Starting October 1, the US will require travellers from India, Brazil, Mexico, and China to pay a $250 tourist entry fee, separate from visa charges.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Beginning October 1, 2025, travellers from India, Brazil, Mexico, and China will need to pay a new US$250 tourist entry fee to visit the United States, as part of updated measures to support border management and national security costs.
According to U.S. officials, this fee is in addition to existing visa charges and must be paid prior to entry approval. It applies exclusively to tourist visa applicants and is aimed at offsetting the increasing cost of maintaining secure and efficient processing at U.S. borders.
The new entry charge has raised concerns among frequent travellers and tour operators, particularly due to its potentially disproportionate impact on visitors from emerging markets. However, officials argue that the measure is necessary to sustain and upgrade immigration and customs infrastructure, especially with rising global travel volumes.
Applicants from the four countries must ensure this fee is submitted alongside standard documentation, or risk delays or denials in their travel plans. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is expected to release further guidelines on the payment process through official embassy and consulate channels.
This move comes amid broader discussions in Washington around modernising U.S. border systems and improving revenue streams without raising general taxes. It also signals a growing emphasis on user-funded models for immigration services.
