Travel Industry Coalition Urges Trump Administration to Delay New Visa Integrity Fee
Industry groups warn new visa fee threatens to derail U.S. tourism rebound ahead of major global events like the World Cup and 2028 Olympics
A coalition of more than 20 leading travel, tourism, and business organizations—including the American Bus Association (ABA)—is urging the Trump administration to postpone implementation of the newly established Visa Integrity Fee (VIF), citing concerns over its potential to stifle international travel and disrupt economic momentum ahead of major global events.
The coalition delivered a joint letter to senior administration officials expressing strong opposition to the $250 fee, which was introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). While the groups applauded the administration’s progress in modernizing key aspects of the nation’s travel infrastructure—including enhancements to air traffic control systems, the deployment of biometric exit technology, and the bolstering of Customs and Border Protection staffing—they warned that the new fee could inadvertently discourage millions of potential visitors.
The timing, they argue, could not be more critical. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the America250 celebrations, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games all on the horizon, the United States is poised to welcome an unprecedented wave of international tourism. Analysts estimate that these marquee events could draw up to 40 million visitors, injecting as much as $100 billion into the U.S. economy.
However, industry leaders caution that raising the cost of entry into the country could put that opportunity at risk. In key markets such as Brazil, the total visa cost for a family of four could soar to $1,740, an increase of $1,000 under the new fee structure. According to Tourism Economics, the added cost could deter travel by approximately 3 million would-be visitors, resulting in an estimated $9 billion in lost spending throughout the remainder of the Trump administration’s term.
The private motorcoach industry, in particular, faces acute exposure to the fallout. International visitors—especially group tours—account for a significant share of charter and sightseeing business for motorcoach operators. A decline in inbound travel would directly impact:
- Group tour bookings and multi-day charters
- Ridership on sightseeing and intercity routes, particularly in gateway cities
- Financial viability for operators already grappling with workforce shortages and rising operational costs
- A wider tourism ecosystem that includes hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses
According to industry advocates, a sustained drop in inbound travel could undermine the sector’s ability to capitalize on the global spotlight that the upcoming events are expected to bring.
The coalition is calling on the administration to delay implementation of the VIF indefinitely and instead pursue a targeted approach, applying the fee only to applicants or countries with high visa overstay rates. This compromise, they argue, would uphold the policy’s national security objectives while avoiding unnecessary damage to U.S. competitiveness as a travel destination.
Despite the criticism, the organizations reaffirmed their support for the administration’s broader efforts to modernize and secure the nation’s travel systems. They pledged to continue working in partnership with federal agencies to strengthen the travel and tourism sectors—and protect the economic lifeblood of industries like private motorcoach transportation that depend on a strong flow of international visitors.
