If you are planning to visit the United States for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or short-term business activities, understanding the B1 B2 visa fee is one of the first and most important steps before you apply. Many applicants lose money or delay their application simply because they misunderstand how the visa fee works, when it must be paid, or whether it is refundable.
- What Is the B1/B2 Visa? (Quick Context Before Fees)
- Current B1/B2 Visa Fee for the USA
- Tourist Visa USA Cost vs Business Visa Cost
- How to Pay the B1/B2 Visa Fee
- Is the B1/B2 Visa Fee Refundable or Transferable?
- How Long Is the B1/B2 Visa Fee Valid?
- B1/B2 Visa Fee by Country: What Changes and What Doesn’t
- Additional Costs Beyond the B1/B2 Visa Fee
- Does Visa Approval Affect the Visa Fee?
- B1/B2 Visa Fee Compared to Other US Visa Fees
- Common Mistakes Applicants Make When Paying the B1/B2 Visa Fee
- Frequently Asked Questions About the B1/B2 Visa Fee
- Final Thoughts Before You Pay the B1/B2 Visa Fee
This guide explains the tourist visa USA cost and visitor visa fee in simple, clear language—without government jargon—so you know exactly what to expect before spending money or booking an interview.
What Is the B1/B2 Visa? (Quick Context Before Fees)
The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa issued by the United States for temporary stays.
- B1 visa: For short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, or training
- B2 visa: For tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, or leisure travel
- B1/B2 combined visa: The most commonly issued visitor visa, allowing both business and tourism activities
Because these categories are processed together, the B1 B2 visa fee is the same regardless of whether you are traveling for tourism or business.
For a complete explanation of eligibility and permitted activities, see:
👉 https://www.usvisaintel.com/visa-types/b1-b2-visa-explained-visitor-visa-for-business-and-tourism/
Current B1/B2 Visa Fee for the USA
The B1 B2 visa fee is:
USD $185 per applicant
This fee is officially called the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee.
Key points you should know:
- The fee applies to every applicant, regardless of age
- Children and infants pay the same visa fee
- The fee is required before you can schedule a visa interview
- It is charged per application, not per visa outcome
Quick answer for search intent:
The US B1/B2 tourist and business visa fee is $185 USD per applicant.
Tourist Visa USA Cost vs Business Visa Cost
Many applicants believe that business visas cost more than tourist visas. This is not true for B1 and B2 visas.
Important clarification:
- B1 visa fee: $185
- B2 visa fee: $185
- B1/B2 combined visa fee: $185
There is no price difference based on:
- Purpose of travel
- Length of stay requested
- Number of previous visas
- Country of citizenship
Fee comparison table:
| Visa Category | Purpose | Visa Fee |
|---|---|---|
| B1 | Business visits | $185 |
| B2 | Tourism / medical | $185 |
| B1/B2 | Combined visitor visa | $185 |
How to Pay the B1/B2 Visa Fee
You must pay the visa fee after completing the DS-160 form and before booking your interview appointment.
Accepted Payment Methods
Payment methods vary by country, but typically include:
- Online debit or credit card payment
- Bank transfer
- Cash payment at designated bank branches
- Mobile or local payment systems (country-specific)
The US embassy website for your country will show the exact options available.
Where and When You Pay
The correct order is critical:
- Complete the DS-160 form
- Create a visa profile on the appointment system
- Pay the B1 B2 visa fee
- Schedule your interview
Paying before completing DS-160 or using incorrect details can cause delays or lost payments.
To understand what happens during the interview stage, read:
👉 https://www.usvisaintel.com/visa-process/us-visa-interview-process-explained-what-to-expect-at-the-embassy/
Is the B1/B2 Visa Fee Refundable or Transferable?
This is one of the most common and costly misunderstandings.
The B1/B2 visa fee is:
- ❌ Non-refundable
- ❌ Non-transferable
- ❌ Not reusable after expiration
Even if:
- Your visa is refused
- You cancel your interview
- You change your travel plans
- You make a mistake in your application
The fee is never returned.
Featured answer:
The B1/B2 visa fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied.
How Long Is the B1/B2 Visa Fee Valid?
Once paid, the visa fee is valid for a limited period (usually up to one year, depending on country-specific rules).
If you do not schedule and attend your interview within that validity period, you must pay the fee again.
B1/B2 Visa Fee by Country: What Changes and What Doesn’t
The visa fee amount does not change by country.
However, what does vary includes:
- Local currency equivalent
- Payment platforms
- Bank partners
- Processing instructions
Examples:
- Applicants in India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Bangladesh, or Latin America all pay the same USD amount
- The fee is converted into local currency at embassy-approved rates
- Exchange rate fluctuations can slightly change the local amount
Always rely on the official payment page for your country when paying.
Additional Costs Beyond the B1/B2 Visa Fee
While the visitor visa fee is the main cost, applicants should also budget for related expenses.
Common additional costs:
- Visa photo (studio or digital)
- Travel to the US embassy or consulate
- Document printing or translations (if required)
- Courier or passport delivery fees (where applicable)
These costs are not paid to the embassy, but they still affect your overall budget.
Does Visa Approval Affect the Visa Fee?
No. Visa approval or refusal has no impact on the fee already paid.
Important points:
- Approval does not refund the fee
- Refusal does not credit the fee
- Reapplying means paying again
Each new application requires a new visa fee payment.
B1/B2 Visa Fee Compared to Other US Visa Fees
Here is a simple comparison for context:
| Visa Type | Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 | Visitor | $185 |
| F1 | Student | $185 |
| H-1B | Temporary worker | $205 |
| J1 | Exchange visitor | $185 |
This helps applicants understand that visitor visa fees are not unusually high compared to other categories.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make When Paying the B1/B2 Visa Fee
Avoiding these mistakes can save time and money:
- Paying before completing DS-160
- Entering incorrect passport or DS-160 numbers
- Letting the fee expire before booking the interview
- Paying twice due to confusion
- Using unofficial agents or payment links
Always verify payment steps through official embassy systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the B1/B2 Visa Fee
How much is the US tourist visa fee?
The US tourist (B2) visa fee is $185 USD.
Is the B1/B2 visa fee refundable if my visa is denied?
No. The fee is non-refundable in all cases.
Do children pay the same B1/B2 visa fee?
Yes. Every applicant pays the same fee regardless of age.
Can I pay the B1/B2 visa fee in local currency?
Yes. The fee is converted into local currency using embassy-approved rates.
How long is the visa fee valid?
Typically up to one year, depending on country-specific rules.
Do I need to pay again if my visa is refused?
Yes. Each new application requires a new fee payment.
Final Thoughts Before You Pay the B1/B2 Visa Fee
Paying the B1 B2 visa fee is a serious step—it signals the start of a formal US visa application. Because the fee is non-refundable, applicants should be confident that they understand the process, eligibility rules, and documentation requirements before paying.
If you are uncertain about your eligibility, travel purpose, or interview readiness, seeking clarity before submitting payment can help prevent unnecessary losses and delays.
Making informed decisions at the fee stage often leads to smoother interviews and better outcomes.
