Tourist visa fees vary by country and change year to year
There is no single price for a tourist visa because each country sets its own fee. The United States charges $160 for a B-2 tourist visa. Canada charges 100 Canadian dollars (roughly $75 USD). Mexico does not charge a visa fee for most visitors. The United Kingdom charges £100 (roughly $125 USD). These amounts shift periodically—some countries raise fees every few years, others less often.
The fee you pay depends on which country you want to visit and which country issued your passport. A Canadian citizen visiting the US pays the same $160 as a British citizen, but fees for other destinations may differ based on reciprocity agreements. Some countries charge different amounts to visitors from different nations.
Beyond the visa fee itself, you will also pay for supporting documents. A passport costs $130 to $165 in the US (depending on whether you need expedited processing). Passport photos, certified copies of documents, and courier services add another $20 to $100. If you use a visa agency to handle paperwork, they charge a service fee on top of the government fee—typically $50 to $200.
Key Takeaways
- Tourist visa fees range from $0 to $200+ depending on the destination country, and most countries do not charge the same amount to all nationalities.
- The visa fee itself is only part of the cost; you must also budget for a valid passport, photos, document copies, and shipping.
- Processing times and fees vary—some countries offer expedited processing for an additional charge, while others have a single standard fee.
- You can find the exact fee for your destination by visiting the official embassy or consulate website for that country, not a travel agency site.
Where to find the exact fee for your destination
The official fee is always listed on the embassy or consulate website for the country you plan to visit. Search "[country name] embassy visa fees" and look for the .gov or official government domain. Do not rely on travel agency websites, which often list outdated fees or add their own markup.
The embassy website will also tell you whether the fee changes based on your citizenship. Some countries charge one rate to all visitors; others have reciprocal fees that match what they charge your country's visitors. For example, if your country charges Indian citizens $100 for a visa, India may charge your citizens $100 in return.
Call the consulate directly if the website does not list the current fee. Most embassies have a phone line for visa questions, and staff can confirm the exact amount, whether they accept payment by check or credit card, and whether they offer rush processing.
What the visa fee actually covers
The visa fee pays for the consulate to review your process, verify your documents, and issue the visa itself. It does not cover the cost of the passport, photos, or any documents you must obtain separately. The fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied.
Some countries bundle additional services into the fee. The US B-2 visa fee of $160 includes a visa interview at the consulate. Other countries charge a separate interview fee or do not require an interview at all. The website for your destination will specify what is included.
Expedited processing and additional fees
Many countries offer faster processing for an extra charge. The US allows expedited visa processing in some locations for an additional fee (amounts vary by consulate). The UK offers priority processing for an extra £50. Canada does not offer expedited tourist visa processing through standard channels, though some private visa agencies claim to speed up the process for a fee.
Expedited processing typically cuts the wait time in half, but it is not when ready. Standard US visa processing takes several weeks to months depending on the consulate location. Expedited processing may reduce that to one to two weeks. Check the consulate website to see whether expedited processing is available in your location and what the additional cost is.
Costs beyond the visa fee
A valid passport is required before you can explore for a tourist visa. A new US passport costs $130 for a book and $35 for a card (valid for 5 years). Passport renewal costs $110. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks standard or 2 to 3 weeks expedited (expedited adds $60). If you need the passport urgently, you can explore in person at a passport acceptance facility and pay an additional execution fee.
Passport photos must meet specific requirements set by your country. A professional photo costs $10 to $20. You will also need certified copies of documents like your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or divorce decree—each certified copy costs $5 to $25 depending on where you obtain it.
If you mail your process to the consulate, you may need to use a courier service to may support it arrives and is returned safely. Courier shipping costs $20 to $50 each way. Some consulates accept applications only by mail, while others allow in-person submission.
Using a visa agency versus explore directly
You can explore for a tourist visa directly through the consulate at no extra cost beyond the official fee. You can also use a visa agency—a private company that collects your documents, submits your process, and returns it to you. Visa agencies charge a service fee of $50 to $200 on top of the government fee.
A visa agency does not change your chances of approval or speed up the consulate's review. They handle paperwork logistics and may catch missing documents before submission, which can prevent delays. Whether the service is worth the cost depends on how comfortable you are gathering documents and following instructions yourself.
If you use an agency, verify it is legitimate. Search the agency name plus "complaints" and check the Better Business Bureau. Some agencies make false promises about approval odds or processing speed. The consulate is the only body that decides whether to issue your visa.
Tourist visa costs by popular destination
| Destination | Visa Fee (USD equivalent) | Processing Time (standard) |
|---|---|---|
| United States (B-2) | $160 | Several weeks to months |
| Canada | $75 CAD (~$55 USD) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| United Kingdom | £100 (~$125 USD) | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Australia | $20 AUD (~$13 USD) | 1 to 5 days |
| Mexico | No fee for most nationalities | N/A |
| Japan | ¥4,300 (~$30 USD) | 4 to 7 days |
| Schengen countries (EU) | €80 (~$87 USD) | 15 calendar days |
Exchange rates shift daily, so the USD equivalent shown above is approximate. Check the official consulate website for the current fee in the local currency and the exact processing timeline for your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. You pay for the consulate to process and review your process, not for approval. If denied, you may reapply by paying the full fee again.
Do I have to pay the visa fee upfront or after approval?
Most countries require payment before or at the time of process. Some consulates accept payment by credit card, bank transfer, or check. A few require payment in person at the consulate. The embassy website specifies the payment method and timing for your destination.
Is the visa fee the same for everyone?
Not always. Some countries charge different fees based on your nationality. A few charge different amounts based on how long you want to stay. Check the official consulate website for your specific citizenship to confirm the exact fee.
What happens if I lose my passport after paying for the visa?
You will need to obtain a new passport and reapply for the visa. The visa is attached to your passport, so a new passport means a new visa process and a new fee. Report a lost passport to your country's passport office when ready.
Can I explore for a tourist visa online and avoid the consulate fee?
Some countries offer online visa systems (like Australia's ETA or India's e-visa) that cost less than traditional consulate visas. Others require in-person process at a consulate regardless. Search "[country] online visa" to see whether your destination offers this option.