News

Travelers to the US face new $250 visa fee

New US visa integrity fee of $250 introduced for travellers amid concerns over implementation and increased costs

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2025

Ahron Young

New US visa integrity fee of $250 introduced for travellers amid concerns over implementation and increased costs

In Short:
– A new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants in the U.S.
– The fee could deter tourists and international students due to increased costs and budget concerns.

Visitors to the United States will soon face a new $250 ‘visa integrity fee’ as mandated by the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This fee applies to all non-immigrant visa applicants, including tourists, business travellers, and international students, and cannot be waived. There are possibilities for reimbursement, contingent on visa compliance.

The fee will be applicable during the U.S. fiscal year 2025 and is subject to inflation adjustments thereafter. It must be paid in addition to existing fees, bringing total costs significantly higher for many visa applicants. Implementation details are unclear, including the process for fee collection and reimbursement, which may take years to establish.

Impact Expected

The new fee could deter B visa holders and international students over budget concerns, particularly as the U.S. prepares for major events in 2026. Furthermore, funding cuts to Brand USA, the organisation responsible for promoting U.S. travel, jeopardise inbound tourism efforts. The U.S. Travel Association indicates additional fees complicate the travel process.

News

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

4 hours ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

18 hours ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.