Sat Aug 30 10:43:05 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article focusing on the impact from an Indian perspective, as requested:

**Summary:**

The United States is imposing a new $250 “visa integrity fee” on travelers from many countries, including India. This fee, coupled with existing immigration policies under President Trump, is contributing to a decline in international travel to the U.S. Tourist numbers have fallen year-on-year and it is unlikely that they will reach pre-pandemic levels. The travel industry is worried that the increased cost and perceived hostility will further deter visitors, impacting spending and hurting the U.S. economy. Other measures proposed by the Trump administration will only exacerbate the problem. Some countries, such as Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, have shown an increase in tourists. However, overall tourist numbers have decreased. Additionally, there is concern that other countries may impose reciprocal fees on US citizens.

**News Article:**

**The Hindu: New US Visa Fee Threatens Indian Travel, Tourism Suffers Under Trump Policies**

**NEW DELHI, August 30, 2025** – A new $250 visa “integrity fee” imposed by the United States is raising concerns in India about its potential impact on travel and tourism between the two nations. The fee, effective October 1, adds to an already challenging environment created by President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and perceived anti-foreign sentiment, resulting in an overall drop in international tourism to the US.

The added cost, which brings the total visa fee to $442, places the U.S. among the most expensive destinations for travelers worldwide. This is especially troubling for India, where visits to the U.S. are already down 2.4% this year, driven in large part by a nearly 18% decline in student travel.

“This new fee presents a significant hurdle for Indian travelers, particularly those planning family visits, business trips, or pursuing educational opportunities,” said travel consultant, Rohan Sharma. “The increased expense, coupled with the perception of a less welcoming environment in the U.S., will undoubtedly lead many Indians to reconsider their travel plans.”

The U.S. Travel Association also expressed concerns.

The fee is just the latest in a series of measures by the Trump administration that are impacting international perceptions of the United States. Proposed regulations to tighten visa durations for students, cultural exchange participants, and members of the media, as well as a pilot program requiring bonds of up to $15,000 for some visa applicants, have fueled anxieties.

“There’s a growing sense that the U.S. is becoming increasingly restrictive and less hospitable to foreign visitors,” Sharma added. “This could have long-term consequences for people visiting the USA”.

Experts are warning of a potential economic impact, with projections indicating a decline in international visitor spending in the U.S. With the U.S. government proposing new regulations, some Indian businesses are also worrying that reciprocal fees will be imposed in the coming months.

As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge as a preferred destination for Indian travelers.

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