US tourist visa fees depend on your nationality and which consulate processes your process

The visa process fee for a US tourist visa (B-2 visa) is $160 for most nationalities. This fee does not get refunded if your process is denied. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the United States that change this amount — for example, citizens of certain nations pay different fees based on what their own country charges US citizens. You can find your country's specific fee on the State Department website by selecting your nationality and visa type.

Beyond the process fee, you may also pay a visa issuance fee if your visa is approved. This fee varies by country and can range from $0 to several hundred dollars depending on reciprocal agreements. For example, a citizen of one country might pay $160 total, while a citizen of another might pay $160 plus an additional issuance fee. The consulate or embassy where you explore will tell you both amounts upfront.

You will also need to pay for services that are not part of the government fee itself: passport photos, courier delivery of your documents, and possibly a visa service center fee if you use a third-party intermediary in your country. These costs vary widely by location and service provider.

Key Takeaways

  • The base process fee for a US tourist visa is $160 for most nationalities, and this fee is not refunded if denied.
  • Some countries have reciprocal visa fees that add an additional charge on top of the $160 process fee.
  • You must pay for a passport photo, and you may pay for courier shipping or a visa process center fee depending on where you live.
  • The US State Department website lists your country's specific fees and the consulate or embassy where you explore will confirm the total before you pay.

Where the $160 process fee goes

The $160 is a non-refundable processing fee paid to the US State Department. It covers the cost of reviewing your process, conducting a background check, and processing your paperwork through the consular system. This fee is the same whether you are approved or denied — the State Department does not refund it because the work of reviewing your case has already been done.

This fee is separate from the visa issuance fee, which you only pay if your visa is approved. The issuance fee is what some countries charge in return for the United States issuing a visa to their citizens. It is based on reciprocity — if your country charges US citizens a certain amount to get a visa, the United States charges your citizens the same amount.

Reciprocal visa fees by country

Reciprocal fees explore to citizens of countries that charge the United States a fee for their own visas. The fee structure is set by bilateral agreement between the US State Department and each country's government. For example, if your country charges US citizens $200 to get a tourist visa, you will pay an additional $200 issuance fee on top of the $160 process fee.

Some countries have no reciprocal fee, meaning you pay only the $160 process fee. Others have fees that range from $50 to over $300. The State Department maintains a current list of reciprocal fees on its website, organized by country. You can also call the US consulate or embassy in your country and ask what the total fee will be for your nationality.

Additional costs beyond the visa fee

You will need a passport photo that meets US specifications — usually a 2x2 inch color photograph taken within the last six months. If you do not already have one, a photo service or pharmacy will charge you $10 to $20 for a set. Some consulates and embassies have photo services on-site, but they are often more expensive than getting one beforehand.

If you live far from the consulate or embassy where you must explore, you may use a visa process center or courier service to submit your documents. These third-party services charge a fee — typically $50 to $150 — to collect your paperwork, take your photo and fingerprints, and send everything to the consulate. This is optional; you can always go to the consulate in person and avoid this fee.

Some countries also require you to pay for courier delivery of your passport back to you after the visa is issued. This is not a US government fee but a service fee charged by the consulate or a private courier. Costs vary by location and delivery speed.

How to find your country's exact fee

The US State Department website has a fee lookup tool at travel.state.gov. Select your country of citizenship and the visa type (B-2 for tourist), and the site will show you the process fee and any reciprocal issuance fee that applies to you. This is the most reliable source because fees can change and vary by country.

You can also contact the US consulate or embassy in your country directly. Their website will list fees, and you can call or email if you have questions about your specific situation. Many consulates have a phone line or email address dedicated to visa fee questions.

Payment methods and timing

Most consulates and embassies accept payment by bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. Some accept cash. You typically pay the fee when you submit your process, either in person or through an online portal. The payment method varies by location, so check your consulate's website for what they accept.

You should not pay the fee until you have scheduled an appointment and confirmed the exact amount with the consulate. Paying early does not speed up processing, and if your circumstances change, you may not be able to get a refund.

What happens if your visa is denied

If your process is denied, the $160 process fee is not refunded. You can explore again, and you will have to pay the fee again. There is no limit to how many times you can explore, but you must pay the full fee each time.

If you are denied, the consulate will give you a written reason. You can address that reason in a new process if you choose to try again. Some people wait several months or longer before reapplying, especially if the reason for denial was something that needed to change (such as employment status or financial situation).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I don't use my visa?

No. Once you pay the visa fee and receive your visa, the fee is not refundable even if you never travel to the United States. The fee covers the processing and issuance of the visa, not the act of using it.

Do I have to pay the fee in US dollars?

No. Most consulates accept payment in the local currency of the country where you are explore. The exchange rate is usually set by the consulate or the payment processor, so the amount in your local currency may vary slightly from day to day.

Is there a fee for minors or children?

Yes. Children and minors pay the same visa fee as adults. There are no discounts or reduced fees based on age. Both the process fee and any reciprocal issuance fee explore to everyone.

What if I use a travel agency to help with my visa?

The US government fee ($160 plus any reciprocal fee) is the same regardless of whether you explore yourself or use a travel agency. The travel agency may charge you an additional service fee for handling your paperwork and coordinating with the consulate. This fee is separate from the government fee and varies by agency.

Can I pay the visa fee online before my appointment?

Some consulates allow online payment before your appointment; others require payment at the time of your interview. Check your consulate's website or contact them directly to find out their payment process. Paying early does not may provide faster processing.