US Will Begin Charging Some Tourists a $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’

The U.S. government has announced the introduction of a new "Visa Integrity Fee" for certain tourists seeking to visit the country. Starting on June 23, 2023, some international travelers will be required to pay a $250 fee when applying for a U.S. tourist visa (B-1/B-2). The fee is intended to cover the costs associated with verifying the eligibility and security of visa applicants. It will apply to citizens of countries that have a B-1/B-2 visa refusal rate of 10% or higher. The list of affected countries has not been officially published, but it is expected to include nations with higher rates of visa overstays or suspected fraud. Certain categories of travelers, such as children under 14, seniors over 79, and diplomats, will be exempt from the new fee. Additionally, citizens of 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will not be subject to the charge. The implementation of this fee aims to enhance the U.S. government's ability to vet and process visa applications, ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.