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2026 brings new travel opportunities, and if your destination is the United States, you will need to process the B1/B2 American tourist visa. This document remains essential for those planning to visit the country for tourist or business purposes.
The process is not identical to previous years. In 2025, there were significant changes—especially in payment methods and delivery—that are worth knowing to avoid setbacks.
¿El costo de la visa americana cambia en 2026?
As of now, there is no official figure indicating an increase. The cost of the American visa in 2026 is as follows:
$185 dollars per application (category B1/B2).
This payment does not guarantee approval: the final decision depends on the consular officer during the interview, who will evaluate your financial situation, personal information, and travel intentions.
Tarifa reducida para menores de 15 años
Children under 15 can pay $15 dollars if they meet any of these requirements:
- El padre/madre o tutor es mexicano y solicita una visa B1/B2 al mismo tiempo.
- El padre/madre o tutor es mexicano y ya tiene una visa válida por 10 años.
Validity based on payment:
If $15 USD is paid for a minor's visa: valid for 10 years or until the minor turns 15 (whichever occurs first).
If the full $185 USD fee is paid: valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
¿Cuesta lo mismo por primera vez y por renovación?
Yes: you always pay the equivalent of $185 dollars.
The difference is that upon renewal, you might be able to waive the consular interview if you complete the process within 12 months after your previous visa expires.
Costos de entrega de la visa (2026)
Since 2025, there is a cost for shipping if you choose to receive the visa at your home or at a DHL branch:
- $400 MXN por entrega a domicilio (siempre que la ruta esté cubierta).
- $320 MXN para recoger en una sucursal de DHL.
- Sin costo si decides recogerla en el CAS.
To opt for courier service, access your profile in the Official U.S. Visa Appointment Service State Department website and select “premium delivery request”.
Payment is made in cash at Scotiabank or BanBajío, or via SPEI transfer (to BanBajío).
CAS with free delivery (on-site pickup):
Ciudad Juárez · Mexico City · Guadalajara · Hermosillo · Matamoros · Mérida · Monterrey · Nogales · Nuevo Laredo · Tijuana.
Cómo tramitar la visa americana B1/B2 por primera vez (paso a paso)
1) Completa el Formulario DS-160
It is filled out online on this page: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
It requires a valid passport and personal, travel, work, and family information, as well as health and security questions.
Upon finishing, you will obtain a confirmation page with a barcode to continue the process.
2) Regístrate en el sitio del Servicio de Visas
With the DS-160 application number, create an account on the U.S. Visa Appointment Service website: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/es-mx/niv/.
From there, you can schedule your appointments and make the payment.
You will receive a confirmation email when you create your account.
3) Realiza el pago de la solicitud
Cost: $185 dollars for B1/B2.
Children under 15: $15 USD if the Mexican parent/guardian applies at the same time or already has a visa valid for 10 years.
New payment methods (effective since July 2025):
Cash at Scotiabank or BanBajío.
SPEI transfer from any bank to BanBajío.
Important: As of July 11, 2025, payments are no longer accepted at Banamex.
If you choose SPEI, the transfer instructions are generated when you schedule your appointment: it is an easier option without lines.
How to pay from your profile:
Create your account on the Official Visa Appointment Service.
Go to the “Payment” section.
Choose “Cash payment” (download and print the sheet) or “Interbank transfer” (follow the SPEI instructions).
4) Agenda tus citas (son dos)
CAS (Applicant Service Center):
They will take your photograph and fingerprints.
Bring your passport and DS-160 confirmation.
You do not need additional documents.
U.S. Embassy or Consulate (interview):
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, payment receipt, and any supporting documents (employment, income, properties, travel history, etc.).
5) Acude al CAS
Attend on the scheduled date.
This step is mandatory and must be completed at least 48 hours before the interview.
Arrive early and follow the staff's instructions.
6) Asiste a tu entrevista consular
It is the most important step.
The consular officer will evaluate your application, answers, and documentation to determine if you qualify.
Be honest, clear, and consistent with the information you provided in the DS-160.
The decision may be immediate or take a few days.
7) Recibe tu visa
If approved, it will be sent to the CAS, the address you provided, or a courier branch.
Delivery time is usually 5 to 10 business days.
Remember the shipping costs if you choose home or DHL delivery.
Documentos y recomendaciones útiles
Basic documentation:
Valid passport (with sufficient validity for your trip).
DS-160 confirmation (with barcode).
Proof of fee payment.
For the interview, bring evidence that strengthens your profile:
Proof of employment (contract, letter, pay stubs).
Bank statements/proof of income.
Properties or responsibilities in Mexico (ties to the country).
Tentative itinerary, reservations, business invitations (if applicable).
Consejos para la entrevista:
Respond directly and consistently with your DS-160.
Avoid exaggerations; keep your travel motives clear (temporary tourism/business).
It is not necessary to bring bulky folders; just what is relevant.
Preguntas frecuentes
1) What happens if I pay and my visa is denied?
The payment is non-refundable and does not guarantee approval. You can apply again when you feel ready, updating your DS-160.
2) Can I renew without an interview?
Yes, possible if your renewal is done within 12 months after the expiration date and you meet the criteria for the interview waiver program (the system will indicate this when scheduling).
3) Can I pay with a card?
The current methods indicated are cash at Scotiabank/BanBajío or SPEI transfer to BanBajío. Banamex is no longer enabled as of July 2025.
4) Where can I pick it up at no cost?
At any of the CAS locations: Ciudad Juárez, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Mérida, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo, Tijuana.
Checklist rápido para tramitar tu visa americana
- Pasaporte vigente.
- DS-160 completado y confirmación con código de barras.
- Cuenta creada en el Servicio de Citas.
- Pago realizado ($185 dólares / $15 dólares para menores elegibles).
- Cita CAS agendada (foto y huellas).
- Cita de entrevista agendada (Embajada/Consulado).
- Documentos de soporte preparados (ingresos, empleo, arraigo).
- Elección de entrega: CAS (sin costo) / domicilio ($400 MXN) / DHL ($320 MXN).
If you choose courier service, activate premium delivery in your profile and pay at Scotiabank/BanBajío or via SPEI to BanBajío.
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