US Tourist Visa Cost for Indian: Latest Guide & Fees 2025

Written by

Amitaanshu Midha

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jul 09,2025

US Tourist Visa Cost for Indians: Comprehensive Guide - TerraTern

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Thinking of going to the USA in 2025? Due to the importance of the information, it is significant to learn about the US tourist visa cost for Indian before you start. A B1/B2 visa can help you achieve many things, such as tourism, visiting businesses, and meeting family. By 2025, new developments will have been significant in the charges applicable to the visas, the process of getting the visa, and the documents needed to be sent. To avoid last-minute surprises or delays, knowing the exact charges and procedures is essential to avoid last-minute surprises or delays. This blog would provide a detailed outline of all you need to know, including paying fees and methods of paying the US tourist visa cost for Indians, the documents required, and the most common pitfalls to avoid. Let us find out about the tourist visas in the US, point by point.

 

Latest Facts & News About US Tourist Visa Cost for Indians (2025)

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Here are the latest facts and news regarding the US tourist visa cost for Indians:

  • The current US tourist visa (B1/B2) fee is $185, which is approximately INR15,540.

  • An Indian citizen is not charged a reciprocity fee, as with other nationalities.

  • The US Embassy in India has now introduced payment options through NEFT, UPI, IMPS, and cash at some Axis Bank and Citibank branches.

  • There is also the possibility of a quicker appointment for the interview in the instance of an emergency, which costs extra.

  • The visa charge is non-refundable; the visa fee is not refundable even in case of a visa ticket.

  • The B1/ B2 visa only permits a stay of not more than six months at a time in the US.

  • Most tourist visas are granted for 10 years after the issuance date.

  • In 2025, the security process will be stricter, and the documentation will be scrutinised more.

  • Before scheduling the interview, all visa applications and fees are made online.

  • The US visa has been made friendlier owing to the simplification of biometric and interview sessions for Indian visa applicants.

  • Revised categories and prices have been introduced to Indian visa fees for US citizens in 2025.

Also Read: Navigating Visa Challenges: Should Laid-Off H-1B Workers Switch to a Tourist Visa?

Understanding the (B1/B2) US Tourist Visa Cost for Indian Citizens in 2025

This section provides major details about the US tourist visa cost for Indian:

  • A B1 visa is a short-term business visa for conferences or meetings.

  • A B2 visa is used to visit a family or friend, for medical treatment or for tourism.

  • It is understood that most Indian applicants take the B1/B2 joint visa to combine business and leisure.

  • The US tourist visa is non-immigrant, i.e., used to make a temporary visit.

  • The applicants should demonstrate goodwill to resume their sojourn in India following their visit.

  • The US Department of State issues the US visa through its embassies or consulates.

  • Most Indian applicants must meet the interviewer in person, particularly those doing this for the first time.

  • A person starts by completing the DS-160 form on the internet and stores the confirmation.

  • B1/B2 visa applies to business, sightseeing, family visits, and medical.

  • It is a frequent US travel visa given to Indian citizens in 2025.

US Travel Visa Cost for Indian Citizens: Detailed Fee Breakdown: Updated 2025

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Here is a detailed fee breakdown for the US travel visa cost for Indians:

Standard Application US Travel Visa Cost for Indian (B1/B2)

Here is the standard application US travel visa cost for Indians:

Fee Type

Amount (USD)

Approx. INR (as of July 2025)

MRV Application Fee

$185

INR15,540

  • This is the requirement of every Indian B1/B2 visa applicant.

  • It includes the processing and scheduling of the interviews and document checks.

  • The charge is non-refundable and non-transferable; hence, even when your visa is denied, it remains non-refundable.

  • You must cover this fee before booking/scheduling the interview.

  • This is the basic price of a US tourist visa for Indian people in 2025.

Additional and Optional Charges

Here are some additional and optional charges apart from the US travel visa cost for Indians:

  • Expedited Interview Appointment: Ranges between $15–$100 (approx. INR1,200–INR8,500) if you need a faster slot.

  • Courier Services to deliver passports: Usually up to 400-1000 rupees, depending on where you are.

  • Medical Tests (if required): May cost around INR2,000–INR6,000, depending on the clinic.

  • Photo Studio Services around US consulates: Normally, there are about 200-500 Rupees at US visa-compliant photo frames.

  • Travel Costs to the nearest VAC or consulate: This will depend on the city where you are and the medium by which you can travel.

  • Biometrics Fee: This is already part of the MRV fee; no additional payment is required.

  • Visa Consultants or Agents (optional): Can charge between INR3,000–INR10,000 for documentation support.

  • They are either hidden costs or optional, and many applicants did not consider these costs when planning.

Also Read: Step-by-Step Process of Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa for Indians

Payment Methods and Tips

Here are the payment methods and tips for the US travel visa cost for Indians:

  • Find the US official site 

  • Once you have logged on to the account, go to your visa type and select B1/B2 visa.

  • The system will also produce a unique receipt to trace payments.

  • Select any of the following, coupled with payment options:

  1. NEFT through your internet banking account.

  2. UPI is available via apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm (if linked to the portal).

  3. Mobile banking or banking applications to use IMPS.

  4. Paying cash at Axis Bank or Citibank relieving branches with the deposit slip.

  • This will require saving the receipt after paying, since it will be necessary during the interview booking.

  • It is essential not to book your visit until the delivery run of payment is recognised.

  • To obtain assistance, enter keywords such as, how to pay US visa fee in India on the official site or internet-based forums.

Cost of US Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens vs. Other Visa Types: Latest Guide 2025

Here is a comparison of the cost of US tourist visa for Indian citizens against other visa types:

Non-Immigrant Visa Fees Table

Here’s a non-immigrant cost of US tourist visa for Indian citizens fees table:

Visa Type

Purpose

Fee (USD)

Fee (INR)

B1/B2

Tourism / Business

$185

INR15,540

F/M

Student / Education

$185

INR15,540

H/L

Temporary Work (H-1B, L-1)

$205

INR17,220

K

Fiancé / Spouse of a US Citizen

$265

INR22,260

  • Indians must also pay the same amount as a student visa, which is $185, to acquire a US tourist visa.

  • F and M visas are for those students who will attend schools or colleges in the US.

  • H and L visas belong to intra-company transfers or professional workers.

  • The most costly non-immigrant visas are the K visas, which are the visas for fiancés and spouses of U.S. citizens.

  • There should always be a comparison between fees before applying for an appropriate visa form.

  • Check the costs of a US tourist visa for Indian citizens at the official sites.

Immigrant Visa Fees Overview

Here’s an immigrant cost of US tourist visa for Indian citizens fees overview:

  • Immediate Relative / Family Visa: This costs $325 to cover such categories as parents or children of US citizens.

  • Employment-Based Immigrant Visa: Costs are $345 for skilled or sponsored.

  • Diversity Visa Lottery: You must pay $330 once you are tapped to stay permanently.

  • Spouse of a US Citizen (IR1/CR1): Costs $325, excluding documentation and medical fees.

  • These charges do not include USCIS charges, which are extra.

  • Visit the current rates with the keywords read as US visa application fee India.

How Much Does an Indian Visa Cost for US Citizens in 2025?

After learning about the US tourist visa cost for Indian, here are some details about the vice versa visa as well: 

Read this section to find out “How much does an Indian visa cost for US citizens”?

  • U.S. citizens find it mandatory to apply for a visa before seeking entry to India.

  • Indian e-Visa is the ideal alternative for tourists and business visitors.

  • The fees charged for the visa depend on the reason and the duration of stay.

Indian E-Visa Fee Table for US Citizens (2025)

This table gives all details for answering “How much does an Indian visa cost for US citizens”?

Visa Type

Duration

Fee (USD)

Fee (INR)

Notes

Tourist e-Visa

30 Days

$10

INR840

Single entry only

Tourist e-Visa

1 Year

$40

INR3,360

Multiple entries allowed

Business e-Visa

1 Year

$100

INR8,400

Proof of business required

Medical e-Visa

60 Days

$80

INR6,720

Must provide medical records

  • The Indian government has fees which are subject to change annually.

  • All payments must be made online through debit or credit cards.

  • Identify the correct type of e-Visa based on the reason for your visit.

  • You can Google it by clicking on the phrase how much does an Indian visa cost to US citizens.

Also Read: Sweden Tourist Visa from India: Latest Expert Guide

Latest Documents Required for US Tourist Visa Cost for Indians: Updated 2025

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Here are the documents required for a US tourist visa cost for Indians:

  • Bear an Indian passport valid for more than six months.

  • Print out DS-160 DS-160 confirmation page containing your appointment barcode.

  • You must pay the MRV fee, so retain the receipt to confirm your visa fee payment.

  • Bring a recent passport-size photograph that matches US visa specifications (2x2 inches, white background).

  • Bring your US visa portal and the document of your appointment.

  • Submit bank statements, salary papers, or IT returns to show your financial health.

  • Attach a travel itinerary or invitation letter if you're attending an event or visiting family.

  • Provide evidence to show that you have a strong attachment to India, including workplace or family records.

  • Give copies of previous visas to the US, where you have travelled, where possible.

  • To access the most current information, one needs to type the words, US visa requirements for Indians.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a US Tourist Visa Cost for Indians in 2025

Here are some common mistakes to avoid while applying for a US tourist visa cost for Indian:

  • Filling out the DS-160 form is a prerequisite and should be completed properly before looking into the US tourist visa cost for Indians

  • Use a well-sized image that fulfils all US visa requirements.

  • Do not give any fake or forged papers; this will result in permanent visa rejection.

  • Select the correct visa category (B1/B2) based on your purpose of travel.

  • Submit the fee using the correct profile ID and payment reference so that all the information is discovered without any problems.

  • Come to the appointment dates of biometrics and the interview with papers on time.

  • Prepare before the visa interview with clear, confident, and sincere answers.

  • Note that such errors may make your rejection even more likely.

  • Keep checking through a search phrase such as avoiding mistakes, US tourist visa cost, and Indian.

Also Read: Nursing Jobs in USA: Experts Latest Jobs & Salaries

US Tourist Visa Cost for Indians: Step-by-Step Application Process for 2025

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Here is a step-by-step application form for US tourist visa cost for Indian:

Filling Out the DS-160 Form

This section explains the DS-160 form as part of the documents for the US tourist visa cost for Indian:

  • Use the official site

  • This is when you choose India as your interview place before filling in the form.

  • Enter your personal information, passport information, travel arrangements, and visa history.

  • Store your Application ID and make sure you look at what you entered.

  • Once the form is submitted, download and print out the DS-160 barcode confirmation page.

  • You should carry this printed page to your biometric and interview appointment.

Scheduling and Attending the Visa Interview

Here’s the scheduling and visa interview for the US tourist visa cost for Indian:

  • Get a new account on this website

  • Log in and select your visa category (B1/B2 for tourists).

  • The MRV visa can be paid through NEFT, UPI, IMPS, or cash at Axis/ Citibank.

  • Make an appointment at the VAC and the Embassy/Consulate to take biometrics and to get the interview.

  • You should go to your biometric appointment date.

  • Bring DS-160 confirmation, passport, a photo, the fee payment, and the appointment letter.

  • Go to the US Embassy or Consulate on the day of the interview on time.

  • The officer will inquire about your visit's purpose, finances, and connection with India.

  • Be honest and completely confident in your answers to increase approval chances.

Biometrics and Final Steps

Here are details about the biometrics and final steps for the US tourist visa cost for Indian:

  • Fingerprinting and capturing of facial photos is referred to as biometrics.

  • It is conducted 1–2 days before your visa interview at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

  • You will get your passport back after your visa interview, or it may end up in obvious administrative processing.

  • The CEAC portal can be used to see your application status.

  • Should it be granted, the result passports are returned in 7-10 business days through courier with the visa stamp on the passport.

Also Read: Top Software Engineer Jobs in USA: New Pay, Scope & More

 

Conclusion

Indian citizens would easily plan their tourist visa travel budget as the visa fee payable to the US is clearly defined in 2025. The US tourist visa cost for Indian is $185 (approximately INR15,540). While this covers the core visa process, there may be additional optional charges apart from the US tourist visa cost for Indians, depending on individual needs, such as expedited appointments, courier services, or consultancy assistance. To ensure a smooth application experience, it's essential to prepare the correct documents, avoid common mistakes, and follow each process step carefully—from filling out the DS-160 form to attending the visa interview. It is also necessary to be up-to-date with the information provided by the official sources and properly adhere to payment instructions to prevent delays and problems. If you're ready to explore the United States, now is the perfect time to start your visa application confidently and clearly, so contact TerraTern today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do we charge the visa fee to Indians?

The current fee for a US tourist visa (B1/B2) for Indian citizens is $185, which is approximately INR15,540 as of July 2025. This fee is known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) and is mandatory for all applicants. It facilitates the fees for processing the visa application, arranging the interviews, and collecting biometric data. This cost is unvarying irrespective of whether a visa is granted or not.

What happens to the money paid as US visa fees if an application is rejected?

No, the US visa fee is not refundable whatsoever. The money you have paid can not be refunded if you are denied a visa during the interview or after administrative processing. This applies to all tourist, student, and work visa categories. One should ensure their documents are filled out and all the required eligibility requirements are met before applying.

What is the validity of Indian visas in the US?

The US tourist visa lasts 10 years in most cases of Indian applicants since they are issued under the date of issuance. It is a multiple-entry visa, implying that you can travel to the US several times during the 10-year time frame. Nevertheless, every stay's maximum duration is usually six months per visit. The short or long duration of stay is decided by the US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

How are the US visa fees paid in India?

The US visa fee happens to be payable by a variety of means by Indian applicants. These include NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), IMPS (Immediate Payment Service), or cash at designated branches of Axis Bank or Citibank. Once you have chosen your favourite payment mode, you must proceed to the official visa application site, where special instructions must be followed. Remember to retain your payment receipt because this document is needed to attend your interview.

What are the other costs that I ought to budget?

Along with the normal MRV visa fee, there are other optional fees or indirect costs that you may have to incur. These include medical examination charges (if requested), courier fees for passport delivery, travel expenses to reach the embassy or consulate, passport-size photographs that meet US specifications, and costs for visa consultancy or documentation assistance if you hire a third-party agent. These are miscellaneous expenses that take many different forms; hence, a reasonable calculation should be made to avoid being caught by surprise many times before.