People travelling to the US will need to pay a "visa integrity fee", according to the Trump administration's provision known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Visitors seeking nonimmigrant visas to enter need to pay this fee. It cannot be waived. According to the provision, travellers may also reimburse the fees. According to Envoy Global, the Department of Homeland Security may reimburse visitors if they fully comply with the terms of their visa by departing the US promptly when their visa authorisation period ends, extending their nonimmigrant status, or changing their status to lawful permanent resident.
A spokesperson from the US Travel Association told CNBC Travel that details about the new requirement are scant. According to him, the new requirement has resulted in significant challenges and unanswered questions regarding implementation.
During the US fiscal year 2025, the fee will be $250. It runs from October 1, 2024, to Sept 30, 2025. According to the provision, the Secretary of Homeland Security is to set the fee higher.
The visa integrity fee can be adjusted for inflation.
The "visa integrity fee" applies to all visitors who need nonimmigrant visas. It includes tourists, business travellers and international students. Under the Visa Waiver Program, some visitors from many nations in Europe, including those from Australia, Japan, are eligible.
The fee is paid when the visa is issued, according to the provision. Visitors whose visa requests are denied will not be charged. Including regular visa fees, the new fee is "in addition to" other fees, according to the provision.
To get their money back, visa holders must comply with the conditions of the visa, which include “not accepting unauthorised 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.
