Travelers to U.S. soon could have to pay a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’

WASHINGTON (NBC) — Visiting the U.S. could soon become more expensive for many international travelers.

A new $250 “visa integrity fee” targeting non-immigrant visa applicants was included in a sweeping Republican-backed immigration and security package, recently signed into law. The fee would apply to a wide range of visitors, including tourists, international students and business travelers who require a visa to enter the U.S.

Though the law has been passed, federal officials have not released details on when the fee will take effect, how it will be implemented or whether any travelers will be exempt. The possibility of reimbursements has been mentioned, but no formal process has been outlined.

The provision was part of the GOP’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a broad legislative package addressing immigration and border issues.

As of now, the visa integrity fee has not been implemented, and it remains unclear when it will be enforced or who exactly will be required to pay.