As the United States prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, a new immigration law signed by President Donald Trump is raising alarms across the tourism industry. Officially known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, the legislation introduces a $250 “visa integrity fee” for most non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, students, and temporary workers. The timing has sparked concern among travel and hospitality leaders, who fear the added cost and stricter immigration controls could deter international fans and undermine the economic gains expected from one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
What is the ‘visa integrity fee’?
Starting in fiscal year 2026, nearly all applicants for visitor (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) visas must pay the extra $250 surcharge on top of existing visa application fees. This applies globally. The fee is indexed to inflation and will increase annually beginning in 2026. The fee serves as a type of security deposit from foreign nationals, intended to discourage overstays and non‑compliance. It is partially refundable—only if applicants depart the US on time and comply fully with visa conditions. No official process details have been released, and refunds are uncertain and likely burdensome to claim.
How will this affect tourists and fans?
According to Forbes, tourism experts call the fee a financial deterrent. Geoff Freeman, president of the US Travel Association (USTA), says to the publishing, “raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self‑imposed tariff” on travel spending.
For many countries, particularly India, this means a doubling, or even tripling, of visa costs. For instance, a B‑1/B‑2 visa that currently costs around $185 would rise to nearly $472 once the integrity fee and other surcharges are included. This represents over a 2.5× increase in out-of-pocket costs.
The timing is critical, World Cup host cities anticipate that 50% of fans will come from abroad, generating billions in tourism revenue. Even a modest drop in international attendance could result in lost economic opportunities for venues, hotels, restaurants, and supporting industries.
Beyond the fee: What is at point?
The bill also cuts the funding for Brand USA, the nation’s tourism marketing agency, from $100 million to $20 million, reducing global promotion efforts. Major events like the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics depend on such marketing to attract visitors.
At the same time, provisions to hire and train more US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may help reduce wait times, but may also exacerbate concerns over intensified visa and border enforcement. Reports of device searches, detentions, and deportations are already impacting perceptions of US hospitality.
What’s at stake for World Cup organizers?
Cities like Philadelphia and Kansas City expect hundreds of thousands of international visitors for World Cup matches, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in spending. If the integrity fee or broader immigration constraints dampen demand, those projections may fall short.
Balancing security and tourism
According to the Forbes report, supporters of the legislation argue that the fee will enhance immigration enforcement efficiency and encourage lawful compliance. They also point to increased funding for travel infrastructure and event security as potential improvements in traveller experience.
The One Big Beautiful Bill introduces substantial new costs and complexity for international visitors, precisely as the US readies for a major global event.
For World Cup host cities, tourism operators, and fans abroad, the $250 integrity fee and related travel rules may well determine whether the US remains a welcoming venue, or a high-barrier destination.
What is the ‘visa integrity fee’?
Starting in fiscal year 2026, nearly all applicants for visitor (B‑1/B‑2), student (F/M), work (H‑1B), and exchange (J) visas must pay the extra $250 surcharge on top of existing visa application fees. This applies globally. The fee is indexed to inflation and will increase annually beginning in 2026. The fee serves as a type of security deposit from foreign nationals, intended to discourage overstays and non‑compliance. It is partially refundable—only if applicants depart the US on time and comply fully with visa conditions. No official process details have been released, and refunds are uncertain and likely burdensome to claim.
How will this affect tourists and fans?
According to Forbes, tourism experts call the fee a financial deterrent. Geoff Freeman, president of the US Travel Association (USTA), says to the publishing, “raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self‑imposed tariff” on travel spending.
For many countries, particularly India, this means a doubling, or even tripling, of visa costs. For instance, a B‑1/B‑2 visa that currently costs around $185 would rise to nearly $472 once the integrity fee and other surcharges are included. This represents over a 2.5× increase in out-of-pocket costs.
The timing is critical, World Cup host cities anticipate that 50% of fans will come from abroad, generating billions in tourism revenue. Even a modest drop in international attendance could result in lost economic opportunities for venues, hotels, restaurants, and supporting industries.
Beyond the fee: What is at point?
The bill also cuts the funding for Brand USA, the nation’s tourism marketing agency, from $100 million to $20 million, reducing global promotion efforts. Major events like the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics depend on such marketing to attract visitors.
At the same time, provisions to hire and train more US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers may help reduce wait times, but may also exacerbate concerns over intensified visa and border enforcement. Reports of device searches, detentions, and deportations are already impacting perceptions of US hospitality.
What’s at stake for World Cup organizers?
Cities like Philadelphia and Kansas City expect hundreds of thousands of international visitors for World Cup matches, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in spending. If the integrity fee or broader immigration constraints dampen demand, those projections may fall short.
Balancing security and tourism
According to the Forbes report, supporters of the legislation argue that the fee will enhance immigration enforcement efficiency and encourage lawful compliance. They also point to increased funding for travel infrastructure and event security as potential improvements in traveller experience.
The One Big Beautiful Bill introduces substantial new costs and complexity for international visitors, precisely as the US readies for a major global event.
For World Cup host cities, tourism operators, and fans abroad, the $250 integrity fee and related travel rules may well determine whether the US remains a welcoming venue, or a high-barrier destination.
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