Trump’s controversial $250 visa fee could cost the US economy $11 billion as tourists stay away, research finds
Trump’s ‘visa integrity fee’ could cause a decline in tourism
- Donald Trump signed a new $250 “visa integrity fee” into law, which will take effect in October and applies to non-immigrant visa holders from certain countries.
- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) initially estimated the fee would generate over $27 billion for the US economy over a decade.
- However, a Tourism Economics analysis suggests the fee could cost the United States $11 billion over three years by deterring international visitors.
- This potential decline in tourism could lead to reduced visitor spending and job losses, particularly impacting visitors from significant markets like India and Brazil.
- The fee is being introduced despite the US already facing a decline in international tourism and ahead of major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics.