By Nij Martin
Starting with the new fiscal year on October 1, millions of people looking to visit the United States will face a much steeper price tag. The newly passed legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is set to add a substantial $250 fee to all non-immigrant visa applications.
This new cost is layered on top of the existing $185 tourist visa fee, raising the total to approximately $435 per person—a staggering increase of more than 135%. This hike does not affect travelers from countries in the Visa Waiver Program, but it will create a significant financial barrier for people from nations that require a visa.
For a family of five, this new fee could add more than $2,000 just for visas, a cost that may prompt many to choose to vacation elsewhere. The implications for the U.S. tourism economy, which generated over $212 billion from international visitors in 2023, are clear.
This financial hurdle isn’t just about leisure travel; it could also impact attendance at major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Fans and even athletes from lower-income nations could find it more difficult to attend, undermining the global spirit of these events.
Furthermore, the global visa system often operates on reciprocity. If the U.S. raises its fees, other countries may follow suit, making it more expensive for American citizens to travel abroad. While nations like China are actively making it easier for tourists to visit, the U.S. appears to be moving in the opposite direction.