Home » America Travel News » China Joins India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, And Other Asian Countries In Addressing US Travel Hurdles As Beautiful Act Toughens Rules And Increases Visa Fees In 2026
Published on
January 4, 2026
China joins India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other Asian countries in addressing new travel hurdles as the United States enforces the Beautiful Act in 2026, which tightens screening procedures and raises visa fees. The implementation of these changes, which include higher application costs and stricter vetting measures, is impacting travelers from nations with high asylum and refugee numbers, creating a financial and procedural burden for many. As the US shifts to a more rigorous immigration policy, these countries are facing additional obstacles in sending applicants, particularly for asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), making it crucial for travelers to navigate the evolving system.
In 2026, travelers from several Asian countries are now facing tougher travel restrictions and increased costs as the United States has implemented a series of changes to its immigration and visa processing system. The New Beautiful Act, which came into effect in January 2026, has ushered in stricter screening procedures and significant increases in visa fees. These changes are affecting travelers from various nations, particularly those from countries with high asylum and temporary protected status (TPS) applicants. With the new regulations, both the application process and the financial burdens for travelers are expected to increase substantially, impacting a wide range of travelers from Asia.
The New Beautiful Act: What It Means for Asian Travelers
The New Beautiful Act brings with it a series of inflation-adjusted fee hikes and introduces tougher screening measures. As of January 1, 2026, certain visa and immigration-related fees have increased, including those for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications. Additionally, applicants are now required to pay fees via ACH debit transactions or credit/debit cards, a shift away from the previous methods that included paper checks and money orders.
The following changes in visa fees are some of the most significant updates under the new legislation:
Asylum Application Fee: Raised to $102 (up from $100).I-765 (Employment Authorization) for Initial Asylum Applicants: Increased to $560 from $550.I-765 for Initial Parole Applicants: Raised to $560 from $550.I-765 Renewal or Extension of TPS EAD: Increased from $275 to $280.I-821 (TPS Application): Increased from $500 to $510.
These fee increases have been implemented to reflect inflationary adjustments for the fiscal year 2026, as required by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR-1), which mandates annual fee adjustments based on inflation. The changes, however, are not just financial; they also impose additional challenges, such as the strict new payment methods, and affect countries with large numbers of asylum seekers and TPS applicants.
How the New Travel Challenges Affect High-Volume Asian Countries
Several Asian countries, particularly those with high volumes of asylum seekers, refugees, and TPS holders, are seeing the most significant impacts. Countries such as Afghanistan, China, and Myanmar are among the top countries affected by the new fee structure and screening measures. Below, we explore how these countries and their citizens are impacted by the recent changes.
Top Asian Countries Affected by the New US Travel Regulations:CountryKey ImpactChange in FeeAsylum ApplicantsTPS HoldersAfghanistanHigh asylum applicants$560 for EAD14,330 applicantsEnded in July 2025ChinaAsylum seekers and refugees$510 for TPS1,360 applicantsOngoingPakistanLower asylum applications$560 for EAD140 applicantsN/AIndiaAsylum seekers and refugees$560 for EAD46% approval rateOngoingMyanmarAffected by ending TPS$560 for EADN/AEnding Jan 2026VietnamLower approval rate$560 for EAD33% approval rateOngoingBangladeshAsylum seekers$510 for TPS58% approval rateN/AIndonesiaModerate asylum applicants$560 for EAD35% approval rateN/ASri LankaAsylum seekers$560 for EAD40% approval rateN/APhilippinesFew asylum applicants$510 for TPS2% approval rateN/A
The new visa fee structure and tighter regulations come at a particularly challenging time for these countries, with many already struggling with high volumes of applicants seeking asylum or TPS. The higher fees and stricter screening procedures mean that travelers from these regions will face additional hurdles when applying for visas or seeking asylum in the United States.
Countries with High Asylum or Refugee Applications See the Most Impact
Countries such as Afghanistan, China, and Myanmar have some of the highest volumes of asylum applicants. Afghanistan, in particular, has been severely affected, with over 14,000 asylees and a 59% approval rate. In contrast, countries like the Philippines and Vietnam have lower approval rates, making it more difficult for applicants from these regions to successfully navigate the US immigration system.
The new fees may result in more difficulty for applicants from these countries to afford the costs of applying for work permits, TPS, or other necessary immigration documents. This creates a financial burden on individuals already in challenging circumstances, further exacerbating the difficulties they face in seeking refuge or employment in the United States.
Stricter Screening and the Impact on Parole Applicants
The new screening procedures introduced under the Beautiful Act are designed to create a more thorough vetting process for travelers. While the focus has been on increasing the vetting of those applying for asylum and TPS, the changes also affect other applicants, including those seeking humanitarian parole or work authorization.
Parole applicants from high-risk countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, and Iran, are now subject to more stringent background checks. These changes aim to ensure that individuals who enter the United States under parole or asylum status meet the necessary security standards.
As a result, parole applicants from these regions will need to be prepared for longer wait times and more rigorous vetting processes, which could delay their ability to work or receive benefits in the United States.
The New Payment System and Its Effect on Immigrants
Another significant aspect of the new rules is the change in payment methods. Previously, applicants were allowed to pay immigration-related fees through paper checks or money orders. However, under the new regulations, these payment methods are no longer accepted. All fees must now be paid through ACH debit transactions or via credit/debit cards using Forms G-1650 and G-1450.
This change is designed to streamline the payment process and reduce the risk of fraud or errors in fee payments. However, it also creates new challenges for applicants who may not have access to a US bank account or those who are unfamiliar with the new payment system. The switch to digital payment methods means that applicants from certain countries may face additional difficulties in submitting their applications, particularly if they have limited access to digital payment systems.
A Growing Financial Burden on Immigrants
The new fee structure and changes to payment methods add a layer of financial complexity for immigrants. In many countries, including Afghanistan and Myanmar, individuals seeking asylum or TPS often face significant financial barriers to entering the United States. The increased fees, coupled with the need for digital payment methods, only add to the challenges these applicants must overcome.
For countries with high rates of poverty or limited access to financial institutions, such as Afghanistan and Burma, the new system could result in fewer applicants being able to afford the immigration process. This could have far-reaching implications for both the applicants and the US immigration system as a whole.
What You Need to Know Going Forward
With these changes now in effect, applicants from affected countries must stay informed about the new rules and fees. Here’s a summary of the key takeaways:
New fee structure: Higher fees for EAD applications, TPS, and asylum.Stricter screening: More extensive background checks for parole applicants and those seeking asylum.New payment methods: All fees must be paid digitally, via ACH debit or credit/debit cards.Countries most affected: Afghanistan, Myanmar, India, China, and others with high asylum or TPS applications.
China joins India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and other Asian countries in addressing US travel hurdles as the Beautiful Act tightens rules and increases visa fees in 2026. These changes impose higher costs and stricter screening, impacting travelers, especially those seeking asylum or Temporary Protected Status.
Immigrants and asylum seekers should prepare for higher costs, more rigorous vetting, and changes to how they pay for their applications. Staying informed and adhering to the new requirements will be crucial for those wishing to enter or remain in the United States.
