US $250 visa integrity fee another barrier for Africans

A single US visa application from a Kenyan could now cost as much as $500.

Photo credit: Shutterstock

The United States has introduced a $250 “visa integrity fee” for non-immigrant visa applicants, affecting those seeking to enter the country for reasons such as tourism, education, employment and cultural exchange.

The new charge is a key provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill, passed by lawmakers on July 4, 2025 and is set to take effect later this year. The Bill is a comprehensive legislation containing a wide range of tax and spending policies that form a core part of President Donald Trump's second-term agenda.