Total Cost of a US B1/B2 Tourist Visa — Full Breakdown
Total cost of a US B1/B2 tourist visa: $185 MRV fee plus photos, translations and processing. Enter your exchange rate for the full breakdown in local currency.
- Data verified · July 2026 · Martín Rodríguez
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How to use this calculator
Follow this tool’s steps, then review its formula, assumptions, and limits below.
When to use this calculator
- Calculate your total US visa application cost
- Budget for consulate fees and documentation
- Compare costs at different exchange rates
- Review visa requirements and fee breakdown
- Plan travel expenses including visa costs
US B1/B2 Visa: Fee Components & Key Facts
| Component | Detail | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Fee (Visa Application Fee) | Mandatory, non-refundable. Paid directly to US consulate | $185 |
| Visa Photos | 2x2 inch color photos (typically 2 required) | Varies locally |
| Document Translation | Official translations if required by consulate | Varies locally |
| Expedited Processing | Optional, additional cost | Varies |
| Visa Validity (if approved) | Up to 10 years, multiple entries | — |
| Max Stay per Entry | Determined by immigration officer at port of entry | Up to 6 months |
Source: U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, travel.state.gov (2026)
How it works
What a US tourist visa (B1/B2) really costs
Applying for a US tourist visa involves more than a single payment. This calculator breaks down every cost involved — from the official fee to local out-of-pocket expenses — so you can budget accurately before starting the process.
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The MRV fee: the only fixed, universal cost
The MRV Fee (Machine Readable Visa Fee) is USD 185 per person, regardless of your country of origin, age, or nonimmigrant visa type. Every applicant pays it before the consular interview, through the payment system enabled by the US embassy in each country.
Critical points about this fee:
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How the estimated total is calculated
The calculator takes the MRV Fee in USD as its base and converts it to local currency using the exchange rate you enter. It then adds an estimate of the typical local out-of-pocket expenses:
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Passport photos (5x5 cm / 2x2 inch format) | Low |
| Photocopies and document certifications | Low-medium |
| Certified translations (if applicable) | Medium-high |
| Travel to the embassy/consulate | Variable |
| Visa agents or processing agencies (optional) | High |
The result is an indicative total cost. The only exact, universal figure is the MRV Fee; the rest depends on your city, your particular documentation, and whether you handle the process yourself or hire professional help.
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What this calculator does NOT include
These costs are real, but they're not part of the visa process itself:
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Common budgeting mistakes
1. Assuming a denial costs nothing. The MRV Fee is lost if the visa is denied. For a second application, you must pay it again.
2. Not accounting for the exchange rate at the time of payment. If your country's system processes the MRV in local currency, the amount in pesos (or soles, or bolívars) may differ from your calculation if there's a currency gap or the authorized bank applies a specific rate.
3. Confusing "valid for 10 years" with "10-year stays." The B1/B2 visa is usually issued with 10-year validity and multiple entries, but the length of each stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry, generally up to 6 months per visit. They are two different things.
4. Not updating the DS-160 if your circumstances change. The DS-160 form (the online application) is part of the process and must reflect your actual situation at the time of the interview. Errors or omissions can lead to delays or denials.
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Context on the B1/B2 visa
The B1/B2 visa covers temporary visits for tourism, family visits, medical treatment, business meetings, or conferences. It does not authorize you to work or study in the US (that's what the F-1, H-1B, and other visas are for).
Approval rates vary significantly by the applicant's country of origin. The consular officer mainly assesses whether the applicant has sufficient ties to their country of residence (job, family, property) to guarantee their return. There is no automatic approval formula: two similar profiles can get different outcomes.
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Practical tip
Before paying the MRV Fee, check appointment availability at your consulate. In some countries wait times exceed 6 to 18 months. The payment does not reserve a slot; the appointment is scheduled separately in the local embassy's system.
Official reference source: travel.state.gov — United States Department of State.
Example Calculation
Frequently asked questions
How much does a US B1/B2 tourist visa cost?
What is the MRV fee?
How long is a B1/B2 visa valid?
Is a visa interview required?
What documents do I need for a US tourist visa?
How long does the B1/B2 visa application take?
What is the DS-160 form?
Do I need a US visa to visit the United States?
Can I extend my B1/B2 visa stay in the United States?
Sources & references
Methodology & trust
Finance calculator with its formula verified automatically against U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs, per our editorial policy and methodology.
Updated: July 2026. Parameters are verified periodically against the cited sources.
Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.
Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.
Rodríguez, M. (2026). Total Cost of a US B1/B2 Tourist Visa — Full Breakdown. Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/en/us-b1-b2-tourist-visa-cost
Content licensed under CC-BY 4.0 — reuse it citing the source with a link to Hacé Cuentas.