods and the slow rollout of a claims process, only a small number of people might actually seek or receive a refund, potentially years after fee payment.
Experts recommend treating the fee as non-refundable upfront, since detailed rules, documentation requirements, and the refund claim process remain unclear and undeveloped. The U.S. Travel Association has criticized the new fee, stating it will add complexity and cost and potentially deter visitors.
The new fee is subject to annual adjustments for inflation, and fees that aren't reimbursed will be deposited into the general fund of the Treasury. For visitors from Visa Waiver Program countries, who aren't required to obtain visas for stays of 90 days or less, the ESTA fees associated with the program are expected to increase to at least $40.
The U.S. Travel Association has praised other parts of the domestic policy bill that would invest in modernizing customs and air traffic control. However, they have not commented on the rulemaking process for the new fee, as suggested by immigration attorney Steven A. Brown.
The new policy has been characterized as a "refundable security deposit" by immigration attorney Steven A. Brown. In fiscal year 2024, the US issued nearly 11 million nonimmigrant visas, and it remains to be seen how this new fee will impact travel to the United States. Travelers are advised to monitor the official State Department visa pages for future announcements, but no detailed guidance has been posted as of July 23, 2025.
- The new visa integrity fee, intended as a compliance incentive, applies to various categories of travelers, including leisure and business travelers, further influencing the travel news and lifestyle discussions.
- International visitors planning their trips to the United States should take note of the new visa fee, which may potentially impact their travel decisions due to associated costs and unclear refund policies, as specified in the latest travel and lifestyle news.
