The United States will impose a new $250 “visa integrity fee” from October 1, raising the total visa cost to $442 and sparking concerns over further declines in international travel.
The fee applies to travelers from non-visa waiver countries, including Mexico, Argentina, India, Brazil, and China. Industry experts warn it could add new obstacles for overseas visitors, as arrivals to the US fell 3.1 percent year-on-year in July to 19.2 million, marking the fifth monthly drop in 2025.
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics consultancy, had forecast a 10 percent increase in overseas arrivals this year. Instead, inbound travel is on track to fall by 3 percent. International visitor spending is also projected to drop to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion last year.
The US Travel Association noted that the new fee makes US visa costs among the highest in the world. Industry leaders warn that the measure, combined with tighter immigration policies under President Donald Trump, could further weaken America’s global appeal despite upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The impact is expected to hit hardest in Central and South America, which have been rare bright spots for US travel this year, with arrivals from Argentina up 20 percent and Mexico up nearly 14 percent.
Analysts caution that reciprocal visa fees from other countries could further dampen US travel demand in the months ahead.
The fee applies to travelers from non-visa waiver countries, including Mexico, Argentina, India, Brazil, and China. Industry experts warn it could add new obstacles for overseas visitors, as arrivals to the US fell 3.1 percent year-on-year in July to 19.2 million, marking the fifth monthly drop in 2025.
Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics consultancy, had forecast a 10 percent increase in overseas arrivals this year. Instead, inbound travel is on track to fall by 3 percent. International visitor spending is also projected to drop to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion last year.
The US Travel Association noted that the new fee makes US visa costs among the highest in the world. Industry leaders warn that the measure, combined with tighter immigration policies under President Donald Trump, could further weaken America’s global appeal despite upcoming major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The impact is expected to hit hardest in Central and South America, which have been rare bright spots for US travel this year, with arrivals from Argentina up 20 percent and Mexico up nearly 14 percent.
Analysts caution that reciprocal visa fees from other countries could further dampen US travel demand in the months ahead.
