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Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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This webpage lists visa application fees and other visa related fees collected by Department of State. Note that many immigration-related forms are submitted to the Department of Homeland Security’s United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and not to the Department of State. If the type of information or form you are seeking is not shown here, select USCIS Forms and Fees  to go to the USCIS Website to review more.

Coming to the United States Temporarily - Nonimmigrant Visa Services

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category for which you are applying.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for, unless the application fee is not required, as listed below .

Description of Service and Fee Amount (All fees = $ in US currency)

Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee (non-refundable) for all categories below

• Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E): $185.00

Includes (but not limited to), the following visa categories:

*Though petition-based nonimmigrant visas, the processing fee for these visas is $185.00

• Petition based visa categories: $205.00

Includes these visa categories:

• E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa: $315.00
• K – Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. citizen category visa: $265.00

Border crossing card fees

• Border crossing card - age 15 and over (Valid 10 years): $185.00
• Border crossing card - under age 15; for Mexican citizens if parent or guardian has or is applying for a border crossing card (valid 10 years or until the applicant reaches age 15, whichever is sooner): $15.00
• L visa fraud prevention and detection fee - for visa applicant included in L blanket petition  (principal applicant only): $500.00
• The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (Public Law 114-113) increases fees for certain H-1B and L-1 petitioners.  Consular sections collect this fee for blanket L-1 visa applications (principal applicant only) filed by petitioners who employ 50 or more individuals in the United States if more than 50 percent of those individuals are in H-1B or L-1 nonimmigrant status: $4,500.00 

When the nonimmigrant visa application processing fee is not required:

• Applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas (defined in 22 CFR 41.26): No Fee
• Applicants for J visas participating in official U.S. Government-sponsored educational and cultural exchanges: No Fee (See Exchange Visitor Visas for further detailed fee information.)
• Replacement of machine-readable visa when the original visa was not properly affixed or needs to be reissued through no fault of the applicant: No Fee
• Applicants exempted by international agreement as determined by Visa Services, including members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly, and their immediate families: No Fee
• Applicants travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services: No Fee
• U.S. government employees travelling on official business: No Fee
• A parent, sibling, spouse or child of a U.S. government employee killed in the line of duty who is traveling to attend the employee’s funeral and/or burial; or a parent, sibling, spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. government employee critically injured in the line of duty for visitation during emergency treatment and convalescence: No Fee

Nonimmigrant visa issuance fee, including border-crossing cards.

• See the  Visa Reciprocity Tables  to find out the visa issuance fee amount, if applicable:  Fee varies (Reciprocal)

When the nonimmigrant visa issuance fee is not required:

• An official representative of a foreign government or an international or regional organization of which the United States is a member; members and staff of an observer mission to United Nations Headquarters recognized by the UN General Assembly; and applicants for diplomatic visas as defined under item 22(a); and their immediate families:  No Fee
• An applicant transiting to and from the United Nations Headquarters:  No Fee
• An applicant participating in a U.S. government sponsored program which may include applicant’s dependent spouse and children:  No Fee
• An applicant travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services:  No Fee

Other - When a Visa is Not Required - Visa Waiver Program

• Citizens of Visa Waiver Program participating countries, and meeting requirements pay a small fee. Select USCIS fees to learn more.

Coming to the United States Permanently - Immigrant Services

Immigrant visa application processing fees are tiered, as shown below, based on the visa category you apply for.

Notice: Every visa applicant must pay the visa application processing fee for the visa category being applied for.

Filing an Immigrant Visa Petition  (When collected by U.S. Embassies and Consulates for USCIS. Fees subject to change.)

Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fees (non-refundable, per person) 

Note: Forms and fee amounts are listed for immigration petitions which are submitted to Department of State, either accepted at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, or within the United States to the National Visa Center or Kentucky Consular Center. Other immigration related forms can only be approved by the Department of Homeland Security's United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For other fees (relating to forms starting with an "I" select USCIS Forms and Fees for additional information.

Special Visa Services

Note:   These fee charts are based on the Code of Federal Regulations - Title 22, Part 22, Sections 22.1 through 22.7.)

More Information

A-Z Index Latest News What is a U.S. Visa? Diversity Visa Program Visa Waiver Program Fraud Warning Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Straight Facts on U.S. Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview-Ready Backlog Report

Global Visa Wait Times

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The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.

How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

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Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.

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Foreign visitors: what to do if your visa or passport is lost or stolen

If you are in the U.S. and your visa or passport was lost or stolen, learn how to report it and apply for a new one.

Why the visa process could be 'discouraging visitors' and keeping families apart

• Tourist visas can be expensive and confusing to apply for.
• The process may discourage some travelers from visiting the U.S.
• Visa policies try to balance economic and national security priorities.

It can be hard for international visitors to get permission to come to the U.S. 

Onyi Apakama knows this firsthand. She's a first-generation American born to two Nigerian immigrants, and much of her family is still living overseas.

A convoluted and expensive tourist visa application process means her relatives have missed major milestones with family here in the U.S. 

"It was definitely a sad thing because it was (my cousin's) younger sister," Apakama said. "She wasn’t able to attend her sister’s wedding."

For Americans, it can be easy to forget how complicated international travel can be depending on your passport.

U.S. passport holders can access 186 international destinations without applying for visas in advance according to the Henley Passport Index, meaning we almost never need to go through the hassle and expense of filling out extra paperwork or turning up at a country's embassy to prove ourselves before a trip.

But many visitors coming to the U.S. face a process that's much more arduous. 

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According to Esra Calvert, around 40% of international visitors to the U.S. need to apply for a visa to enter. Calvert is the principal at Esra Calvert Consulting, which focuses on data in the tourism industry.

"There is paperwork you have to do online, and you wait for your appointment time," she told USA TODAY. "When your appointment time comes, you go to the embassy for an interview. You have to show proof of finances, what your plans are, very basic pieces of information just for proof that you’re going on vacation or a business meeting."

In Nigeria, Apakama said, it can also be harder to get a visa appointment if your family isn't politically well-connected. 

Those extra barriers sometimes discourage people from applying for visas at all – to say nothing of those whose applications are rejected. That means the U.S. is potentially missing out on a lot of tourist dollars that would otherwise be generated every year.

According to the Department of Commerce , tourism accounted for $1.9 trillion in economic output in 2019. 

"There’s so many choices for travelers," Calvert said. "If a traveler has to wait for a year," just to get their visa interview, they’re going to go somewhere else   for vacation.

Raoul Bianchi, a reader in political economy at Manchester Metropolitan University's Department of Economics Policy and International Business said that tourist visa applications disproportionately make it harder for people to travel from the developing world.

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"The global north/global south division is very stark," he said in an interview. "There is an enormous disparity between wealthy Westernized countries and sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America and South Asia."

The process can be so opaque that experts suggest many visa applicants fear that talking about their experiences to the press could hinder their ability to get approved.

What does a tourist visa cost to visit the US?

According to the State Department, it costs $160 per person to apply for a tourist visa. They can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on the applicant's nationality.

The fees are becoming more prohibitive for some travelers as inflation rises. 

"The cost has gone up. And right now with inflation (and) the exchange rate, the Nigerian naira has gotten a lot weaker in the last year or six months," Apakama said.

When she visited Nigeria in 2019 or 2020, it was around 350 naira to the dollar. Now it's closer to 430 nairas to the dollar, meaning her relatives could wind up paying tens of thousands of naira just in visa fees for a whole family unit to visit.

In a statement, the State Department said those fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable, even if the application is rejected. 

"The department’s consular operations are largely funded by fees for services. Visa fees charged are generally based on the cost to the department of providing visa services, and are determined through periodic studies of the cost of consular services, including visa services," a spokesperson said. "This means that there is no profit to the U.S. government from the collection of fees. Rather the fee is in place to recover the cost to the U.S. government of providing the service."

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Who is required to get a tourist visa to come to the US?

Visa requirements can change over time, and especially for visitors to the U.S., have gotten more stringent in recent decades.

"An average of two-thirds of the people around the world have to obtain a visa prior to departure. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and more recent terrorist attacks worldwide, have changed the discourse of immigration and international tourism within Europe and North America," Pooneh Torabian, a lecturer in the Department of Tourism at the University of Otago's business school in New Zealand said in a statement. "Since Sept. 11, international travel has become more regulated in the name of safety and security, and international movement for ethnic minority citizens, specifically Arab and Muslim travelers, has been hindered."

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Bianchi agreed and pointed out that visa policies often reflect a country's broader geopolitical stances.

For example, soon after President Donald Trump took office, his administration enacted a ban on visitors from many Muslim-majority countries, a reflection of the president's immigration priorities. Even since President Joe Biden reversed that policy, however, advocates say little has changed in practical terms. 

"Quite often visa policies can be a reflection of bilateral diplomatic relations or a proxy for something else that's going on," Bianchi said.

Story continues below.

For visa applicants, Apakama said, the restrictions can feel like discrimination at a high level.

"Who are the folks that we as a country believe are going to contribute to the society and those who are not," she said.

Many applicants feel there's a human arbitrariness to the process too.

"My family members believe it’s whoever’s interviewing you that day and it’s just their mood," Apakama said. When the visa interviewer seemed grumpy, her family felt their applications faced more scrutiny and were more likely to be denied.

The U.S. has visa waiver agreements with 40 countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and many European nations. Canadian citizens also usually do not need to apply for tourist visas to visit the U.S. Travelers using passports from countries not on the waiver list generally do need to apply for tourist visas before coming here. 

Even when a visitor has a visa, border guards have the discretion to turn them away at passport control. Apakama said she's had relatives who were denied entry after landing in the U.S. and put on flights back to Nigeria.

How long does it take to get a tourist visa for the US?

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. embassies and consulates have been struggling to keep up with visa applications, and in some places, the wait time for an appointment is now longer than a year.

"It’s discouraging visitors," Calvert said. "All the hassle that travelers have to go through with the visa application process in this day and age, there could be some opportunities to bring the visa backlog numbers down."

The State Department's wait time calculator estimates that the consulate in Mumbai is now scheduling tourist visa appointments 848 days out, though the department says that extreme wait is an outlier. 

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"We are reducing appointment wait times in all visa classes as quickly as possible, worldwide. In fact, visa processing is rebounding faster than projected, after a near-complete shutdown and freezing of resources during the pandemic," a spokesperson said. "The wait time for a routine visa appointment at half of our overseas posts is less than four months, and at some posts is far shorter than that. Applicants who have urgent travel needs and can apply away from their own home country should seek to do so."

Will US visas ever be easier to get?

Bianchi, from Manchester Metropolitan University, said visa policies are constantly in flux.

“There are tensions and conflicts within governments. They don’t work as a monolith," he said. “You’ll get the tourism industry in alliance with the tourism ministries, but the ministries of the interior, or in your case the Department of Homeland Security, will be very much in favor of tightening visas because their concern is security.”

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That push and pull means making visas more accessible is usually a slow and contested process. In the meantime Calvert said, the U.S. will keep missing out on potential tourist dollars.

"I’m concerned about price as a barrier and these visa regulations," she said. "Travel shouldn’t be that difficult. How do we keep the world open?"

If you'd like to share your story of applying for a visa, please use this form.

US Visa – How to Apply, Fees & Full Process

The United States, a popular destination for travelers, students, and business professionals, requires many foreign nationals to have a visa to enter its territories.

This guide is designed to simplify the US Visa process for you.

Apply Online

In this article…

Do you need a visa to enter the US?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter the US largely depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit.

Many countries are under the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens from these nations to enter the US for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days.

💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.

Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.

Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.

Types of US Visas

The US offers a range of visa categories, including:

• Tourist or Business Visa (B1/B2) : For those visiting for leisure , medical treatment, or short-term business tasks.
• Student Visa (F, M) : For students attending US educational institutions.
• Work Visa (H, L, O, P, Q) : For individuals with a job offer from a US employer .
• Exchange Visitor (J) : For individuals participating in exchange programs.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

• Determine Your Visa Type : Understand the correct visa category based on your purpose of visit .
• Complete the DS-160 form : This is the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application form , available on the US Consulate’s website.
• Pay the Visa Application Fee : The fee varies depending on the visa type.
• Schedule Your Interview : Visa applicants, with some exceptions, are required to appear for a personal interview.
• Prepare for Your Interview : Gather the necessary documents , including passport, confirmation of DS-160 submission, payment receipt, photo , etc.
• Attend Your Visa Interview : A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualification for the visa.

US Visa Fees

The fee for a US visa varies depending on its type. For example, as of the last update:

• B1/B2 Visa: $160
• H, L, O, P, Q, and R category visa: $190 (Note: Fees are subject to change; always check the US consulate’s website for the latest fees)

US Visa Application Process & Requirements

You’ll typically need:

• A valid passport
• Passport-sized photos
• DS-160 confirmation page and code
• Application fee payment receipt
• Any additional documents required based on visa type (like employment proof, sponsor documents, etc.)

💡 Tip : Always check the specific requirements for your visa type on the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country.

US Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who needs a US visa to enter the United States?

Anyone who isn’t a US citizen or permanent resident and isn’t from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country will typically need a visa to enter the US.

2. What’s the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet certain requirements.

3. How long does it take to process a US visa?

Processing times vary by visa type and the country from which you’re applying. Check with your local US consulate or embassy for specifics.

4. How early should I apply for my visa before my travel date?

It’s advisable to apply at least 3-5 months before your intended travel date, considering potential processing times and any unexpected delays.

5. What is the DS-160 form?

DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants.

6. Can I reschedule my visa interview?

Yes, but it might affect the processing time of your application. It’s best to stick to your original appointment if possible.

7. How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

Typically, the initial duration is up to 6 months, but it can be extended in 6-month increments with a maximum stay of one year.

8. Can I change my visa status while in the US?

Yes, but you must apply and get approval from USCIS before your authorized stay expires.

9. Is the visa application fee refundable if my visa is denied?

No, the application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application.

10. Can I work in the US on a tourist visa?

No, a tourist visa does not allow you to take up employment. You’d need an appropriate work visa.

11. How can I bring my spouse or children if I have a US visa?

Depending on your visa type, your family might be eligible for derivative visas. Consult the US embassy for specifics related to your visa category.

12. What is the difference between visa expiration and the duration of stay?

The visa expiration is the last day you can use it to enter the US, while the duration of stay is how long you can remain in the US on that entry.

13. If my visa expires while I’m in the US, will I face penalties?

No, as long as you entered before its expiration and follow the duration of stay rules, which are typically indicated on your I-94 form.

14. Do previous visa denials affect my new application?

While each application is evaluated independently, previous denials can be considered in the context of new information.

15. Can I study in the US on a tourist visa?

No, if you wish to study in the US, you’d need to obtain a student visa (F or M).

16. What should I do if my passport with a valid US visa is lost or stolen?

Report the loss to your local police, obtain a police report, and apply for a new passport. You’ll also need to reapply for a US visa.

17. What are the chances of my visa being approved?

Approval is based on your specific circumstances, the evidence you provide, and the discretion of the consular officer.

18. How do I apply for a visa extension ?

You need to file a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with the USCIS.

19. What if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying can result in being barred from returning to the US for several years and might affect future visa applications.

20. Are there any age requirements for US visa applicants?

There aren’t specific age requirements, but applicants under 14 and over 79 years old are typically not required to attend an interview.

Always remember to check the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and updated information.

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CBP Announces Trusted Traveler Programs Fee Changes

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today an upcoming fee change for some of its most popular Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP).

On April 2, a final rule was published in the Federal Register , harmonizing the fees for the NEXUS , Global Entry, and SENTRI programs, better reflecting the program costs. The new fees, which have not been updated in over 15 years, will go into effect October 1, 2024. As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs.

Once the rule goes into effect, applicants under the age of 18 will be exempt from the application fee when a parent or legal guardian is already a member of, or concurrently applying for NEXUS, SENTRI, or Global Entry. SENTRI, which allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States using dedicated primary lanes at Southern land border ports, will move from an “a la carte” fee structure to a uniform fee of $120, which will be collected in full when each application is submitted. The fees for NEXUS, a joint program managed by CBP and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that allows dedicated processing between the U.S. and Canada, will increase from $50 to $120, and Global Entry fees will increase from $100 to $120.

TTP supports CBP’s mission of securing U.S. borders while facilitating lawful travel and trade. Travelers must be pre-approved for TTP. All applicants undergo rigorous and recurring background checks and an in-person interview before enrollment. While a key goal of the programs is to expedite travelers through the process, members may still be selected for further examination when entering the United States. To maintain a strict standard in establishing TTP members as low-risk travelers, any violation of a program’s terms and conditions will result in the appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.

For more information on TTP, follow @CBP or visit ttp.dhs.gov .

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.

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The Fee for Global Entry Is Increasing — Here's How Much It'll Cost

Application costs for the NEXUS and SENTRI programs are also increasing.

Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

The federal government will raise the cost of the popular Global Entry program this fall for the first time in more than 15 years.

Starting Oct. 1, the application fee for Global Entry will increase to $120, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Currently the cost is $100. 

“As these programs have matured and expanded, updating the fee structures is critical to the continuation and management of the programs,” CBP wrote in a statement.

While the fee may be going up, CBP said when it does, applicants under 18 will be exempt from an application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a member of the program or applying themselves. 

Global Entry is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler programs and allows travelers who are re-entering the United States from an international trip to expedite the customs process. To apply, travelers must undergo a background check and complete an in-person interview, which can be done when they return to the U.S. through the Enrollment on Arrival program or even when they leave through the new Enrollment on Departure program at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Travelers who obtain a Global Entry membership also receive the benefits of TSA PreCheck.

Several credit cards will reimburse card holders for the application fee, including those from American Express , Capital One , Bank of America , and Chase .

In addition to increasing the application cost for Global Entry, application fees for the NEXUS and SENTRI programs, which allow expedited security when entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico’s land borders, respectively, are also changing.

The fee for NEXUS will increase from $50 to $120, while the fee for SENTRI will change from an “a la carte” fee structure to a uniform fee of $120.

The 13 places you need a visa to travel with an American passport

I f you hold an American passport , you're likely used to traveling internationally with relative ease. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that many countries require Americans to jump through some hoops to visit in the form of obtaining a visa.

Beginning in January, 13 countries will issue American citizens a visa to visit as tourists. Note this list does not contain information regarding countries that the U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to refrain from traveling to by issuing Level 4 alerts. It also does not detail destinations that are not currently issuing visas for Americans.

Here's what you need to know.

Type: Australian Electronic Travel Authorization

How to apply: Online through the Australian government

Length of time: Valid for visits up to three months within a 12-month period

Processing time: Varies by application, but most are processed within 21 days

More information: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas or travel.state.gov

Related: Australia news

Type: Bolivia Tourist Visa

How to apply: Through the Bolivian Consulate . Residents of select states can apply in person at Bolivian Consulates in Washington, D.C., New York, Miami, Houston or Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can purchase a visa at any land or air border, per the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia .

Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days for 90 days total in one year

Processing time: N/A

More information: boliviawdc.org/en-us , bo.usembassy.gov or travel.state.gov

Type: Brazil eVisa

How to apply: Online through VFS.Global

Length of time: Valid for visits up to 90 days for multiple entries over 10 years

Processing time: Five business days

More information: brazil.vfsevisa.com or travel.state.gov

Related reading: Brazil to require visas from Americans starting next month

Type: China Tourist Visa

How to apply: Online through the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs before submitting the application at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate

Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days over a 90-day period

Processing time: Four business days

More information: travel.state.gov or us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng

Read more: China news

Type: Egypt e-Visa

How to apply: Online through the Egyptian Ministry of Interior

Cost: $25 for a one-time entry, $60 for a multiple-entry visa

Processing time: Seven business days

More information: visa2egypt.gov.eg or travel.state.gov

Related: Update: Is it safe to travel to Israel, Egypt and the Middle East?

Type: Indian e-Visa

How to apply: Online through the Indian Bureau of Immigration

Length of time: Valid for visits up to 30 days over one year

Cost: $10-25, depending on time of visit

Processing time: 72 hours

More information: indianembassyusa.gov , indianvisaonline.gov , indiainnewyork.gov.in or travel.state.gov

Read more: India news

Type: Indonesia Visa On Arrival

How to apply: Online through the Indonesian government

Length of time: Valid for travel up to 30 days

More information: molina.imigrasi.go.id , id.usembassy.gov/visas/ or travel.state.gov

Related: Indonesia news

Type: Kenyan eVisa

How to apply: Online for a single-entry tourist visa through the Directorate of Immigration Services

Length of time: Valid for three months from the date of issuance

Processing time: Two business days

More information: evisa.go.ke or travel.state.gov

Type: Myanmar Tourist eVisa

How to apply: Online through Myanmar's Ministry of Immigration and Population

Length of time: Valid for travel up to 28 days, from 90 days of issuance

Processing time: Three business days

More information: evisa.moip.gov.mm or travel.state.gov

New Zealand

Type: New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

How to apply: Online through New Zealand Immigration

Length of time: Valid for travel up to three months, from two years of issuance

More information: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta or https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/NewZealand.html#:~:text=U.S.%20citizens%20traveling%20to%20or,for%20up%20to%20two%20years

Related: New Zealand news

Type: Qatar Visa on arrival

How to apply: Upon arrival at the Hamad International Airport (DOH)

Length of time: Valid for 30 days, with both single and multiple-entry visas available

More information: visitqatar.com

Read more: Qatar news

Type: Sir Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization

How to apply: Online through the Sri Lanka tourism portal and travel advisor

Length of time: Valid for travel up to 30 days and 30 days from issuance

Processing time: Three to 20 business days

More information: lka-egov.org or eta.gov.lk

Type: Vietnam Electronic Visa

How to apply: Online through the Vietnamese government

Length of time: Valid for travel from 90 days of issuance, for travel up to 30 days

More information: vietnamvisa.govt.vn or vietnamembassy-usa.org

Related: Vietnam news

Bottom line

Given that processing timelines, fees and even application requirements change throughout time, we recommend checking your country of interest ahead of travel to ensure you are up to date with the latest processes.

We also suggest bookmarking the State Department's page for each country, which includes information related to visas, safety and more. Also, enroll in the STEP program . For more information, refer to the U.S. Embassy associated with each international destination.

Related reading:

• The difference between CDC and State Department travel warnings
• Brazil to require visas from Americans starting next month
• If you need a passport quickly, this service may be for you
• Passport processing wait times decrease for the 1st time since February
• Can you have multiple passports?
• How the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program could help you on your next trip abroad

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Costs for work visas and green cards in U.S. are going up — a lot

Applying for a work visa or green card just became more expensive. The new fees, including some which are significantly higher, go into effect today, April 1.

No, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services hasn’t raised many of its fees in more than seven years. Unlike other agencies, the overwhelming majority, or 96%, of its funding comes from filing fees and 4% comes from congressional appropriations.

The number of immigration filings fell during the Covid-19 pandemic and so did revenue, at one point as much as 40 percent, according to USCIS. The agency implemented a hiring freeze during the pandemic while other positions became vacant as employees left. But the caseload eventually shot up to pre-pandemic levels and now there’s a serious backlog.

“The fee schedule from 2016 no longer covers operational costs to timely adjudicate USCIS immigration and naturalization benefits,” USCIS said on its website. “We need higher fees to cover the cost of doing business and better avoid the accumulation of future backlogs.”

Employers that hire foreign workers and immigration attorneys who work with these companies have been closely following the fee hikes, which the federal government announced it was planning to do over a year ago.

“We’re not talking about one or 2% increases,” said Stephanie Pimentel, partner and co-head of the Dallas office of BAL, a global immigration law firm. “When you pair the base line increases together with that additional new fee that is being leveraged on every new employment-based petition, you’re looking at increases of two and 300%.

The visa fee increase took effect despite an effort to stop USCIS from implementing them. Late last week, a federal district court judge denied a motion from an employer group and other plaintiffs for a temporary restraining order before April 1.

Among the changes, the fee for an H-1B visa petition increased from $460 to $780 and the registration fee for an H-1B shot up from $10 to $215.

One of the biggest changes is a new $600 Asylum Program Fee companies must pay when filling an employment-base petition.

“This is a new tactic of USCIS as part of their fee regulation is to start having U.S. businesses cover the cost of the asylum program because they have the ability to pay it, which I don’t know if I would agree on all businesses,” said Emily Neumann, an immigration attorney and managing partner at Reddy & Neumann, PC in Houston.

Neumann writes an immigration-related blog under the name Immigration Girl and co-hosts a weekly video she shares on social media.

The law firm BAL conducted a survey of employers about the feds’ new fees and found that more than half, or 57% of respondents, said the increase wouldn’t affect their ability to complete globally.

Pimentel said this is most likely because companies know other employers who hire foreign workers have to pay the same fees.

“Still, 43 percent saying that there’s going to be an impact on their ability to compete globally is significant,” Pimentel said, adding that 60% of businesses said they plan to file the same number of petitions while 40% said the would file fewer of them or offer fewer benefits.

Some of those benefits include the employer paying for their employees’ dependents to have their status to stay in the country extended. Others might pay the premium processing fee so their employee’s petition will be expedited. Under the new fee structure though, some employers may no longer cover those, leaving it to their employee(s).

Another change affects those seeking a green card or adjusting their status. The cost of an application is now $1,440, up from $1,225. And USCIS has added two additional fees for those applications – one for filing for interim work authorization and another for filing for an interim work permit.

You can find the entire new filing fee schedule here .

Got a tip? Email Stella M. Chávez at  [email protected] . You can follow Stella on Twitter  @stellamchavez .

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider  making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.

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Frugal Traveler

Credit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them?

A new agreement by Visa and Mastercard to reduce fees charged to merchants may drain the lucrative rewards that grant free travel to many credit card users.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

On Tuesday, the largest credit card companies in the United States reached an agreement with merchants to reduce the so-called swipe fees retailers pay for accepting credit card payments, potentially saving the retailers $30 billion.

These fees also help fund the credit card rewards programs that many travelers redeem for things like free flights and hotel stays, leading points hawks to wonder: Are loyalty programs at risk?

Here’s what we know so far about the changes.

What are the terms of the deal?

Last year, credit card payments generated an estimated $72 billion in fees paid by merchants, which are generally passed along to customers in the form of higher prices. For nearly 20 years, merchants have been seeking reductions in the fees they pay Visa and Mastercard for handling transactions where the cards are used.

The proposed settlement , awaiting approval in a federal court, reduces and caps those fees for five years. It would also allow merchants to potentially charge consumers more based on the card they pay with. For example, a person paying with a premium card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which costs $550 a year, could be charged more than someone paying with the more basic Chase Sapphire Preferred card, with an annual fee of $95.

Why does it matter?

The majority of the fees collected go back to the banks that issue the credit cards. Those banks have used the funds to push premium credit cards that offer loyalty points, which can be redeemed for free travel and other perks. The cards with the biggest benefits tend to be those that charge higher swipe fees.

While the reduction in the fees collected sounds small — averaging at least .07 percent — they represent an estimated $30 billion over the five-year term of the deal, which banks could try to make up by reducing points perks.

“It’s reasonable to think that,” said Brian Kelly, the founder of the Points Guy , a news site devoted to maximizing credit card points.

While he speculated that banks will be able to “find other ways to make up the difference,” he acknowledged that a points squeeze could emerge.

“Opportunities to earn probably aren’t going to flourish,” he said.

The idea that merchants could charge more to the holders of premium, perks-rich cards, which are expensive, might also deter consumers from using them. Some experts question the viability of the practice given the potential for consumer backlash.

Is the new agreement related to the Credit Card Competition Act?

The legal actions that led to the new credit card agreement date back to 2005. But the newer Credit Card Competition Act , proposed in 2023, aims to introduce more competition in the credit card payment system. By creating a cheaper alternative pipeline for processing payments, the proposed legislation is seen as a greater threat to rewards programs.

Responding to the just-announced agreement between the credit card companies and retailers, Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, and the lead sponsor of the Credit Card Competition Act, released a statement urging the act’s passage.

“I fear that this deal only provides temporary concessions negotiated by a few lawyers behind closed doors,” he said in the statement.

Other experts said the agreement may ease the pressure on Congress to pass the act.

“I think it’s a way for Visa and Mastercard to show that they are making a good-faith effort to help out merchants by lowering the fees they’ve been complaining about for 20 years, and hopefully enough to let senators know they’re doing their part,” said Chris Hassan, the social media and brand manager for Upgraded Points , a website that tracks credit card benefits.

Separately, the proposed merger between Capital One and Discover, which is pending federal approval, could introduce more competition among credit cards and potentially improve rewards for holders of those cards.

What should I do now?

The points and payments systems won’t change until the agreement is approved, which is expected in late 2024 or early 2025, according to a news release from Mastercard.

But the topic should remind travelers of the reality of playing with points: The rules always change. Values tend to fall as redemption levels rise, which companies issuing these currencies are free to adjust at will.

If you have points, spend them, say experts like Sara Rathner, a travel and credit card specialist at the financial website NerdWallet . “They’re not a trophy to dust and admire.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .