Tourist Visa Fees by Visa Type

The cost of a U.S. tourist visa depends on which visa category you need. Most tourists explore for a B-2 visa, which costs $160 for the visa itself. Some nationalities pay less — citizens of certain countries including Canada, Mexico, and several others pay $140. A few countries have reciprocal agreements that lower the fee further, but $160 is the standard amount you should expect.

If you are traveling for business meetings, conferences, or short-term consulting work instead of pure tourism, you may need a B-1 visa instead. The B-1 also costs $160. Many people explore for a combined B-1/B-2 visa, which covers both purposes and costs the same $160.

These fees cover the visa itself — the stamp or document you receive. They do not include other costs you will encounter, such as the medical exam, document translations, or shipping fees to send your passport to the embassy.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard U.S. tourist (B-2) visa costs $160, though some nationalities pay $140 depending on reciprocal agreements with their country.
  • The visa fee is separate from other required costs like medical exams, document notarization, and courier fees to mail your passport to the embassy.
  • You pay the visa fee when you schedule your interview appointment, and the fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied.
  • Some countries have visa waiver programs that eliminate the need for a visa entirely, so check whether your nationality qualifies before paying the fee.

Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee

The $160 visa fee is only one part of what you will spend. Most applicants also need a medical exam from a panel physician approved by the U.S. State Department. This exam typically costs $100 to $300 depending on your location and the doctor's fees. The exam is required for most visa types and must be done before your interview.

If your documents are in a language other than English, you will need certified translations. Translation costs vary widely — typically $50 to $200 per document — and the translator must be certified or notarized. You may also need to have documents notarized by a public notary, which usually costs $10 to $25 per document.

If you are mailing your passport to the embassy or consulate, courier services like FedEx or DHL charge $30 to $100 each way depending on the speed and destination. Some consulates require you to use their preferred courier service, which may cost more.

How and When You Pay the Visa Fee

You pay the visa fee when you schedule your interview appointment through the official U.S. State Department visa website for your country. The payment is made online before your appointment date. Most consulates accept credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers — the accepted methods vary by location.

The fee is non-refundable once you have paid it, even if your visa process is later denied. This is true regardless of the reason for denial. You cannot get the money back or explore it toward a future process.

If you need to reschedule your interview after paying, you can usually move your appointment to a different date without paying again. However, if you cancel and want to reapply months or years later, you will need to pay the full fee again.

Visa Waiver Program as an Alternative

Citizens of certain countries do not need to pay for a tourist visa at all. The Visa Waiver Program allows nationals of about 40 countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Instead, you register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which costs $14 and is valid for two years.

Countries in the Visa Waiver Program include most of Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several others. If your country is on the list, the ESTA is much cheaper and faster than a tourist visa. You can check the official State Department website to see if your nationality qualifies.

The ESTA is not a visa — it is an electronic travel document. You still go through U.S. immigration when you arrive, but you do not need a visa stamp in your passport. The ESTA is valid for multiple entries during the two-year period.

Fees for Expedited Processing and Special Circumstances

If you need your visa faster than the standard processing time, some consulates offer expedited service for an additional fee. Expedited processing typically costs $50 to $100 on top of the $160 visa fee, depending on the consulate. Processing times vary by location — some consulates take two weeks, others take two months — so check your specific consulate's website before paying extra.

If you are explore for a visa while outside your home country, you may face additional requirements or fees. Some consulates charge higher fees for applicants who are not citizens of the country where they are explore. A few consulates also charge a facility fee on top of the visa fee, usually $10 to $20.

If your process is denied and you want to reapply, you must pay the full $160 fee again. There is no discount or waiver for reapplication, even if you were denied for a minor documentation issue that you have now fixed.

Currency and Payment Methods by Country

The $160 fee is set in U.S. dollars, but you pay in the local currency of the country where you are explore. The consulate converts the fee at the official exchange rate on the day you pay. This means the amount you pay in your local currency can fluctuate slightly depending on exchange rates.

Payment methods vary by consulate. Most accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and debit cards. Some consulates also accept bank transfers or local payment methods like bank drafts. A few consulates in remote locations may require payment in cash or by check. Check your specific consulate's website for the payment methods they accept before scheduling your appointment.

If you are paying by bank transfer, the transfer must clear before your interview date. Plan for processing time — bank transfers can take three to five business days depending on the banks involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?

No. The visa fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your process is approved or denied. If you want to reapply after a denial, you must pay the full $160 fee again. Some applicants choose to wait and gather additional documents before reapplying to strengthen their case.

Is the $160 fee the same in every country?

The base fee is $160 for most nationalities, but some countries have reciprocal agreements that lower the fee to $140. A few countries have even lower fees. Additionally, some consulates charge a facility fee on top of the visa fee. Check your specific consulate's website to confirm the exact amount you will pay.

Do I have to pay for a medical exam before my visa interview?

A medical exam is not required for a tourist visa unless you are planning to stay longer than six months or have certain health conditions. For a standard tourist visit of a few weeks, you do not need a medical exam. However, some consulates may request one if they have concerns about your process.

What happens if I pay the visa fee but don't show up for my interview?

The fee is non-refundable and you will lose your appointment slot. If you want to reapply later, you must pay the $160 fee again and schedule a new interview. If you know you cannot attend, contact your consulate as soon as possible to cancel and potentially reschedule for a later date without losing your fee.

Can I use the ESTA instead of paying for a visa?

Only if your country is part of the Visa Waiver Program. If you are a citizen of one of the 40 participating countries, the ESTA costs $14 and is much faster. If your country is not on the list, you must pay for a tourist visa. Check the State Department website to see if your nationality qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program.