British tourists heading to the United States have been warned about a new £185 fee, but travel experts say the vast majority will not be affected. The US government introduced the Visa Integrity Fee on October 1, targeting visitors from countries outside the Visa Waiver Program who need non-immigrant visas.
Travel specialist Brenda Beltran from Holafly explained that the UK remains part of the Visa Waiver Program, meaning most Brits visiting for tourism or short business trips of up to 90 days will continue to use the ESTA system, which costs $21 (£15). She stated: '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 and will not face this new $250 charge.'
However, some British travellers will still need to pay the fee when applying for specific visas not covered by ESTA. These include student visas (F-1, M-1), work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1), extended stays beyond 90 days, and specialist categories for exchange, journalism, or diplomatic purposes.
Under the new legislation, the US government will refund eligible travellers the £185 fee. To qualify, visitors must have left the US within five days of their visa's expiration, not been illegally employed, and not changed their non-immigrant status. The Secretary of Homeland Security is responsible for reimbursing those who demonstrate compliance with visa conditions.
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.'
