Travel to America will get costlier in the near future, all thanks to a new visa fee introduced by the Trump administration.
The US government has launched a new “Visa Integrity Fee” that will be charged for almost all kinds of non-immigrant visa applications. These range from popular ones like the B-1/B-2 business and tourist visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, and J-1 exchange visitor visas, all regularly sought by Kenyans.
The additional charge – set at a minimum of $250 (approximately Ksh32,500) – came into effect through a new law known as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’. The bill was signed into law by former President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, according to a report by Forbes.
This surcharge will be superimposed over existing visa application charges, and the overall cost of a U.S. visa application will become even higher. The act will be effective in the U.S. fiscal year 2025 from October 1, 2024, through to September 30, 2025, and thus new applicants will begin paying the fee from October 1, 2025.
For Kenyan travelers, the increase is particularly steep. A tourist or business visa, which currently costs $185 (about Ksh24,000), will now jump to Ksh56,500 when the $250 integrity fee is included. For those applying for employment-based visas, where base fees are already higher, the total cost could be even more burdensome.
The new law applies broadly across regions, but not all countries are affected equally. The U.S. will exempt select countries including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea through its Visa Waiver Program. However, Kenya and nearly all countries across Africa, Latin America, South America, and parts of Asia and the Middle East will not enjoy the same benefit.
Why $250 Visa Integrity Fee Could Rise
To make matters worse, U.S. officials have confirmed that the $250 Visa Integrity Fee is only a starting point. The Department of Homeland Security may increase the amount anytime, based on factors like inflation or the variable of a change in administrative costs. This would drive visa fees even higher in the future.
Kenyans must also factor in the cost of Form I-94, which is mandatory for entry and exit tracking. The U.S. recently increased its processing fee from $6 to $24 (about Ksh3,120), adding yet another layer to the financial burden.
While the integrity fee is mandatory and non-refundable at the time of application, the U.S. government has left the door open for a possible refund but only after the visa expires, and only if the traveler strictly complies with all visa conditions.
On paper, the refund clause would ease the monetary burden. But immigration experts warn that the chances of getting that refund are not high. Even a technical violation such as overstaying for one day or failure to meet a small condition, would immediately nullify the right to the refund.
According to U.S. immigration authorities, the new Visa Integrity Fee is really a compliance bond. As long as tourists strictly follow all the laws of the U.S. immigration to the letter, they are eligible for reimbursement. But if they breach any part of their visa conditions, they will forfeit the entire amount.
The U.S. government defends the action as a way to eliminate visa abuse, over-stays, and defiance. The government believes this fee mechanism will advance stricter compliance with immigration laws by establishing economic consequences for violations.
Starting October 1, 2025, Kenyan travelers are advised to read all visa requirements very carefully, ensure 100% compliance, and consult with immigration experts to avoid costly mistakes.
