And it’s not a fee for entry, but just to apply, with no guarantee of approval or refund. This move, tucked quietly into a larger funding package, is being criticized as a revenue grab with no transparency or clear reimbursement mechanism. The consequences are immediate and severe.
The U.S. is expected to lose $12.5 billion in international traveler spending in 2025 alone. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), foreign visitor spending will drop from $181 billion in 2024 to under $169 billion—a 7% fall and 22.5% below pre-pandemic levels. Countries like Canada have seen a 35% drop in road travel and a 22% drop in air travel to the U.S., while Western European visits fell nearly 17% in March.
Airlines are slashing or permanently canceling U.S. routes due to low demand. At the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in the U.S., over 1 million seats went unsold, with stadiums only 57% full. Matches like Chelsea vs. LAFC drew just 22,137 fans in a 70,000-seat venue, and some group-stage games had fewer than 4,000 attendees.
This decline is especially alarming as the U.S. prepares to host major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. The new fee sends a message: unless you’re wealthy, you’re not welcome. A family of four from Argentina, for example, must now pay $1,000 in visa fees before even booking flights.
International student enrollment has also dropped by 11% in the last year and 15% over four years, with Canada, the UK, and Australia gaining market share thanks to faster, cheaper visa processes. While other countries are simplifying entry and offering perks to travelers, the U.S. is doubling down on red tape and high costs.
This risks long-term economic damage and reputational decline. As tourism officials warn, without urgent reform, the U.S. could lose its status as a top global destination. The world is watching—and going elsewhere.