Zimbabweans Travelling to the US To Pay New US$250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’ — Full Explainer

Zimbabweans Travelling to the US Face New US$250 ‘Visa Integrity Fee’: What You Need To Know

Zimbabweans planning to travel to the United States will soon face an additional charge: a US$250 visa integrity fee. This new cost will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants — including those travelling for tourism, business, work, studies, or medical reasons.

The measure was introduced under a US law called the DHS Border Fees Regulations, part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act spearheaded by the Trump administration to discourage illegal immigration and improve compliance with visa rules. The fee is now set for implementation beginning 1 October 2025, affecting most Zimbabwean travellers.

Below is everything Zimbabwean applicants need to know about this new fee, its implications, and how it may affect travel plans.

What Is the Visa Integrity Fee?

The visa integrity fee is a mandatory, non-waivable fee of US$250 (approx. ZAR 4,585). It will be charged on top of existing visa application fees and is meant to “deter visa overstays” — situations where travellers remain in the United States after their visa expires.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argues that this fee will help offset the cost of managing visa enforcement. However, critics warn that it will create an added financial burden for honest travellers, particularly from developing nations like Zimbabwe.

Who has to pay the fee — and who doesn’t?

According to the legislation and expert commentary, the fee applies to almost everyone who needs a visa to enter the U.S. This includes most Zimbabweans.

You must pay the fee if you are:

A Zimbabwean applying for a B1/B2 visa
A student seeking an F1 visa
An H-1B applicant
Applying for a visa to attend a conference or training

You do NOT have to pay the fee if you are:

A citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country (e.g. UK, Germany, Japan)
A Canadian or Bermudian visitor (certain categories only)
Travelling on a diplomatic or official government visa

Unfortunately, Zimbabwe is not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, so virtually all Zimbabwean travellers will be subject to this new charge.

In short, any Zimbabwean travelling to the US who needs a visa will be required to pay the extra US$250. Those entering the US through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are exempt — but Zimbabwe is not part of that programme.

How Much Will It Now Cost Zimbabweans To Travel To The US?

Here’s a breakdown of total estimated visa-related costs for Zimbabwean travellers as of October 2025:

For a Tourist or Business Visitor (B1/B2):

Visa Application Fee (MRV): US$185
Visa Integrity Fee: US$250
Total: US$435 (approx. ZAR 7,985)

For a Student (F1):

Visa Application Fee (MRV): US$185
SEVIS Fee: US$350
Visa Integrity Fee: US$250
Total: US$785 (approx. ZAR 14,400)

For an H-1B Worker:

Application Fee: US$205
Visa Integrity Fee: US$250
Total: US$455

This does not include other potential charges such as biometrics, courier fees, or the new I-94 form fee, which has increased from US$6 to US$24.

Is the Fee Refundable?

Yes — but only under strict conditions.

To qualify for a refund, the visa holder must:

Not accept any unauthorised employment in the US during their stay.
Leave the US within five calendar days of their visa expiration date.

If both conditions are met, the US government will reimburse the US$250, but only after the visa has expired. No formal refund system has been announced, and the process is not expected to be quick or straightforward.

Immigration lawyer Steven A. Brown cautions:

“If you get it back, great. But it is usually difficult to get money back from the government. Consider it a bonus, not a guarantee.”

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that only a small percentage of travellers will actually apply for — or succeed in obtaining — a refund.

Why Was the Fee Introduced?

The United States has long been concerned about visa overstays, which account for a significant portion of undocumented immigration.

The Trump administration responded by introducing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes measures such as:

Visa fee increases
Expedited deportation processes
Tougher asylum rules
Collection of biometric data
Visa Integrity Fee

The DHS states:

“This measure is necessary to reinforce visa compliance and recover costs associated with enforcement.”

What About Asylum Seekers and Other Categories?

Asylum applicants will also be affected.

Previously free, asylum applications now carry:

An Application Fee of US$50
Work Permit Fee (Form I-765): US$520
Visa Integrity Fee: US$100

This brings the total to US$670 for Zimbabweans seeking asylum protection.

Human rights groups, including the American Immigration Council, have criticised these changes as discriminatory.

“These fees effectively put legal immigration pathways out of reach for thousands of people,” they said in a statement.

When Will It Be Implemented?

The new visa integrity fee takes effect from 1 October 2025. However, it has not yet been integrated into the US visa application system.

The Department of State has said:

“Cross-agency coordination is required before collection begins. The public will be notified once the payment mechanism is in place.”

Until then, applicants may continue applying under the current fee structure.

What Can Zimbabwean Travellers Do Now?

If you are planning to travel to the US in the next 12–15 months, you are encouraged to apply before the October 2025 deadline, to avoid the additional US$250 fee.

Immigration adviser Andy Semotiuk explains:

“Anyone who is eligible and considering travelling to the US in the near future should apply now, while they can still avoid this extra cost.”

Families sending students abroad, or Zimbabweans preparing to attend global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup or the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, should be aware of how this change could affect their budgets and timelines.

In Summary

All Zimbabweans requiring a US visa will soon have to pay an additional US$250.
The fee applies from 1 October 2025, and is non-waivable.
Refunds are possible, but only under strict conditions and may take years to process.
Costs for students, workers, and tourists will rise significantly.
Visa integrity fee is part of Trump-era laws still being implemented.