My last US visa cost $320 for the application to the immigration service, $200 (recently bumped up from $50) for approval letter from the Federation of Musicians, £65 (=$130 at that time) to apply to the US Embassy in London, and another £9 ($18) for passport courier service. Fortunately I was able to time the Embassy appointment to coincide with a gig I had in London. Total getting on for $700 when mailing costs etc. are included. However, since a visa can last for twelve months, I generally try to book two tours within the same period,to spread the cost.

The good news is that the approval came through in around five weeks, which is a quite unprecedented level of efficiency. So no need to pay the extra $1000 additional fee for rapid expedition, as some had to do when they were taking months to approve petitions.

I haven't asked Dave and Anni recently, but I'm sure they'll be back over there soon.

Joe, where is your favourite house concert venue? I'm touring again next March and still have a few dates fee!