How Much Is a Tourist Visa to USA?

US tourist visa

Planning a trip to the United States is exciting. Whether you’re dreaming of seeing New York for the first time, visiting family in California, attending a short business meeting, or simply experiencing American culture, one question almost everyone asks at the beginning is: how much is a tourist visa to the USA?

For Indian applicants in 2026, this question matters more than ever. Recent changes in U.S. visa fees have made the tourist visa significantly more expensive than it was just a year ago. Many travelers are surprised when they first hear the updated cost, especially those who applied earlier or heard older figures from friends or relatives.

In this blog, we’ll explain the exact U.S. tourist visa cost for Indians, why it has increased, what you’re actually paying for, and what you should keep in mind before submitting your application—clearly and honestly, without unnecessary complexity.

What Type of Tourist Visa Do You Need for the USA?

Most Indian travelers apply for the B1/B2 visa, which is the standard non-immigrant visa for short visits to the United States.

This visa includes:

• B1 Visa – For business-related travel such as meetings, conferences, exhibitions, or consultations
• B2 Visa – For tourism, vacations, visiting friends or relatives, or short medical treatment

In practical terms, most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, which means you don’t need to apply separately for tourism and business travel. This flexibility is one of the main reasons the B1/B2 visa is so popular among Indian travelers.

Another important point many people don’t realize: for Indian passport holders, the U.S. government usually issues the B1/B2 visa with a validity of up to 10 years and multiple entries. This means you can travel to the U.S. multiple times over the visa’s validity period, as long as each visit follows immigration rules.

How Much Is a Tourist Visa to USA from India in 2026?

As of early 2026, the total cost of a U.S. tourist visa for Indian applicants is approximately:

₹38,000 to ₹40,000 per applicant

This is a major increase compared to previous years. Until recently, the U.S. tourist visa was considered expensive but manageable. However, with the introduction of a new surcharge, the overall cost has more than doubled.

Many applicants initially assume this higher amount includes hidden service charges or agent fees, but in reality, the increase comes directly from official U.S. government fees.

Breakdown of USA Tourist Visa Fees (2026)

To truly understand the cost, it’s important to know where your money is going. The total fee is made up of two mandatory components.

1. MRV Fee (Application Fee) – $185

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is the base application fee that has existed for many years.

Key points to remember:

• It is mandatory for all B1/B2 visa applicants
• It must be paid before booking your visa interview
• It is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused
• It does not guarantee visa approval

Earlier, this $185 fee was the main cost involved in applying for a U.S. tourist visa, which is why the total amount used to be around ₹15,000–₹16,000 for Indian applicants.

2. Visa Integrity Fee – $250 (New in 2026)

This is the biggest change in 2026.

The Visa Integrity Fee is a newly introduced surcharge that applies to most non-immigrant visa categories, including tourist visas. The purpose of this fee is to strengthen visa compliance and administrative checks.

Important things to know:

• It is mandatory for most applicants
• It applies to tourists, business travelers, and students
• It is also non-refundable, regardless of the outcome

Because of this new $250 fee, the total cost of applying for a U.S. tourist visa has increased sharply.

Total USA Tourist Visa Cost

When both fees are combined:

• $185 (MRV fee) + $250 (Visa Integrity Fee)
• Total: $435–$490

In Indian currency, this comes to approximately ₹38,000–₹40,000, depending on the exchange rate used by the U.S. Embassy at the time of payment.

Why Has the U.S. Tourist Visa Become So Expensive?

Many applicants understandably ask why the U.S. tourist visa has suddenly become so costly.

The main reason is the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee, which is part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to improve visa monitoring, reduce overstays, and strengthen compliance with immigration rules.

To put it into perspective:

Earlier (up to 2025):

• USA tourist visa cost: ~₹15,500–₹16,000

Now (2026 onwards):

• USA tourist visa cost: ~₹40,000

This means the cost has increased by more than 2.5 times in a very short period. While the policy decision is administrative, the financial impact is significant for Indian families, students, and first-time travelers.

Is the USA Tourist Visa Fee Refundable?

No. This is one of the most important things to understand before applying.

Both the:

• MRV fee, and
• Visa Integrity Fee

are strictly non-refundable. This applies even if:

• Your visa application is rejected
• You fail to attend the interview
• You change your travel plans
• You withdraw your application

Because of this, it becomes extremely important to apply only when your documents, finances, and travel purpose are clear and well-prepared.

Does Everyone Have to Pay the $250 Fee?

For most regular applicants, yes.

The Visa Integrity Fee applies to:

• Tourist visas (B1/B2)
• Business visas
• Student visas
• Most non-immigrant visa categories

Only a limited number of diplomatic or special visa categories may be exempt. For an average Indian tourist applying for a U.S. visitor visa, the $250 fee should be considered unavoidable.

How Long Is the USA Tourist Visa Valid?

Despite the higher cost, one advantage of the US tourist visa remains unchanged.

For Indian citizens:

• The B1/B2 visa is typically issued for up to 10 years
• It allows multiple entries
• Each visit usually permits a stay of up to 6 months, subject to approval by the immigration officer at the port of entry

This long validity is one reason many travelers still consider the visa worthwhile, especially if they plan multiple trips over several years.

How to Pay the US Tourist Visa Fee in India?

The visa fee can be paid through officially approved methods, such as:

• Online payment using debit or credit cards
• Net banking or UPI
• Bank deposit, depending on current embassy guidelines

Once the payment is completed:

• You receive a fee receipt
• The receipt is required to book your visa appointment
• It is usually valid for one year to schedule your interview

Additional Costs to Keep in Mind

Apart from the official visa fees, applicants should also budget for a few additional expenses, such as:

• Travel insurance
• Document preparation
• Passport renewal, if needed
• Professional visa consultation (optional)

While these are not mandatory, they can help make the process smoother, especially for first-time applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a US tourist visa cost in Indian rupees?

As of 2026, the total cost is approximately ₹38,000–₹40,000, depending on exchange rates.

Do I have to pay $250 to enter the USA?

No. The $250 is a visa application surcharge, not an entry fee.

Is the US tourist visa fee the same for adults and children?

Yes. The visa fee is the same for all applicants, regardless of age.

Can I avoid the new visa integrity fee?

No. It is mandatory for most non-immigrant visa categories.

Final Thoughts

So, how much is a tourist visa to USA in 2026?
For Indian applicants, the realistic answer is around ₹40,000.

While the increase may feel steep, the 10-year multiple-entry validity still offers long-term value for travelers who plan repeated visits. The key is to apply carefully, understand the costs upfront, and ensure your application is accurate and well-prepared—because once the fee is paid, it cannot be recovered.