Washington D.C., July, 2025 – Traveling to the United States will soon become more expensive. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the U.S. government will implement a new Visa Integrity Fee, adding $250 to the cost of all non-immigrant visa applications, including those for tourism, business, study, and temporary work.

This means the total cost for a standard B1/B2 visa — the most commonly used by international tourists — will rise from the current $185 to $435 per person. For a family of four, visa fees alone would total $1,740, even before booking flights or accommodation.

Travel industry reacts to new visa fee

The legislation, introduced by Republican lawmakers and already approved by the U.S. Senate, is intended to “encourage lawful behavior among foreign visitors.” However, the travel and tourism sector fears the new costs could deter travelers.

Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), voiced strong opposition to the move:

“Raising fees on legal international visitors is essentially a self-imposed tariff on one of our country’s largest exports — international travel spending.”

In 2024, international travelers spent $254 billion in the U.S. on travel-related goods and services. Projections suggest that these new policies, backed by the Trump administration, could lead to a $29 billion loss in tourism revenue.

Possible refund — but unclear details

According to the bill, travelers who fully comply with the terms of their visa may be eligible for a refund of the integrity fee. However, the amount and refund process remain undefined.

Updated visa costs for 2026

Here are the new visa fees, including the added Visa Integrity Fee, effective 2026:

• Tourist & Business Visa (B1/B2): $410
• Student Visas (F, M): $410
• Temporary Work Visas (H, L, O, P): $440
• Investor/Trade Visa (E): $455
• Anti-Fraud Fee for L Visas: $750
• Border Security Fee for L Visas: $4,750

Note: The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is applied separately and could increase yearly based on inflation.

More travel restrictions on the horizon

Alongside this fee hike, the government is also considering expanding the current travel ban — which already includes countries like Cuba and Venezuela — to nearly 50 nations. This move could further reduce international travel to the U.S., especially with global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the calendar.

The legislation also allocates funding to hire 5,000 new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, while simultaneously slashing the budget for Brand USA, the national tourism marketing organization, from $100 million to just $20 million — a move widely criticized by the industry.

 Key Takeaways

• A new $250 mandatory fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants starting in 2026.
• Total cost for a U.S. tourist visa will exceed $435 per person.
• The U.S. travel industry could face $29 billion in losses due to fewer international visitors.
• Refunds may be possible for visa holders who fully comply with their terms.
• Additional travel bans and cuts to tourism marketing may further harm inbound travel.