Holidaymakers heading to the United States are being warned of a newly introduced 'Visa Integrity Fee' that could set certain visitors back $250 (£185). However, British travellers need not worry about added costs to their New York and Florida trips, as the charge will not apply to most UK visitors.
From 1 October 2025, the new fee will only apply to visitors from non-Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who require a non-immigrant visa to enter the US. According to Brenda Beltrán, a travel expert at Holafly, this will not affect the majority of British travellers who continue to use the ESTA scheme.
'As long as you qualify for ESTA, which nearly all UK holidaymakers do, you won't be hit by the new charge,' Beltrán said. The Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) allows visitors to travel under the VWP for up to 90 days for business or pleasure without a visa, and currently costs $21 (£15.50).
However, British citizens will still have to pay the fee if they apply for particular categories of US visas outside the ESTA and VWP route, such as F-1 and M-1 student visas, H-1B, L-1 and O-1 work visas, and extended stays beyond the 90-day ESTA limit. Beltrán advised applicants to apply early for ESTA, check eligibility, and be prepared for additional fees if their circumstances do not fit the VWP rules.
