Visa Integrity Fee Coming to the US
Jul 21, 2025 | 5:35 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,749
October 1, 2025
i read the effective date is October 1:
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/us-...integrity-fee/
I am now concerned there are 42 countries and their citizens are exempt. What about Canadians?
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/us-...integrity-fee/
I am now concerned there are 42 countries and their citizens are exempt. What about Canadians?
Jul 21, 2025 | 7:09 pm
#17
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: AS, Hilton, IHG Gold; BA, Marriott Silver
Posts: 3,147
Not really sure how this latest American folly is on topic for the BA forum, to be totally frank. However, one thing I know for sure is that no one in the Airline community, at least in Europe, had prior notification of this integrity fee.
Theres also no detail whatsoever from the US authorities about how (and if) airlines ought to be checking if an integrity fee has been paid and by whom. TIMATIC isnt, to the best of my knowledge, updated and neither is Amadeus.
Theres also no detail whatsoever from the US authorities about how (and if) airlines ought to be checking if an integrity fee has been paid and by whom. TIMATIC isnt, to the best of my knowledge, updated and neither is Amadeus.
Jul 21, 2025 | 7:15 pm
#18
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: AS, Hilton, IHG Gold; BA, Marriott Silver
Posts: 3,147
i read the effective date is October 1:
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/us-...integrity-fee/
I am now concerned there are 42 countries and their citizens are exempt. What about Canadians?
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/us-...integrity-fee/
I am now concerned there are 42 countries and their citizens are exempt. What about Canadians?
Jul 21, 2025 | 7:48 pm
#19
Moderator: Travel Safety/Security, Travel Tools, California, Los Angeles; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: oneword Emerald
Posts: 24,797
Jul 22, 2025 | 12:28 am
#20
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Programs: NZ Elite
Posts: 6,518
The most annoying thing for ME is the dreadfully poor reporting on this Down Under. (The cynic in me says thats probably intentional) Not one article Ive seen here even mentions the ESTA...which of course the vast majority of Australians can use... It appears the media is trying to imply that EVERYONE will be paying this fee. Hate on the new fee by all means (although Australia really can't talk when it comes to visa fees...lol Ours just went up again on 1 July. AUD$670 for a Working Holiday Visa, $2000 for a Student Visa etc) but report HONESTLY and FULLY!
Jul 22, 2025 | 4:48 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2023
Programs: VS (Silver) | AF-KL (Gold) | SAS (Gold) | ITA (Premium) | Swiss (Senator) | QR (Gold) | BA (Bronze)
Posts: 537
Yes, theres definitely growing concern about the new visa integrity fee, especially among frequent travelers and those planning trips to the U.S. The proposed fee is quite steep, and while it currently seems targeted more towards certain visa categories (like H-1B or student visas), its still unclear how broadly it will be applied.
As of now, it doesn't apply to ESTA travelers under the Visa Waiver Program but with rising administrative costs and political shifts, that could always change in the future.
For tourists or business travelers who rely on short-term visits, any increase like this could discourage travel and indirectly impact the U.S. tourism economy too.
Lets hope the final implementation keeps balance between security and accessibility.
As of now, it doesn't apply to ESTA travelers under the Visa Waiver Program but with rising administrative costs and political shifts, that could always change in the future.
For tourists or business travelers who rely on short-term visits, any increase like this could discourage travel and indirectly impact the U.S. tourism economy too.
Lets hope the final implementation keeps balance between security and accessibility.
Jul 22, 2025 | 5:26 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .60 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 18,051
On the other hand, the fees for those L1 visas applicable to highly-skilled jobs with shortages in the U.S. (notably aerospace, defense, pharma, and Wall Street) are likely paid by employers for whom it is another tax deductible cost of doing business.
Jul 22, 2025 | 5:33 am
#23
FlyerTalk Posting Legend and Ambassador: The British Airways Club
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, HH Diamond
Posts: 48,521
I am sure its annoying, but based on what you are likely to be earning if coming on an L1 I would be surprised if this made anyone change their minds.
Jul 22, 2025 | 10:04 am
#24
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SAN
Programs: BAEC Aeroplan MileagePlus
Posts: 306
As a holder of an H1B at one time, the employer paid all the fees so I would say that is common and the proposed fee is unlikely to have an effect on these types of visas. And for the employer yes it would be a tax deductible expense.
Sep 11, 2025 | 7:53 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2020
Programs: SQ Gold, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Caesars Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Atmos Silver, IHG Platinum
Posts: 2,229
As a US citizen, I am preemptively applying to visas this month for the likely event of reciprocity increases. Some of these include Brazil (10 year evisa, required again starting April 2025) and China.