Updated May 30, 2023

***Publication of Final Rule on Nonimmigrant Visa Fee Increases

The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both immigrant and nonimmigrant travelers.
The Department of State published a Final Rule regarding increases to certain nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) processing fees and the Border Crossing Card (BCC) for Mexican citizens age 15 and over. These increases were published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2023 and will be effective on June 17, 2023. The fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), and other non-petition based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas, will increase from $160 to $185. The fee for certain petition-based nonimmigrant visas for temporary workers (H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories) will increase from $190 to $205. The fee for a treaty trader, treaty investor, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (E category) will increase from $205 to $315. Border crossing card – age 15 and over (10-year validity) will increase from $160 to $185.
NIV fees are set based on the actual cost of providing NIV services and are determined after conducting a study of the cost of these services. The Department uses an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) methodology to calculate, annually, the cost of providing consular services, including visa services. The fees for most non-petition based NIVs were last updated in 2012, and certain other NIV fees were last updated in 2014.
Other consular fees are not affected by this rule, including the waiver of the two-year residency required fee for certain exchange visitors.
Visas for work and tourism are essential to President Biden’s foreign policy, and we recognize the critical role international travel plays in the U.S. economy. 
Fee information can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, travel.state.gov, and on the websites of U.S. embassies and consulates.

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Updated 5 July, 2022

*** Ukrainians in Slovenia seeking travel to the U.S.A.:  See our Ukrainians in Slovenia page.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Only fully vaccinated persons who have a valid visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) can enter the United States, regardless of purpose of travel. Vaccination requirement applies to transit also. Eligibility will be determined by airlines. Accepted vaccines include those approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Exceptions to the vaccination requirement include the following:

• Children under age 18
• Diplomats (A, G & NATO visas)
• Air and sea crew member (D visas)
• Contraindication to the vaccine based on prior reaction to first dose
• Humanitarian (medical emergency) when approved by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

For complete details on exceptions, see the CDC page on vaccination requirements. Note that recovery from prior COVID or negative COVID tests are not a grounds for exception to the vaccination requirement. Aside from the noted exceptions, the U.S. Embassy is not able to grant any other exceptions based on purpose of travel. See our Frequently Asked Questions on this new policy. As of 12 June, it is not necessary to have a COVID test result to enter the United States.

Travelers must follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines upon arrival. 

Travelers needing to apply for a new visa

Before contacting the U.S. Embassy, consider whether your travel is permitted under the visa-waiver program.  See our current wait times for a visa appointment.  After the appointment, most approved applicants receive their passport back in the mail the week following their appointment.

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.  As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

See our Directory of Visa Categories on usvisas.state.gov to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States. Then click on one of the below links to start your Non-Immigrant Visa application and schedule an appointment online.  You will need to bring proof of your COVID vaccination, as well as proof of Slovenian nationality or residency in Slovenia.

Nonimmigrant Visas