Tourists may have to pay a $250 fee when visiting the United States
Tourists, international students, and business travelers may be required to pay a $250 fee when visiting the United States with a temporary stay visa, according to American media reports.
As stated by the law firm Envoy Global, the new provision will apply exclusively to visitors from countries whose citizens need a temporary stay visa to enter the US, in accordance with the spending law signed by President Trump – reports N1.
The exact date when the fee collection will begin has not yet been officially announced, according to the Hill portal.
At the beginning of 2026, the amount of $250 could increase to adjust for inflation, the law firm noted.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will be responsible for determining the final amount that must be paid to enter the country.
Visitors may receive a refund if they comply with the conditions of their visa, and those who are denied entry will not be charged the fee.
However, the surcharge is mandatory and cannot be waived, and must be paid in addition to the fee linked to the Arrival/Departure Record of foreign nationals, known as the "Form I-94 fee".
The law also increased the cost of the form from six to 24 dollars.
Some believe the new measure could create problems given the expected influx of visitors to major events in the US, including the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
The new decision was made as the Donald Trump administration seeks to curb illegal immigration and boost deportation efforts, according to the Hill.
