Overview

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandates a $250 visa integrity fee for all nonimmigrant visas, sets minimum ESTA and EVUS charges of $13 and $30 respectively, and imposes a $5,000 penalty for migrants caught between ports of entry.
• Congress recently approved boosting the ESTA fee to $40 starting in fiscal 2025 and tied future increases for both ESTA and EVUS authorizations to annual inflation adjustments.
• Agencies are expected to issue regulations soon to specify an effective date—likely October 1, 2025—and determine whether the Department of State or Homeland Security will collect and reimburse the new charges.
• Travel industry leaders warn that the higher costs function as a self-imposed tariff that could deter international tourism and cultural exchange at a time when the U.S. is preparing for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
• Supporters say the revenue will bolster border security enforcement and visa administration, but critics point to unresolved refund frameworks for travelers who comply with visa terms.