Dilemmas persist at the border between Canada and the United States. Although the Canadian government issued an advisory for possible scrutiny, it seems Americans are facing dilemmas of their own at airport customs. At Calgary International Airport, U.S. travelers are now facing restricted customs times, which has led to several travelers missing their flights in recent months.

As it stands, it seems that the two countries continue to push back against one another, despite the tourism numbers between the countries dropping. Now, another change is set to take place, and it may prove to be costly for travelers attempting to enter the United States.

Here’s a closer look at the new “Visa Integrity Fee” and what it means for those visiting from countries outside the United States.

We’ll evaluate the details, reactions and when this fee is set to start.

Canadian Permanent Residents Are Not Facing A Visa Integrity Fee When Entering The U.S.

Just a couple of months ago, it seemed like Americans were enticed by the idea of Canadians staying longer during their visits. A Canadian snowbird bill was proposed. Its aim was to extend Canadian stays without a visa for older travelers. The extension was an attempt to stay in the U.S. for 240 days without obtaining a visa.

The act was hoping to promote Canadian tourism while boosting the U.S. economy.

Fast-forward two months later, and that optimism has turned into yet another nightmare for Canadians and others who face more fees if they plan on staying in America for longer.

Shuttertsock US/Canada Border, Peace Arch, Washington state, WA, USA

Recently included in President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Act, this provision deals with travelers having to pay an additional $250 in order to obtain the “visa integrity fee” upon arrival in the country.

Where do the funds go?

The plan is to secure the U.S. border and Homeland Security with funding, along with building a U.S. border wall in the future.

The overall goal of the fee is toward, “enforcement and administrative efforts related to U.S. visa policy and border security.”

As far as who pays this fee, the details have generated more uncertainty. According to the act, “any alien issued a nonimmigrant visa at the time of such issuance” must apply for the visa integrity fee.

Additionally, the $250 fee is subject to change and may be adjusted due to inflation.

The bill cannot be reduced or waived for those entering the country who are required to pay the fee. However, reimbursements can be given out in certain situations.

How The Integrity Fee Applies To Canadians And When It Starts

The act has been signed. However, it remains unclear as to why these fees will be implemented. There is still no start date.

Regarding Canadian concerns over the latest fee, in most cases, they may not have to pay as much as other immigrants. Typically, Canadian citizens can stay in the U.S. for six months without obtaining a visa. However, there are exceptions. Permanent residents of Canada will require a non-immigrant visa and must pay the associated fee.

The U.S. Department of State lists several reasons why Canadians require nonimmigrant visas for travel to the United States. Despite the various purposes, reactions remain mixed.

Purpose Of Canadian Nonimmigrant Visa:

Foreign government officials (A); officials and employees of international organizations (G); and NATO officials, representatives, and employees assigned to the United States (NATO)

Treaty traders (E-1)

Treaty investors (E-2)

Spouse or Child of an Australian Treaty Alien coming to the United States Solely to Perform Services in a Specialty Occupation (E-3D) Fiancé(e)s (K-1)

Children of fiancé(e)s (K-2)

Spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to the United States to complete the immigration process (K-3)

Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above

Informant supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization (S-5) Informant supplying critical information relating to terrorism (S-6)

Qualified family member (S-7) of an S-5 or S-6 visa holder described above

As expected, the rule change has generated mixed reactions, to put it mildly. The general feeling is that such a fee entices travelers to visit other countries instead, without incurring the additional cost.

Reactions Online Suggest The Integrity Fee May Boost More Tourism To Canada And Less To The U.S.

U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman responded to the fee, and let’s say he wasn’t backing up its intent. Freeman believes the raise will not improve the travel experience and will instead boost prices even further.

“Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending,” said Freeman. “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.”

Especially for those visiting in larger groups, the tax can make it that much more difficult and expensive for travelers wanting to enter the United States.

​​​​​​​In turn, some believe this will only boost tourism north of the border in Canada that much further.

The reaction online is both concern and anger thus far among both Canadians and Americans.

Reactions To The “Visa Integrity Fee” “This sounds like a good way to drive more tourists to Canada. Instead of American rockies, tourists will opt for Canadian rockies. Instead of Aspen, they’ll come to Whistler.” “The fee is refundable when you leave so it’ll just end up costing the US inordinate amounts of fees to banks to process and refund these fees. And I’m sure border towns will be so thrilled with this….” “Well, I guess America really doesn’t want any Canadian tourists at all. Let’s make it happen.” “To clarify, permanent residents need a visa to enter the USA and the fee will apply to anyone that needs a visa, essentially. There’s no specific distinction or targeting of “Canadian PRs”.

Be sure to let us know your own thoughts on the new visa integrity fee down below. Is the new fee a positive for travel? Or will this cause even more havoc among other travelers trying to enter the country?

Chime in and share your thoughts on the looming fee.