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

The visa process fee for a US tourist visa (B-2) is $160 for most nationalities. This fee does not get refunded even if your process is denied. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the US that change the cost — citizens of certain nations pay less or nothing at all, depending on what the US charges their citizens in return.

Beyond the visa fee itself, you will likely pay additional costs: a processing fee charged by the consulate or embassy handling your case, fees for document translation or notarization, and possibly fees for courier services if you use them to submit or retrieve your passport. These extras vary by location and are separate from the $160 visa fee.

The $160 fee covers the cost of processing your process, background checks, and the visa stamp itself. You pay this amount whether you explore in your home country or at a US embassy or consulate abroad. The fee must be paid before your interview, usually through a payment system specific to that consulate.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard B-2 tourist visa fee is $160 for most countries, paid before your interview and not refunded if denied.
  • Some countries have lower or zero visa fees based on reciprocal agreements between their government and the US.
  • Additional costs beyond the $160 fee include consulate processing charges, document translation, and courier services, which vary by location.
  • You must pay the visa fee through the payment system set up by the specific US embassy or consulate where you are explore.
  • The fee covers background checks and processing; it does not cover travel to the consulate, medical exams, or other supporting documents you may need.

Countries with lower or no visa fees

The US has reciprocal visa fee agreements with several countries. Citizens of Brunei, Mexico, and a few others pay reduced fees or nothing, because the US charges American citizens similarly low fees to visit those countries. The exact list and amounts change periodically as agreements are renegotiated.

To find out whether your country has a reciprocal agreement, check the fee schedule on the website of the US embassy or consulate in your country. The fee listed there is what you will pay — not the standard $160. If you are a citizen of multiple countries, you can explore through whichever consulate offers the lower fee, provided you have the required documentation for that country.

What the $160 fee covers and does not cover

The visa fee pays for the consulate to process your process, run background and security checks, and produce the visa stamp in your passport. It does not cover the cost of supporting documents — such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or police clearances — that you must obtain yourself. It also does not cover translation services if your documents are not in English.

Medical exams, if required, are paid separately to the approved civil surgeon or clinic, not to the consulate. Courier services to mail your passport to the consulate or have it returned to you are optional and charged by the courier company, not the US government. Some consulates charge an additional processing or service fee on top of the $160 visa fee; this varies by location.

How and when to pay the visa fee

Payment methods differ by consulate. Most use online payment systems where you create an account, enter your information, and pay by credit card or bank transfer. Some consulates accept payment at a bank in your country, and a few still accept cash at the consulate itself. You will receive a receipt or confirmation number after payment — keep this, as you will need it to schedule your interview.

You must pay the fee before your interview appointment. If you have not paid, the consulate will not interview you and will reschedule your appointment. Payment is non-refundable even if you cancel your interview, do not show up, or are denied the visa.

Additional costs beyond the visa fee

Consulate processing fees vary. Some embassies charge a separate service fee of $10 to $50 on top of the $160 visa fee; others do not. Check the fee schedule for your specific consulate to see the total amount you will owe.

If your documents are not in English, you will need to pay for official translation. Translation costs range from $50 to $200 depending on the number of documents and the translator. Some countries require documents to be notarized, which adds another $10 to $50 per document. If you use a courier service to mail your passport to the consulate or have it returned, expect to pay $15 to $100 depending on the service level and your location.

Visa fees for family members and groups

Each person explore for a visa pays the full $160 fee (or the reciprocal rate for their country). There is no family discount or group rate. If you are explore with a spouse and two children, you will pay $160 × 4 = $640 in visa fees alone, plus any additional processing or service fees charged by your consulate.

Children and infants pay the same fee as adults. There is no reduced rate for minors or dependents. If a child is a citizen of a country with a reciprocal agreement, they pay the lower rate for that country, even if the parents pay the standard $160.

What happens if you lose your visa or need a replacement

If your visa is damaged, lost, or stolen before you travel, you must explore for a replacement. The replacement visa costs the same as the original — $160 (or the reciprocal rate) — and you will need to pay the fee again. The consulate will not waive the fee because the loss was not your fault.

If you are denied a visa and want to explore again, you must pay the $160 fee a second time. Some consulates recommend waiting several months before reapplying and preparing stronger documentation, but there is no official waiting period. Each process is treated separately and requires full payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my visa is denied?

No. The $160 visa fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your process. You pay the fee before your interview, and it covers the cost of processing your case, whether you are approved or denied.

Do I have to pay the visa fee if I am explore for a visa waiver instead?

No. The visa waiver program (ESTA) is separate from the visa process and has its own fee of $14, paid online. Citizens of visa waiver countries do not need a B-2 visa and do not pay the $160 fee. Check whether your country is part of the visa waiver program before paying for a tourist visa.

What if I cannot afford the $160 fee right now?

There is no fee waiver or payment plan for the visa fee. You must pay the full amount before your interview. Some consulates allow you to schedule your interview after payment, so you can save up and pay when you are ready. Contact your consulate to ask about payment timing options.

Does the visa fee include the cost of getting to the consulate for my interview?

No. The $160 fee covers only the visa processing and background checks. Travel to the consulate, accommodation, and any other expenses are your responsibility. Budget separately for transportation and any other costs related to your interview appointment.

Can I pay the visa fee in my local currency or only in US dollars?

Most consulates accept payment in local currency through their online payment system, which converts it to US dollars at the current exchange rate. A few consulates require US dollars or payment through a specific bank. Check the payment instructions on your consulate's website to see what currencies and methods they accept.