White House Considers $1,000 Fee to Speed Up Tourist Visas, Memo Says

Key Points

• The Trump administration is considering a $1,000 expedited visa interview fee for tourists and nonimmigrant applicants.
• Legal advisors warn the high fee could face rejection or be struck down in court, as it exceeds the actual service cost.
• Long visa processing times are a major concern for U.S. tourism, with average waits reaching 188 days for key inbound markets.

Summary

The Trump administration is evaluating a proposal to introduce a $1,000 fee for expedited tourist and nonimmigrant visa interview appointments, according to a leaked State Department memo. The plan, which could start as early as December, faces legal scrutiny as it may violate Supreme Court precedent by exceeding the actual cost of service. This proposal comes amid widespread concerns about lengthy visa processing times, which industry leaders say deter international visitors and threaten U.S. tourism, especially ahead of major events like the FIFA World Cup.