Ghanaians to Pay Extra $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” for U.S. Travel

Ghanaians and other travelers heading to the United States on non-immigrant visas—such as for tourism, study, or temporary work—will soon be required to pay an additional $250 as part of a new U.S. policy.

The fee, called the “Visa Integrity Fee,” was introduced under former U.S. President Donald Trump and is part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” signed into law on July 4, 2025. It takes effect within the 2025 U.S. fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2024, and ends on September 30, 2025.

Key Details:

• The fee applies to all non-immigrant visa holders from countries not in the Visa Waiver Program, including Ghana.

• It does not apply to travelers using ESTA, such as citizens of the UK, Japan, or Australia.

• The Form I-94 fee has also been increased to $24.

Rules and Refund Conditions:

• The $250 fee is non-waivable and non-refundable unless strict immigration rules are followed.

• Travelers must leave the U.S. within five days of visa expiry or gain legal permanent residence to qualify for a refund.

• Violating visa terms, such as working illegally, will result in loss of the fee.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says systems to collect the fee are still being set up, but implementation will occur this fiscal year. The fee may also be adjusted yearly for inflation.

Exemptions:

• Citizens from visa-waiver countries (over 40 nations) are exempt but will now pay $40 for ESTA, up from $21.

What This Means for Ghanaians:

This new fee adds to the rising cost of traveling to the U.S., especially for students, tourists, and job seekers. The Ghanaian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal response.