US increases visa fees by $250, global tourism industry strongly protests

Starting in October 2025, the US will impose a new visa fee of $250. However, this move has met with backlash from the global tourism industry.

This policy, according to an announcement from the White House, will take effect from October 1, 2025, the beginning of the new US fiscal year - Photo: REUTERS

Visa fee increased by 250 USD

The Nation newspaper reported on July 19 that the US government is about to officially apply a new fee of $250 for most temporary visas, including tourist , business, student and labor visas.

This fee, called the "Visa Integrity Fee", will be added to the existing visa application fee.

The Trump administration said the policy is part of the "Big and Beautiful" Super Law, which was signed into law on July 4.

The aim of the act is to increase revenue from legal immigration to offset the costs of controlling illegal immigration and enhancing border security.

According to the White House, the financial contribution of temporary visa applicants will help reduce the burden on the US security and immigration system.

Strong opposition

However, this move has met with strong reactions from the international community and the tourism industry.

Many experts call this a form of "human import tax", and warn that this could scare off international tourists and turn to other destinations.

As the global tourism industry continues to slowly recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sudden increase in visa fees is said to be "a further blow" to the number of visitors to the US.

One point of contention is that all revenue from visa fees goes directly to the US Treasury budget, with no commitment to reinvest in tourism development, infrastructure or improving the visa issuance process.

This has led many to question the true purpose of the policy, and worry that it could backfire as the US prepares to host major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, citizens of 42 countries in the Visa Waiver Program, including Western European countries, the UK, Japan and Australia, will not be subject to the new fee. This has many countries, especially in Asia, concerned about the fairness and accessibility of their citizens to the US.

In addition, according to some sources from the US Department of Homeland Security, there may be a mechanism to partially refund visa fees for those who strictly comply with visa conditions, such as leaving the US on time, not working illegally, and not breaking the law during their stay.

However, this information is still under discussion and there is no specific guidance yet.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/my-tang-phi-visa-them-250-usd-nganh-du-lich-toan-cau-phan-doi-du-doi-20250720085047898.htm