USA Tourist Visa (B2) for Nepali Citizens 2026: Step‑by‑Step Guide, Fees, Documents & Processing Time

Applying for a U.S. B2 tourist visa from Nepal can feel like a maze of forms, fees, and appointments. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you know each step and what the consular officer expects to see. Below is a practical, up‑to‑date walk‑through for 2026 applicants.

Current visa fee and payment

As of September 2026 the Machine‑Readable Visa (MRV) fee for a B2 visitor visa is US $185. The fee is paid in Nepalese rupees at an authorized bank listed on the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu visa page. Fees can change without notice, so always confirm the exact amount on that page or the Department of State fee schedule before you pay.

Application flow – from DS‑160 to interview

1. Complete the DS‑160. Fill the online non‑immigrant visa application at CEAC. Double‑check every field — name spelling, passport number, travel dates — because mismatches are a top reason for delays.
2. Pay the MRV fee. Use the receipt number from the bank to create a profile on the CGI Federal scheduling portal for Nepal. Keep the original receipt; you’ll need it at the interview.
3. Schedule the interview. Choose a date at the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu. Appointment slots open several weeks in advance; book as early as your travel plans allow.
4. Biometrics. Fingerprints and a photograph are collected at the embassy on the day of your interview — there is no separate Visa Application Center visit for Nepali applicants.
5. Attend the interview. Bring every original document plus one set of photocopies. Arrive 15‑20 minutes early; security screening can take time.

Document checklist – what to carry

• Valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended U.S. stay)
• One recent U.S.‑spec passport photo (2 × 2 in, white background, no glasses)
• DS‑160 confirmation page with barcode
• MRV fee receipt (original + copy)
• Interview appointment confirmation printout
• Travel itinerary – flight reservations, hotel bookings, or an invitation letter if visiting friends/family
• Proof of strong ties to Nepal – employment letter with salary, business registration, property ownership papers, school enrollment certificate, or family‑relationship documents
• Evidence of sufficient funds – recent bank statements (3‑6 months), salary slips, or a sponsorship letter with the sponsor’s financial documents
• Previous U.S. visas or entry/exit stamps (if any)

Interview best practices

Dress formally — business attire works well. Speak clearly and stick to the purpose of your trip: tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment, or a short‑term course. Be ready to state exact dates, where you’ll stay, and how you’ll fund the visit. The officer will probe your intention to return; have concrete ties (job, family, property) that make a return inevitable. If you’ve been to the U.S. before, bring old visas and explain any overstay or denial honestly.

Common pitfalls that cause delays or denials

• Inaccurate or incomplete DS‑160 data (e.g., wrong passport number, missing travel history)
• Discrepancies between the DS‑160, supporting documents, and what you say in the interview
• Weak evidence of ties to Nepal — a single bank statement without employment proof often isn’t enough
• Falling for “expedited appointment” scams; only the official CGI portal can schedule interviews
• Missing original documents or required photocopies on interview day

2026 policy context

No major regulatory changes have been announced for the B2 visitor visa in 2026. The U.S. Embassy Kathmandu continues to process tourist applications under the same rules that have been in place for several years. For any future updates, monitor the embassy’s visa page and the Department of State’s visa news feed.

Tracking your case and handling administrative processing

After the interview, log into the CEAC Status Tracker with your case number. “Ready” means the visa is being printed; “Administrative Processing” indicates additional checks. If that status appears, the embassy will contact you if more documents are needed. Most administrative holds clear within 30‑60 days, but there is no fixed deadline.

Passport return timeline

If the visa is approved, the passport with the visa stamp is typically returned within 3‑10 business days. Administrative processing can add several weeks, so plan your travel dates accordingly.

Health‑related entry requirements

As of late 2026 the United States no longer mandates COVID‑19 vaccination for entry, but the CDC still recommends being up‑to‑date on routine vaccines and any destination‑specific ones (e.g., measles, influenza). Check the CDC Travel Health Notices and the U.S. Embassy Kathmandu health advisory a week before departure, as requirements can shift quickly.

With the fee confirmed, documents organized, and a clear story about why you’ll return to Nepal, the B2 visa interview becomes a routine conversation rather than a gamble. Prepare early, stay honest, and you’ll be on your way to experiencing the United States on your own terms.