How much a US tourist visa costs (and the price increase for 2026)

Non-immigrant visas will increase in price, affecting thousands of people seeking to enter the United States on a temporary basis. Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” which has already been passed by the Senate, introduces a new “visa integrity fee” that will raise the price for most non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and work visas, and will take effect in 2026.

This fee was added by Republican lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee and is one of 22 fees designated to “encourage lawful conduct among foreign nationals visiting the United States”; however, this price increase could affect tourism in the country.

In a statement, Geoff Freeman, president of the U.S. Travel Association (USTA), said: “Raising fees on lawful international visitors amounts to a self-imposed tariff on one of our nation’s largest exports: international travel spending.”

However, some travelers may be reimbursed under the provisions of the law, which states that “a fee reimbursement can be authorized for non-immigrants who comply fully with the terms of their visa.” In other words, if a tourist does not break any of the rules of their visa, they could receive a reimbursement, but it is not clear how much money they would receive.

In 2024, foreign visitors spent $254 billion on travel and tourism-related goods and services, according to the International Trade Administration; however, the expected changes — in addition to other Trump administration policies — could severely affect the tourism industry. According to some estimates, it could lose up to $29 billion in revenue.

Freeman explained: “These fees are not reinvested in improving the travel experience and do nothing but discourage visitation at a time when foreign travelers are already concerned about the welcome experience and high prices.”

Meanwhile, the government is considering expanding the travel ban it imposed on a dozen countries (including Cuba and Venezuela) to nearly 50 countries, which could also affect tourism and attendance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Similarly, Trump’s law considers an investment to hire and train 5,000 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents, which could also discourage travelers.

Below, we list the current prices for all types of visas, and their cost in 2026.

Non-immigrant visas

No petition (except E) – $160 (in 2026: $410)

• B (Visitor: Business, Tourism, Medical Treatment)
• C-1 (Transit through the US)
• D (Crew: Airline, Ship)
• F (Student, Academic)
• I (Media and Journalists)
• J (Exchange Visitor)
• M (Vocational Students)
• TN/TD (NAFTA Professionals)
• T (Human Trafficking Victim)
• U (Victim of Criminal Activity)

Petition-based categories – $190 (in 2026: $440)

• H (Temporary Workers, Trainees)
• L (Intercompany Transfers)
• O (Extraordinary Abilities)
• P (Athletes, Artists, Entertainers)
• Q (International Cultural Exchange)
• R (Religious Worker)

Other non-immigrant visas

• E (Trader/Investor, Australian Skilled Worker): $205 ($455 in 2026)

Border crossing cards

• 15 years or older: $160 (no change in 2026)
• Under 15 years old (with parent/guardian applying): $15 (no change in 2026)

Other non-immigrant fees

• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (L visa): $500 ($750 in 2026)
• Border Security Act Fee (L visa): $4,500 ($4,750 in 2026)

The following visas would not be affected by the new law, so their price will remain the same:

Immigrant visas

Petitions

• I-130 (Family): $535
• I-600, I-800 (International Adoption): $775

Immigrant visa applications

• Immediate relative and family preference: $325
• Employment (I-140 or I-526): $345
• Other applications (I-360, self-petitioners, etc.): $205
• Iraqi and Afghan applications: No cost

Other fees

• Diversity Visa Lottery: $330
• Affidavit of Support Review: $120

Special visa services

• DS-117 (Returning Resident Status): $180
• Transportation Letter for Legal Permanent Residents: $575
• DS-3035 (J Waiver): $120
• I-601 (Waiver of visa ineligibility): $930
• Refugee or Public Benefit Parole Case Processing: $575