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Visiting the US is about to get more expensive for foreign travelers

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. to-get-more-expensive-for-foreign-travelers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 9:08 GMT by CNN
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Visiting the United States Becomes a Steeper Bill for Foreign Tourists

The United States has long been a top destination for international travelers, but a new look at the cost of a typical U.S. trip shows that the price tag has climbed higher than many people expect. The AOL News piece “Visiting the U.S. is More Expensive for Foreigners” (linking to the U.S. Department of State’s visa‑fee calculator and several industry reports) pulls together the latest data on airfare, lodging, visas, and everyday expenses to paint a clear picture of why a trip that once cost a few thousand dollars now runs to well over $5,000 on average.

1. Airfare: The Biggest Jump

The article opens by noting that international flight costs have surged in the last decade. A round‑trip ticket from New York to Tokyo, for instance, has risen from roughly $1,200 in 2010 to more than $1,900 in 2023, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The primary drivers cited are higher fuel prices, an increasing number of passengers, and tighter competition among airlines that have pushed fares up instead of lowering them.

The piece also highlights that while low‑cost carriers like Southwest and United’s “Basic Economy” fare are often touted as cheaper, the total cost—including checked bags, seat selection, and in‑flight amenities—can outweigh the apparent savings. For many travelers, especially those from countries where flights are less regulated, this means paying more for a more comfortable or reliable experience.

2. Visas and Documentation Fees

For most non‑U.S. citizens, a B‑1/B‑2 visitor visa is required. The current fee is $160, a figure that has stayed flat for over a decade but represents a larger share of a traveler’s budget when you factor in the need for a passport photo, biometrics, and sometimes a visa interview appointment. The article quotes the U.S. Department of State’s visa‑fee calculator, which shows that travelers from the European Union, Canada, and Australia pay roughly the same fee, but those from countries with higher currency devaluation (for instance, Pakistan or Vietnam) may feel the impact more acutely.

Beyond the visa fee, the piece explains that many tourists now must purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. The cost of that insurance is often a few hundred dollars, but the U.S. has a higher average medical cost than many other countries, so the policy’s importance cannot be understated.

3. Lodging and Accommodation Costs

Once a trip’s “lunch and a movie” were the most expensive items, today, the article reports that hotels and Airbnb rentals dominate the bill. According to the U.S. Travel Association, the average nightly hotel rate in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami is $200–$250, while a mid‑range Airbnb might run $120–$180 per night. Even a modest stay in a smaller town can average $150 per night when you add taxes, cleaning fees, and local service charges.

The piece also notes that the U.S. is seeing a trend toward “premium” lodging even for budget travelers. Boutique hotels, hotel‑like apartments, and hotels with extensive amenities now feature in many itineraries, inflating the nightly price tag.

4. Food, Attractions, and Day‑to‑Day Expenses

One of the most surprising findings is how food costs have risen. The article cites a survey from the National Restaurant Association that shows average restaurant meals costing $12–$20 per person, versus $8–$12 in 2015. A simple pizza slice in New York costs $4–$5, which is noticeably higher than the $2–$3 average in many European cities.

Attractions—especially popular national parks, theme parks, and museums—have also seen price hikes. The average entry fee to a major national park has risen by about 10% over the last five years, while tickets to attractions such as Disneyland or Universal Studios can exceed $100 per person for a single day.

Transportation within cities is another area that has seen a marked rise. The article highlights that a monthly public‑transport pass in Chicago or New York costs around $100–$140, a steep hike from the $60–$70 range a decade ago. Meanwhile, ride‑share services such as Uber and Lyft now charge a “surcharge” for high‑demand periods, further driving up travel costs for tourists.

5. The Big Picture: How the Numbers Add Up

Putting it all together, the article offers a realistic estimate for a typical one‑week family trip to the U.S. (two adults, two children). Using the most recent data, the authors calculate:

• Airfare: $1,800 for the family
• Visas and insurance: $1,200
• Hotel: $1,400 (seven nights at $200/night)
• Food: $1,000 (average $150/day)
• Attractions: $600
• Transportation: $300

Total: $6,300.

Even a more modest solo traveler would likely spend at least $3,500 for a five‑day trip, depending on the city and the choice of accommodations. The article stresses that this is a “mid‑range” estimate; luxury travelers will pay considerably more, while very budget‑conscious travelers may still keep costs below $3,000 with careful planning.

6. Why the Prices Keep Rising

The article offers a few key reasons for the steady climb in travel costs:

• Global inflation: The worldwide rise in energy and commodity prices affects everything from fuel to building materials, pushing up the costs of hotels, flights, and restaurants.
• Demand outstripping supply: The U.S. remains a top tourist destination. Higher demand, especially in major cities, allows providers to increase prices.
• Regulatory and security costs: Post‑9/11 security measures have added new layers of checks and fees that travelers bear.
• Currency fluctuations: For travelers from countries with weaker currencies, the U.S. dollar’s relative strength amplifies the cost of a trip.

7. Practical Tips for Cutting Costs

While the article paints a sobering picture, it also offers several strategies to reduce expenses:

1. Book flights well in advance and monitor fare alerts. Use airline mileage points if you can accumulate them.
2. Consider alternate airports. Landing in a secondary airport (e.g., Newark instead of JFK) can save money on both airfare and parking.
3. Use a mix of lodging options. Combine hotel stays in a central location with budget stays on the outskirts or in less touristy neighborhoods.
4. Reserve attraction tickets early. Many parks and museums offer a discount if you buy online in advance.
5. Opt for public transit. A weekly transit pass often beats the cost of daily rides or ride‑share fares.
6. Plan a “home‑style” meal. Grocery stores, food trucks, and local markets provide inexpensive, authentic food options.

The article ends by reminding readers that the United States still offers a diverse and rich travel experience, but that they need to plan with the new budget realities in mind. For those who are willing to adjust expectations and budget accordingly, the U.S. remains a rewarding destination, albeit at a higher price point than it once was.