Understanding the US Tourist Visa Cost: A Complete 2025 Guide

 Planning a trip to the United States? Whether it’s for a vacation, visiting friends and family, or exploring iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon or Times Square, you’ll need a B-2 visa – also known as a US tourist visa. But one of the first questions travelers ask is: What is the US tourist visa cost? In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fees, additional expenses, and money-saving tips for your US trip.

What is a US Tourist Visa?

The US tourist visa (B-2 category) allows non-immigrant visitors to enter the United States for tourism, leisure, or medical purposes. It is typically issued for a duration ranging from 6 months to 10 years (multiple entry), depending on your nationality and visa officer’s discretion.

US Tourist Visa Cost in 2025

As of 2025, the US tourist visa cost for applicants from most countries is $185 USD. This is the standard non-refundable fee charged by the US Department of State, commonly referred to as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee.

Breakdown of the Visa Cost:

  • Application Fee (MRV Fee): $185 USD

  • SEVIS Fee (Not required for B-2): $0

  • Visa Issuance Fee (Reciprocity Fee): Varies by country (not applicable for Indian citizens)

So, in most cases, the us tourist visa cost is limited to the $185 application fee. However, some applicants may need to pay additional charges depending on their nationality.

Currency Conversion and Payment

While the us tourist visa cost is set in USD, you must pay it in your local currency as per the current conversion rates. In India, for example, the fee is collected in INR through authorized banks or payment gateways linked to the US visa portal.

Tip: Always check the official US visa application website of your country for the exact fee in local currency, as exchange rates fluctuate frequently.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides the core us tourist visa cost, there are other indirect expenses you might incur:

  1. Visa Application Center (VAC) Charges: Some countries have service fees for biometric enrollment or document handling.

  2. Travel to Embassy/Consulate: You may need to travel to another city for the visa interview.

  3. Document Preparation: Charges for photocopies, translations, or passport photos.

  4. Courier Charges: If passport delivery is not included.

While these don’t count in the official us tourist visa cost, they can add $50–$200 to your overall budget.

Can the US Tourist Visa Fee Be Refunded?

No. The us tourist visa cost is non-refundable—even if your visa is rejected. This policy applies globally. If your application is denied, you will need to pay the full fee again to reapply.

How to Pay the US Tourist Visa Fee

Here’s a quick overview of how to pay your us tourist visa cost:

  • Visit the official US visa scheduling website for your country

  • Create a profile and choose the visa type

  • Select a payment method: bank transfer, online payment, or cash (varies by country)

  • Save the payment receipt – it is mandatory for scheduling your interview

Cost Comparison: US vs. Other Tourist Visas

To give perspective, here’s how the us tourist visa cost compares to other countries:

  • US: $185

  • UK Standard Visitor Visa: £115 (~$145)

  • Schengen Visa: €80 (~$85)

  • Australia Visitor Visa: AUD 190 (~$125)

The US visa fee is on the higher side but is often valid for 10 years with multiple entries—making it worthwhile for frequent travelers.

Final Thoughts

The US tourist visa cost in 2025 remains consistent with global pricing trends for long-term travel visas. At $185, it’s a significant upfront investment but offers access to one of the world’s most diverse and visited countries. By planning ahead and understanding the full cost, you can avoid surprises and focus on enjoying your American adventure.

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