The One Big Beautiful Bill finally passed in Washington DC, with two major implications for inbound travel to the US.
It could mean the travel trade will have to work harder to sell US trips.
Included in the bill is a near doubling of the ESTA fee from $21 to $40.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is for Visa Waiver Program travellers.
US Travel Association has taken aim at the move.
“Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association.
“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.
The bill also sees Brand USA funding slashed by 80% from $100 million to just $20 million.
Freeman called this ‘foolish.’
“Failing to fully fund Brand USA is a missed opportunity — especially as the administration seeks to maximize a historic slate of global events on American soil.”
The bill has now passed both houses.
