A new visa integrity fee will raise the cost of non-immigrant visas, including tourist, student, and work visas, starting in 2026. This fee aims to encourage lawful conduct among foreign visitors but could negatively impact tourism. The U.S. Travel Association's president, Geoff Freeman, argues that the increased fees act as a tax on international travel spending. Estimates suggest the tourism sector may face a revenue loss of up to $29 billion. Concerns rise regarding a lack of reinvestment in travel improvements, as fees discourage visitation during concerning times for foreign travelers.
Non-immigrant visas will increase in price due to a new visa integrity fee, affecting temporary visitors such as tourists, students, and workers starting in 2026.
Geoff Freeman of the U.S. Travel Association stated that raising fees on lawful visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on international travel spending, which is vital for the economy.
The projected changes, alongside other policies from the Trump administration, could lead to an estimated loss of up to $29 billion in tourism revenue, harming the industry significantly.
Freeman expressed concerns that these fees do not reinvest in travel improvements and merely discourage travel, particularly during a time when foreign visitors feel unwelcome and face high costs.
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