In short:
The total mandatory cost to obtain a US visa B1/B2 includes USD 185 of consular file fees, plus additional photo and transportation fees.
- Consular File Fees (MRV): USD 185 compulsory payable directly to the U.S. Department of State for any non-immigrant visa application.
- Accelerated appointment (optional): 750 USD official option to obtain a consular interview within 10 working days.
- Standard ID photos: 8.90 EUR to 20 EUR for a board in American format 5×5 cm from a licensed photographer.
- Identity documents and travel: 86 EUR for an adult French passport and 2.55 EUR per unit metro-train-rer ticket in Île-de-France to the Concorde station.
What is the official B1/B2 visa rate with the US authorities?
Obtaining a B1/B2 visitor visa requires prior payment of non-refundable administrative costs. The basic amount imposed by the U.S. Department of State is USD 185 for the processing of a non-immigrant visa file. These application fees, called MRV fees, must be paid when planning the appointment on the consular platform, whether the visa is granted or refused at the end of the interview.
In 2026, an accelerated appointment pilot program is available for a surcharge of 750 USD, also fixed by the U.S. Department of State. This option is intended for candidates with an urgent need to carry out their approach and guarantees an interview at the consulate within 10 working days.
What are the necessary additional costs to compile your file?
The administrative file is not limited to the DS-160 online form. The conformity of the supporting documents generates essential costs that should be anticipated before making an appointment.
The format of the photographs required by the American authorities differs from European standards. The photo should measure exactly 5×5 cm (2×2 inches). The price charged by a licensed photographer or a specialized studio varies between 8.90 EUR and 20 EUR depending on the establishment chosen, such as Kodak Photo Magenta or Photo-Up Studio.
If you must have civil status documents translated (birth certificate, criminal record or marriage certificate) by a licensed translator near a court of appeal, the price of a certified translation is between 28 EUR and 39 EUR per page, according to the prices found in firms certified as Transdoc or ML Translation. Finally, for people who do not have a valid passport, the tax stamp duty for the creation or renewal of a French adult passport amounts to 86 EUR according to the official website service-public.fr.
How much is the trip to the United States Consulate in Paris?
The physical consular interview is a mandatory step for the majority of B1/B2 visa applicants. It takes place at the United States Consulate in Paris, located on avenue Gabriel, in the immediate vicinity of the Concorde metro station.
For residents of Île-de-France, the journey by public transport is at the usual price. The metro-train-RER unit transport ticket set by Île-de-France Mobilités costs 2.55 EUR per unit. For candidates arriving from the provinces by air, the flat-rate transport ticket linking Parisian airports (Paris-Charles de Gaulle or Paris-Orly) to Paris city center is 14 EUR per trip.
If your situation needs to come the day before the consular interview, plan a budget for accommodation in the capital. The return of the passport after the maintenance is carried out by secure post: home delivery is operated by an authorized carrier in France, the price of which varies according to the option chosen when making an appointment.
Cost summary for obtaining the United States Visa B1/B2 in 2026
The table below details all the expenses to be expected depending on whether you already have your travel documents or that you have to carry out the entire process.
| expense item | Basic Option (EUR/USD) | Quick or full option (EUR/USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Consular File Fees MRV (U.S. Department of State) | 185 USD | 185 USD |
| Accelerated appointment option within 10 working days | 0 USD | 750 USD |
| Adult French passport (service-public.fr) | 0 EUR (if already valid) | 86 EUR |
| 5×5 cm approved photos | 8.90 EUR | 20 EUR |
| Certified translation of a document (per page) | 0 EUR (if not required) | 39 EUR |
| Local transport Île-de-France (Access Concorde) | 2.55 EUR | 14 EUR (airport access) |
How to optimize your budget when applying for a visa?
To avoid unnecessary additional costs, make sure that your digital photo uploaded when filling out the DS-160 form meets the technical criteria of the American Consulate to the letter. A photo rejected on the day of the interview obliges the candidate to redo snapshots at his own expense.
Prepare carefully all of your original administrative documents in order to avoid having to order additional sworn non-essential translations. Finally, anticipate your appointment booking several months in advance to avoid having to resort to the accelerated appointment costs of 750 USD.
frequently asked questions
What is the official cost of MRV application fees for the B1/B2 visa in 2026?
The amount of official non-reimbursable file fees set by the U.S. Department of State for a B1/B2 non-immigrant visa application amounts to 185 USD in 2026.
How much do photo ID photos cost?
A board of photo ID photographs in 5×5 cm (2×2 in) format made by a licensed photographer costs between 8.90 EUR and 20 EUR in France.
What is the price to get to the American consulate in Paris by transport?
The Metro-Train-RER unit journey in Île-de-France costs 2.55 EUR to reach the Concorde station. From Paris airports, the fixed ticket to the city center is 14 EUR.
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