Some British tourists travelling to the United States could face a new £185 charge from today. The US government announced the Visa Integrity Fee over the summer as part of efforts to tackle visa overstays. It exclusively targets visitors from nations outside the Visa Waiver Program who must secure non-immigrant visas. Travel specialist Brenda Beltran from Holafly clarified that most Brits won’t be stung by this additional cost.
She explained: “The UK is part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. That means most Brits visiting for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days will continue to use ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) and will not face this new $250 charge.” However, some British travellers to America will still need to pay out when applying for specific visas not included under the standard ESTA system.
These include: student visas (F-1, M-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.), extended stays beyond the 90-day ESTA allowance, and specialist visa categories for exchange, journalism, or diplomatic purposes.
For the overwhelming majority of British holidaymakers, absolutely nothing will change from October 1. ESTA continues to be the standard pathway for brief visits, with the current fee standing at $21 (£15).
The launch of the Visa Integrity Fee is mainly targeted at visitors from countries beyond the Visa Waiver Program.
Brenda added: “This update sounds alarming at first glance, but most Brits won’t notice any difference. As long as you qualify for ESTA, which nearly all UK holidaymakers do, you won’t be hit by the new charge.”
Under the fresh legislation, the US government will also refund eligible travellers the £185 expense.
The Secretary of Homeland Security must reimburse visitors who demonstrate they adhered to their visa conditions and haven’t attempted to prolong their stay without proper authorisation.
To qualify for the refund you must have left the US within five days of your visa’s expiration, not been illegally employed and change your non-immigrant status.
