India passport-holders will be subjected to an additional US$250 Visa Integrity Fee for travel into the US starting October 1, 2025, a requirement that some Indian outbound travel specialists say could deter price-sensitive travellers as well as those considering the US for the first time.
Indian travellers at present have to fork out US$185 for a US visa.
Harjit Singh, founder and chief of guest experience, Travel Twist in India, said: “For many Indian leisure travellers, particularly families and groups, the total cost of travelling to the US is already considerable when factoring in airfare, visa fees, insurance, and required documentation. This new additional fee may serve as a deterrent, especially for middle-income travellers and first-time visitors exploring the US as a holiday destination.
However, the soon-to-come Visa Integrity Fee may have limited impact on premium travellers and the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) segment, opined Singh, as these travellers’ motivations tend to be more resilient and less influenced by cost fluctuations.
Rasika Mathur, CEO and co-founder, RAS Travels in India, told TTG Asia that while the Visa Integrity Fee would “add a significant cost to the already expensive US visa”, the price is worth it. Not only would Indian travellers be able to check off their bucket list, as the US is regarded as a “dreamland for Indian travellers”, they could also benefit from free visa-on-arrival at many countries with the US visa in hand.
“Furthermore, India is a cash-rich market. It looks difficult that the demand will drop,” Mathur added.
Vinay Arora, director, ATG Holidays, expects some initial concerns among Indian leisure travellers, especially among budget travellers, but overall demand for travel to the US will remain.
“When compared to countries like the UK where a 10-year visa can cost around US$1,450 for the Indians, the US visa still offers better long-term value,” Arora remarked.
However, Singh warned that the perception of the new Visa Integrity Fee could have a stronger impact on travel decisions. If the new fee was regarded as being part of a broader trend of increasing entry barriers for Indian nationals, travellers from India may gradually shift preference towards destinations that are more accessible and offer cost-effective visa processes, such as Europe, South-east Asia and Australia.
Singh said: “The US travel and tourism industry must remain aware of this potential shift and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure such measures do not discourage one of the world’s most dynamic outbound travel markets.”
