Thai tourists travelling to the U.S. could be paying more than twice of what the current visa fee is as Washington eyes to raise funding from nonimmigrant visas.
Travelers planning to visit the United States will soon confront significantly higher costs, as U.S. lawmakers have authorized a substantial visa fee increase as part of fresh immigration measures. The newly enacted law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and signed on July 4, introduces an additional $250 “visa integrity fee” for most non-U.S. citizens requiring a nonimmigrant visa for entry.
As specified in the legislation, the new charge will be levied on every applicant issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time their visa is granted. Immigration specialists at Envoy Global confirm that the new fee will impact anyone seeking a nonimmigrant visa across all applicable categories.
While officials have yet to announce the official start date for the new fee collections, funds raised will be directed into the U.S. Treasury Department’s general fund. The move arrives at a delicate moment for the American tourism industry, which has already seen a dip in visitor numbers during 2025.
Industry leaders and travel associations are voicing concern about the implications for the sector. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, characterized the fee increase as “foolish” in a statement following the bill’s passage on July 3, warning that it risks deepening the recent decline in inbound travel.
Tourists from Thailand would require a B1/B2 visa, which is a nonimmigrant visa. The new addition would be on top of existing $185 visa fees, making it a total of $435.
However, those within the waiver list will not be paying any of the fees.
