Must Read Shockwaves Hit Travellers: U.S. Slaps $250 'Integrity Fee' on Non-Immigrant Visas

[webfact]

File photo for reference only

 

As the United States gears up for major global events, a new "visa integrity fee" is set to impact those applying for a U.S. tourist visa. The fee, part of a sweeping legislative package signed by President Donald Trump, will see travellers hit with a $250 charge for non-immigrant visas from October 1, 2024, as part of fiscal year 2025.

 

The $250 fee applies for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2025. It may subsequently be adjusted for inflation.

 

The decision aims to bolster immigration efforts but has caused a stir amongst potential visitors and travel experts alike. The $250 fee, roughly 9,000 Thai Baht, is non-negotiable and could rise with inflation. However, those from the over 40 nations under the Visa Waiver Program might sidestep this additional cost.

 

U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman has voiced concerns, citing the potential negative impact on tourism just as the country hosts high-profile events like the World Cup and Olympics. He emphasised the need for smarter policies to maintain America’s allure as a top destination while avoiding deterring would-be visitors with surging costs.

 

The move, seen as potentially discouraging to international travellers, is intended to offset costs related to immigration and border security. Significant investments in these areas are seen as necessary, but the fee has sparked debate over its timing and necessity with such monumental events on the horizon.

 

As the new regulation nears implementation, travellers and industry insiders are closely monitoring how this fee might reshape tourism dynamics in the U.S. With fiscal goals being balanced against global hospitality, the outcome remains to be seen as stakeholders grapple with the potential ramifications.

 

For those planning trips to the U.S. post-October 2024, staying informed and prepared for these changes will be crucial. The coming months will reveal if adjustments or exemptions arise, especially as international dialogue and feedback continue.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from ABC NEWS 2025-07-22

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

Should keep out the riff raff from the countries ineligible for the Visa Waiver program. 

[webfact]

Trump's Visa Fee Fury: Tourists Hit with $250 Charge

 

Picture courtesy of Best Place for Travel Inspiration

 

Tourists brace for a hefty new visa fee as Donald Trump imposes a $250 charge on future visitors, just in time for a surge of sports fans heading to the States. This controversial move has enraged critics who see it as a tactic to exploit global events for financial gain.

 

Travellers seeking to enter the US will face a non-refundable $250 visa integrity fee, which is equivalent to about 9,000 baht. This measure, endorsed by Trump, is part of a broader immigration and border security initiative for the fiscal year 2025, starting 1 October 2024.

 

The decision is stirring up dissatisfaction among industry insiders and tourists, who view it as a cash-grab potentially detrimental to tourism, despite America's preparations for major sporting events.

 

The Visa Waiver Program exempts travellers from approximately 40 countries, but it will affect many others, including Thai visitors. Geoff Freeman, President of the US Travel Association, expressed alarm, stating, “We need smarter policies.

 

This fee has the potential to undermine America's appeal as a top travel destination at an unfavourable moment.

 

The visa charge aims to fill funding gaps in immigration services. However, opponents warn it might discourage visitors precisely when America needs them most. The fee's linkage to inflation means it could escalate over time.

 

With the regulation looming, the travel industry is urging a reassessment to safeguard the US's reputation as a welcoming destination. In the interim, prospective tourists should prepare for the added expense, ensure they meet visa requirements, and plan their budgets accordingly.

 

The World Cup is set to kick off in June next year, with the Olympics following in 2028.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-22

 

 

 

[amykat]

The Trump government has a big “F” you for almost everyone in some way or another!  

[Will B Good]

Starting October 1, 2024.....?

[GanDoonToonPet]

Well done America. This will bring the costs for Thai tourists (for a 6 month stay) in line with American tourists visiting Thailand. UK should do the same.

[topt]

57 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Starting October 1, 2024.....?

Yes that was my thought as well. Confused much........

[Will B Good]

2 minutes ago, topt said:

Yes that was my thought as well. Confused much........

 

My kids will be furious....they all went out in May for two weeks.......555

[Will B Good]

51 minutes ago, GanDoonToonPet said:

Well done America. This will bring the costs for Thai tourists (for a 6 month stay) in line with American tourists visiting Thailand. UK should do the same.

 

US citizens have to apply and pay for a tourist visa to visit Thailand?

 

How much do they cost and for how long do they last?

[HappyExpat57]

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

Starting October 1, 2024.....?

The $250 fee applies for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2025. So sayeth the Google box.

[Will B Good]

Just now, HappyExpat57 said:

The $250 fee applies for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2025. So sayeth the Google box.

 

Cheers

[CatCage]

Maybe UK could introduce a similar tax applicable to rubber boats arriving from France 

[frank83628]

2 hours ago, amykat said:

The Trump government has a big “F” you for almost everyone in some way or another!  

You have to pay for non O visa for Thailand, so what is the difference?

Thats a typical 'i only read the headline' answer

[Ralf001]

51 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

US citizens have to apply and pay for a tourist visa to visit Thailand?

 

 

 

Yeah but they can do a 60 day visa exempt if they want.

[Lacessit]

Won't affect me, I did all my traveling in America on the company dime before mass insanity took over.

 

A pity for others, because America does have wonderful places. Not so wonderful people will wear a BS impost.

 

Tourism in 2025 is down by 22%. I suppose the floggings must continue until morale improves.

[transam]

14 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

Totally misleading headline typical of ABC for spreading lies and misinformation and trying to blame Trump for it. it seems many didnt read past the head line either.

Surely all you lot here know that non immigrant visas are NOT tourist visas. So this is once again a nothing burger

 

dont let that Donald derangement get in the way

 

 

Like your Putin derangement, eh...........

[frank83628]

Its seems to me the 2nd headline has been purposely adjusted to be even more misleading

The original stated 'non immigrant '

 

The updated headline omits this and implies that it will affect sports fans coming for the world cup.... they will be on togrist visas. Not non O

[Wingate]

5 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Should keep out the riff raff from the countries ineligible for the Visa Waiver program. 

Yes, because there are absolutely no decent human beings in any of the 160 countries, such as Thailand, not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, right?

 

If your opinion of Thai people is so negative, perhaps you should go back to the paradise of the UK.

[TheAppletons]

5 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

Its seems to me the 2nd headline has been purposely adjusted to be even more misleading

The original stated 'non immigrant '

 

The updated headline omits this and implies that it will affect sports fans coming for the world cup.... they will be on togrist visas. Not non O

 

  Wrong again, Yakov.  Tourist visas in the USA fall under the category of non-immigrant visas:

 

  "Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work."

 

  https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/requirements-immigrant-and-nonimmigrant-visas

[JonnyF]

3 minutes ago, Wingate said:

Yes, because there are absolutely no decent human beings in any of the 160 countries, such as Thailand, not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, right?

 

If your opinion of Thai people is so negative, perhaps you should go back to the paradise of the UK.

 

Possibly the most egregious strawman I have ever heard on this forum. And there is some pretty stiff competition. 😃

 

I think I can guess your previous username. 😄

[frank83628]

4 minutes ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  Wrong again, Yakov.  Tourist visas in the USA fall under the category of non-immigrant visas:

 

  "Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis for tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work."

 

  https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/requirements-immigrant-and-nonimmigrant-visas

Show me the part where tourists are going to pay this $250 fee just for holidays

[TheAppletons]

Just now, frank83628 said:

Show me the part where tourists are going to pay this $250 fee just for holidays

 

  Show me the part where it says they don't.

[thaibreaker]

250 USD fee on a tourism that already has taken a hit, way to go, Donald! 

 

I wouldn't go even if anyone paid me for it 😁

[proton]

46 minutes ago, CatCage said:

Maybe UK could introduce a similar tax applicable to rubber boats arriving from France 

 

They are given 70 quid a week!

[Stocky]

But who in their right minds would want to to visit Trumpistan?

[rudi49jr]

Tourism in US is way down as it is, tens of billions of dollars in revenue lost already. And now this $ 250 ‘integrity fee’, which will make even more people avoid the US. What a joke. 

[transam]

Just now, rudi49jr said:

Tourism in US is way down as it is, tens of billions of dollars in revenue lost already. And now this $ 250 ‘integrity fee’, which will make even more people avoid the US. What a joke. 

Yep, Trump hasn't got a calooooooo what he's doing......😬

[frank83628]

10 minutes ago, TheAppletons said:

 

  Show me the part where it says they don't.

Visa free entry for many countries up to 90 days.

So as i said a misleading article to stir the anti Trumpers like you

 

Do you care if Russians. Chinese, North Koreans have to pay, are they your friends now because of this fee?  They all had to previously pay for visas, same as many countries do for the UK

 

But but Trump....

You guys are so predictable

 

🤡🤡🤡

[connda]

Shockwaves Hit Travellers: U.S. Slaps $250 'Integrity Fee' on Non-Immigrant Visas

 

Which in turn pushes "migrants" to cross the border illegally. What a clown-show.

But honestly, imho even the most vehement MAGA hat wearing Republican prefers their low-wage labor to skip over the border instead of entering legally. 

This just put one more impediment to those wishing to enter the US legally for work. Hell, there is now bi-partisan support for another god-dammed amnesty bill.   #$^&*^_+{_)!

 "Dear cheap foreign labor.  Come over the border illegally and we'll work with ya!"  wink wink
Signed, 
The Trump Administration, the US House and US Senate, including all Democrats and most Republicans

I may not particularly like Thailand's immigration policy, but I respect it and I'd like the United States to adopt that same.  But the US?  Pfft!  
The game is rigged and not in the favor of US citizens. 

[novacova]

2 hours ago, Will B Good said:

Starting October 1, 2024.....?

Yes, why ask? You’re not late reading this time sensitive article are you?