The United States has introduced a new $250 "visa integrity fee," effective October 1, set to increase the total visa cost to $442. This move is expected to further depress international travel to the U.S., which has already seen a 3.1% year-on-year drop in July, defying pre-pandemic recovery expectations.

• The new fee raises the total visa cost for travelers from non-visa waiver countries to $442, making it one of the highest visitor fees globally.
• Gabe Rizzi, President of Altour, stated that any added friction will reduce travel volumes.
• International visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to fall below $169 billion this year, down from $181 billion in 2024.