US Tourist Visa Cost B-2: Fees & How to Pay

The US tourist visa (B-2) requires a nonimmigrant visa application fee of $185 USD — also called the MRV fee. This fee is mandatory for nearly all B-2 applicants worldwide and must be paid before your consular interview. Additional charges may apply depending on your country of citizenship due to visa issuance reciprocity fees.

What Does the US Tourist Visa (B-2) Actually Cost?

The core cost of a US B-2 tourist visa in 2026 breaks down as follows:

• MRV Application Fee: $185 USD — paid by all applicants before scheduling an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
• Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fee: Varies by country of citizenship. Citizens of some countries pay an additional fee based on what the US charges their nationals. Check the US Department of State reciprocity schedule for your specific country.
• SEVIS Fee: Not applicable for B-2 tourist visa applicants (this fee applies to students and exchange visitors).

In total, most applicants pay $185 USD, while citizens of certain countries may pay more due to reciprocity fees.

How to Pay the B-2 Visa Application Fee: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps carefully to avoid delays or rejection of your application:

• Step 1: Go to the official US Embassy or Consulate website for the country where you plan to apply.
• Step 2: Locate the payment portal — most countries use the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Center) or a designated local bank payment system.
• Step 3: Pay the $185 MRV fee using an accepted method (bank deposit, online transfer, or credit/debit card — availability varies by country).
• Step 4: Save your receipt number — you will need it to complete Form DS-160 and schedule your visa interview.
• Step 5: Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) on the CEAC website.
• Step 6: Schedule your consular interview using the receipt number from your payment.

Important: The MRV fee is generally non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.

What Documents and Information Do You Need to Pay?

Before starting the payment process, prepare the following:

• A valid passport
• Your full legal name as it appears on your passport
• Date of birth
• A valid email address (for payment confirmation)
• Accepted payment method for your country (check the local US Embassy website)

After payment, you will receive a confirmation with a unique receipt number. Do not lose this number — without it, you cannot book your interview appointment.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes When Paying for a B-2 Visa

Many applicants run into avoidable problems during the payment stage. Here is what to watch out for:

• Always pay through official channels. Never use third-party services that claim to pay fees on your behalf — this is a common scam.
• Double-check your personal details before submitting payment to ensure your name matches your passport exactly.
• Note the fee validity period. In most countries, an MRV fee payment is valid for one year from the date of payment. If you do not schedule and attend your interview within that period, you may need to pay again.
• Check for reciprocity fees. Visit the US Department of State's official reciprocity table to see if your nationality requires an additional issuance fee paid at the consulate after visa approval.
• Consult an expert if you are unsure. Immigration rules can be complex. Ilya Fishkin, immigration attorney is an experienced professional who can guide you through the visa application process and help you avoid costly errors.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice