Latest news with #GeoffFreeman
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Airlines to allow certain passengers to skip customs security checkpoint for faster travel — here's who will benefit
International travel is getting easier for some passengers. American Airlines has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration to pilot a new program that allows some international travelers to skip the usual TSA and customs rescreenings. The first-of-its-kind program, known as One Stop Security, will allow passengers to go directly to their connecting flight after landing from abroad without reclaiming and rechecking their checked luggage, which will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight. Per a Fox News report, Delta Airlines is expected to follow with its own trial beginning Wednesday, July 30, for passengers flying from London Heathrow to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. OSS is expected to streamline the travel experience by 'leveraging advanced technology' to cut connection times by more than half, which typically includes clearing US Customs, claiming checked bags, rechecking bags and then clearing TSA security. 'One Stop Security is one of the most forward-thinking enhancements we can bring to international travel — and importantly, to our customers — as it delivers a level of convenience and time-savings that's never been available before to customers connecting from international flights,' David Seymour, chief operating officer at American, said in a statement. 'With this game-changing program and thanks to our federal partners at CBP and TSA, along with DFW Airport, our customers will spend significantly less time worrying about an onerous connection process and more time enjoying their travel journey.' The program is currently being tested through AA's largest hub, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and only with flights arriving from London Heathrow Airport. Travelers traveling from London and connecting through Dallas will be able to clear customs right at the arrival gate. American is the first airline to implement OSS at a US airport and 'plans to explore opportunities to expand' the service to additional flights and airports in the future. 'One Stop Security is a smart, long-overdue step toward modernizing the travel experience, eliminating redundant screening, cutting connection times and unlocking more international air service,' US Travel President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in a separate statement. Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Planning a US trip? Donald Trump's new policy may add extra Rs 20,000 to your visa cost - Here's all you need to know
Planning a trip to the United States? Get ready to pay a new Rs 22,000 ($250) visa fee under a new policy introduced by the Trump administration. The fee, part of a broader domestic policy law aimed at tightening immigration controls, has triggered alarm within the global travel and tourism industry. What is the fee and who will have to pay it? The new charge, called a 'visa integrity fee,' applies to anyone applying for a non-immigrant visa to the US, The New York Times reported. This includes tourists, students, business travelers, temporary workers, and medical visitors. The $250 fee is in addition to the existing $185 non-immigrant visa application cost, bringing the total to $435 for affected applicants. In 2024 alone, more than 11 million people were issued non-immigrant visas, according to US State Department data. Who will have to pay the fee? The new fee will affect travellers from countries such as India, Mexico, Brazil, and China, all of which are outside the US visa waiver program. Anyone applying for a non-immigrant visa, such as for tourism, business, work, or study, will be required to pay the fee. However, not all travellers will be impacted. Who won't have to pay the fee? Travelers from visa waiver countries, which include most of Europe, as well as Australia, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Chile, and Qatar are exempted from the new charge. Most Canadian visitors are also not affected by the fee. Will the travellers get a refund? Possibly—but there is still confusion around whether the new fee can be refunded. Officials say it may be refundable, but the process remains unclear. Travelers may be eligible for reimbursement after their trip, provided they comply fully with the terms of their visa. However, the law does not currently spell out how such refunds would be processed or when travelers can expect to receive them. How will it affect tourism? The tourism industry is voicing concern that the new fee could discourage international visitors. While the broader law includes provisions to improve immigration systems and travel infrastructure, many industry leaders believe the added costs will act as a barrier. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, welcomed the law's aims to improve security and infrastructure but called the new visa fees 'foolish,' warning they could hurt international tourism to the US. Parisa Karaahmet, a partner at immigration law firm Fragomen, said the lack of clear information on how the refund system will work may deter travelers. 'This may be especially true given the limited information currently available on how and when these funds might be refunded upon departure from the US,' she said in an email to the New York Times. Are there other fee increases? Yes, several other travel-related fees are also going up: The I-94 form fee, which is used to record arrivals and departures will rise from $6 to $24. The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) fee, required for some Chinese nationals—will jump from $8 to at least $30. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee—used by travelers from visa-waiver countries, will increase from $21 to $40. The new law also allows these fees to rise annually with inflation, further increasing the financial burden on international travelers in the future. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US , Canada, and Mexico on the horizon, the timing of these changes is causing added concern, especially among global football fans and tour operators. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
21-07-2025
- Business
What travelers should know about new $250 'integrity fee' for US tourist visas
Travelers planning to visit the United States and apply for a tourist visa may experience some sticker shock after a new "visa integrity fee" goes into effect. What to know about new US visa Integrity Fee Although it has yet to be implemented, President Donald Trump's megabill -- which encompasses tax cuts, spending packages and immigration policy and was signed into law earlier this month -- includes a provision that gives the Department of Homeland Security authority to charge fees on foreign visitors. The new $250 "visa integrity fee," as defined in the legislation, applies to travelers who are applying for non-immigrant visas to enter the U.S. and cannot be waived. The $250 fee applies for fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, 2024, and ends Sept. 30, 2025. It may subsequently be adjusted for inflation. Citizens visiting from the more than 40 countries included in the Visa Waiver Program may be exempt from the new fee. Travelers who don't overstay their time or participate in unauthorized work may be eligible for reimbursement once the visa expires. US Travel officials, experts respond to new visa integrity fee A spokesperson for the U.S. Travel Association told CNBC Travel there have been "significant challenges and unanswered questions regarding implementation" on the provision and price hike for the Form I-94 that records visitor entry and departure status. "There is no timeline for implementation of the fee or direction as to how the fee will be collected and refunded," the U.S. Travel Association stated. U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman commented on the new legislation in a statement from July 3, expressing the possible harm this could do with upcoming tentpole global sporting events. "The smart investments in the travel process make foolish new fees on foreign visitors and reductions to Brand USA, America's promotion arm, that much harder to swallow," he said. "Making America the world's most visited destination -- and capitalizing on the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics -- requires smarter policy and legislative changes that we are already pursuing." Erik Hansen, U.S. Travel's senior vice president of government relation affairs, said in a statement that "cost and visa wait times" are "among the top deterrents" for people considering travel to the states. "The new visa integrity fee increases the upfront costs of visiting the U.S. 144%, while doing nothing to lower interview wait times," he continued. "Even if it is technically reimbursable, the added complexity and cost will discourage visitors."
Business Insider
19-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
U.S. introduces $250 visa integrity fee, raising barriers for African applicants
Visiting the United States is about to become significantly more expensive for African travellers, following a new policy that introduces a hefty $250 'visa integrity fee' for most nonimmigrant visa applicants. The United States introduces a $250 'visa integrity fee' for nonimmigrant visa applicants from African nations, significantly increasing visa costs. The fee, enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, is non-waivable and in addition to existing visa-related fees. Critics argue the new policy creates financial barriers and may discourage travel to the U.S., especially for students, tourists, and business visitors from Africa. This fee is an inside part of the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted by U.S. lawmakers on July 4, 2025, and is expected to take effect later this year. According to immigration legal firm Envoy Global, the new fee will apply to any foreign national issued a nonimmigrant visa, particularly from an African country, whether as a student, tourist, temporary worker or business visitor. The $250 "visa integrity fee" is non-waivable and non-reducible, and will be charged in addition to existing visa-related fees, including machine-readable visa (MRV) application fees, anti-fraud fees, and reciprocity fees. This means a single visa application for a Nigerian, Ghanaian, or Kenyan citizen could now cost as much as $500, excluding documentation and travel expenses. What this means for African tourists, students' applications African students applying for F-1 and F-2 visas, exchange visitors on J-1 and J-2 visas, and professionals applying for H1-B and H-4 temporary work visas will all be subject to the new levy, likewise African tourists visiting family or attending events in the U.S. will bear the increased cost. Notably, citizens from 42 countries, mostly in Europe, Canada, Bermuda, and a few Asian and Gulf nations, are exempt under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. These travellers won't be affected if visiting for under 90 days. In contrast, African nations are entirely excluded from the program, perpetuating the continent's disadvantage in terms of access and mobility. As the U.S. prepares to host major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, experts warn that the recent visa fee hike could significantly reduce international attendance, particularly from countries in Africa, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. These countries already face long waiting periods and high visa denial rates, which could worsen with the added financial burden. Although the U.S. claims the funds from the fee will go into the Treasury's general fund, there's no indication that the money will be reinvested in improving consular services or reducing processing delays, a longstanding challenge for African applicants. Even while there are claims that the fee is refundable, there are no guarantees or clear mechanisms for reimbursement. Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, has strongly criticized the new rule, calling it "a self-inflicted wound." He emphasized the psychology behind the hike, stating that, 'These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travellers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices' For many Africans, including students seeking education, entrepreneurs pursuing U.S. business opportunities, families reuniting, or tourists exploring cultural exchange, the new fee presents both a financial barrier and a symbolic message. As global discussions on travel equity and visa reform continue, the U.S. appears to be moving in the opposite direction, erecting higher walls when the world is calling for more bridges.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
US Will Begin Charging Some Tourists a $250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee'
AaronAmat/Getty Visiting the United States is about to get significantly more expensive thanks to a new US visa fee increase. Federal lawmakers have approved a hefty new visa fee that will soon apply to a large number of tourists entering the US. As part of the Trump administration's One Big Beautiful Bill Act that was signed into law on July 4, a new $250 'visa integrity fee' will be charged to any US visitor who needs a nonimmigrant visa. According to the bill's language, the fee will apply to 'any alien issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time of such issuance.' That means anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa in any category that requires issuance for entry into the US should expect to pay the $250 charge, according to immigration legal firm Envoy Global. When officials begin collecting the fees (the start date of which remains in question), the money will go to the US Treasury Department's general fund. Travel industry experts are worried that the new fee could potentially further curtail US tourist numbers, which have already dipped in 2025. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, called the new fees 'foolish' in a statement released after Congress passed the bill on July 3. 'Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation's largest exports: international travel spending,' Freeman said. 'These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices. As Congress begins work on FY26 appropriations, it must … ensure visitor fees are lowered, if not eliminated, wherever possible.' The new fees are being implemented just before the US is set to host major global events like the World Cup in 2026 and the Summer Olympics in 2028, which could throw a huge wrench in the plans of both potential visitors and travel companies. Here's everything travelers need to know about the new $250 fee. Jump to Who will need to pay the new visa fee? Will the fee be reimbursable? Which countries are exempt? When will the 'visa integrity fee' go into effect? Who will need to pay the new visa fee? Any non-immigrant travelers from countries that are not on the US visa waiver list will need to pay the fee in order to enter the US. That means most tourists coming from Africa, Latin America, and South America, as well as select countries in Asia and the Middle East, will be subject to the new $250 levy. Travelers from visa waiver countries who are visiting the US for a reason that requires a special visa will also be required to pay the fee. The fees will apply to all student visas, work visas, and other special visas, including: F-1 and F-2 student visas; J-1 and J-2 exchange visas; H1-b and H-4 temporary work visas, and other employment and visitor categories. What's more: the $250 payment will be charged in addition to other visa fees. That means visitors will need to pay it along with any other reciprocity fees, anti-fraud fees, and 'machine-readable visa' (MRV) application fees, the amounts of which can vary by visa type. Will the fee be reimbursable? The visa integrity fee will not be waivable or reducible. According to Envoy Global, the Department of Homeland Security may potentially reimburse visitors if they fully comply with the terms of their visa by departing the US promptly when their visa authorization period ends, extending their nonimmigrant status, or changing their status to lawful permanent resident. Which countries are exempt? The fee does not apply to tourists from countries who do not need a visa to enter the US. This includes citizens of countries that are part of the US visa waiver program, as well as most travelers from Canada and Bermuda. There are 42 countries and autonomous states that are part of the visa waiver program. That means their citizens will not have to pay the $250 fee if visiting the US for up to 90 days on visa-free tourism or business. The exempt countries include: Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Chile Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Japan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan United Kingdom When will the 'visa integrity fee' go into effect? So far, the fee's start date has not been officially announced. However, it could go into effect with the start of the new fiscal year in the US, according to Paul Saluja of Saluja Law, a firm that handles immigration law. That date would be October 1, 2025. Another component that remains to be seen is which agency will be responsible for collecting the fee. 'Given its connection to visa issuance, the Department of State may be involved in the collection process during the consular visa appointment process,' according to Envoy Global. The Department of Homeland Security could also be the one to collect the fee. However, it is likely that travelers will need to pay the $250 charge upon issuance of their visa. This is a developing news story and will be updated with information as it becomes available. Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice Want to be the first to know? 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