The United States is introducing a new $250 “visa integrity fee” on travelers, raising concerns that it could deepen the slump in international travel. The charge, which comes into effect on October 1, adds to the total cost of a US visa for many visitors from non-visa waiver countries like Mexico, India, China, Brazil, and Argentina, bringing it to $442—one of the highest visitor fees worldwide.
This increase comes as overseas travel to the US continues to fall. In July, inbound visits dropped 3.1% year-on-year to 19.2 million, according to government data. It marked the fifth consecutive month of decline this year and challenges earlier forecasts that 2025 would finally surpass the pre-pandemic annual visitor level of 79.4 million.
Industry experts warn that higher visa costs could further discourage travel. Gabe Rizzi, President of the global travel management firm Altour, said, “Any friction we add to the traveler experience is going to cut travel volumes by some amount. As the summer ends, this will become a more pressing issue, and fees will need to be factored into travel budgets and documentation.”
The drop in visitors is also expected to hit tourism revenue. International travelers are projected to spend less than $169 billion in the US this year, down from $181 billion in 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Travel experts note that the visa fee reflects a broader perception of the US under the current administration. Policies restricting immigration, reducing foreign aid, and imposing tariffs on multiple countries have contributed to a decline in America’s appeal as a destination, despite major upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The administration has also proposed additional measures to tighten visa regulations. New rules aim to limit the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange participants, and media personnel. Earlier in August, a pilot program began allowing the US to require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas, targeting visitors who overstay their visas. The program is set to last about a year.
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics consultancy, had forecasted a more than 10% increase in overseas travel to the US in 2025. Instead, travel is expected to fall by about 3%, said Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics. “We see it as a sustained setback, and we anticipate much of it is in place throughout the administration,” Ryan said.
Travel professionals caution that higher costs and stricter regulations could create a longer-term decline in international visitors. The combined impact of increased fees, tighter visa rules, and negative perceptions may discourage both business and leisure travelers from visiting the United States.
Some travel agencies are already adjusting plans to account for the higher visa fees. Companies are advising clients to budget for additional costs and consider the timing of trips to avoid delays and extra charges.
Despite these challenges, tourism officials remain hopeful that major sporting events and cultural attractions will help draw some international visitors. However, the new visa fee and regulatory measures are likely to continue influencing travel trends in the near term, slowing the recovery of the US travel industry.
The combination of rising costs, stricter entry rules, and policy uncertainty underscores the importance of careful planning for both travelers and businesses dependent on international tourism.
