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

The fee applies to almost everyone who needs a visa to enter the US. This includes Zimbabweans applying for a B1/B2 visa, students seeking an F1 visa, H-1B applicants, and those applying for a visa to attend a conference or training.

Some individuals are exempt from paying the fee, including citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, Canadian and Bermudian visitors (certain categories only), and those traveling on a diplomatic or official government visa.

The total estimated visa-related costs for Zimbabwean travelers as of October 2025 are:

– Tourist or Business Visitor (B1/B2): US$435 (approx. ZAR 7,985)
– Student (F1): US$785 (approx. ZAR 14,400)
– H-1B Worker: US$455

The fee is refundable, but only under strict conditions. To qualify for a refund, the visa holder must not accept any unauthorized employment in the US during their stay and leave the US within five calendar days of their visa expiration date.

The new visa integrity fee takes effect from October 1, 2025. If you’re planning to travel to the US in the next 12-15 months, consider applying for a visa before the deadline to avoid the additional US$250 fee.

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