Planning a trip to the United States for tourism, vacation, or visiting family and friends? You may need a tourist visa, also known as a B-2 visa, depending on your nationality. The B-2 visa allows you to enter the United States temporarily for tourism or non-business-related purposes.
Who Needs a USA Tourist Visa?
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries: Citizens of certain countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program can travel to the USA for tourism purposes without a visa, provided they obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before travel.
- Non-Visa Waiver Program Countries: Citizens of countries not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a B-2 tourist visa before traveling to the USA.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Determine if you need a tourist visa or if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
- Complete Online DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 form online accurately with all required information.
- Pay Visa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
- Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare necessary documents such as a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, photo, travel itinerary, and proof of ties to your home country (e.g., employment, family).
- Attend Visa Interview: Attend the visa interview with all required documents. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and financial means to support your trip.
- Biometric Data Collection: Depending on the embassy or consulate, you may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints).
- Wait for Processing: After the interview, wait for your visa application to be processed. Processing times vary.
Requirements
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States.
- DS-160 Confirmation: Print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.
- Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee as required.
- Photo: Submit a recent passport-size color photo meeting specific requirements.
- Travel Itinerary: Provide details of your travel plans, including dates of entry and exit, places you plan to visit, and accommodation arrangements.
- Proof of Ties: Show strong ties to your home country, such as employment, property ownership, family relationships, or other commitments.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the USA.
