Understanding the New $250 Tourist Fee When Visiting Florida

Since taking power, the new administration has made numerous changes to US immigration policy – and the $250 integrity fee is the latest example. This visa fee could be an important step for many new visitors to Florida, and you should take a moment to review the new laws if you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State anytime soon. To ensure compliance and mitigate potential issues, consider discussing your requirements with an experienced Palm Beach County immigration lawyer before your trip.

What Is the “Integrity Fee?” 

The integrity fee is a provision in the “Big, Beautiful Bill” that would add a $250 USD charge to foreign visitors to the United States. This fee would apply to all applicants for non-immigrant visas, from tourists to workers and everyone in between. However, there is very little additional information about the new fee. For example, Homeland Security has not revealed when and how it would collect the $250 from visitors.

You Could Be Exempt 

Before you get too concerned about paying an additional $250 for your visit to Florida, you might want to consider the possibility of an exemption. ABC News states that if you’re visiting from 40 countries mentioned in the Visa Waiver Program, you might not have to pay. These include Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many others.

You Might Receive Reimbursement at the End of Your Trip 

In addition, it is worth noting that reimbursement may be possible. As long as you don’t overstay your visit or carry out unauthorized work in the United States, you might get that $250 back. However, there is no real information about how this reimbursement system would work.

What About Canadians? 

Canadian snowbirds make up a significant percentage of foreign visitors to Florida, and many of these individuals are wondering whether they’ll have to pay the integrity fee. While some might assume that Canadians always get special treatment when visiting the United States, relations between these two countries have cooled – and some say that Canadians will have to pay the fee just like everyone else.

However, CTV News states that most Canadians won’t have to worry. You may only need to pay the fee if you are a permanent resident of Canada (not a citizen) and you were not born in any of the waiver program countries.

Do I Need Help From an Immigration Lawyer in Palm Beach County to Visit the United States? 

There is no requirement to meet with a Palm Beach County immigration lawyer before visiting Florida or the United States. However, it might help to touch base with one of these legal professionals before you leave home – especially with so many new rules and regulations. Even if you’re only planning to visit for a short vacation or business trip, it may help to review these regulations beforehand. Continue this conversation with The Devore Law Group today.

Sources: 

abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/travelers-new-250-integrity-fee-us-tourist-visas/story?id=123924177

ctvnews.ca/canada/article/new-us-visa-integrity-fee-to-affect-some-travellers-including-from-canada/