Overview

• The $250 charge lifts the typical U.S. visitor visa cost to about $442 and applies to most travelers from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program.
• U.S. data show July overseas visits down 3.1% year over year to 19.2 million, marking the fifth monthly decline of 2025.
• Travel executives warn the added cost will deter trips as global spending by visitors in the U.S. is projected to slip to roughly $169 billion this year.
• The administration introduced a bonds pilot on Aug. 20 requiring up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas and proposed shorter stays for students, exchange visitors and media.
• Impact is expected to be heaviest in Central and South America, with recent gains from Mexico, Argentina and Brazil facing pressure as China and India remain weak sources of demand.