Complete Guide to USA Tourist Visa (B-2)

The B-1/B-2 visitor visa lets foreign nationals enter the U.S. temporarily for business meetings, conferences, tourism, family visits, medical treatment, or short courses of study (if allowed). A visa only lets you travel to a U.S. port of entry  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers decide whether you can enter and for how long.

Who this visa is for

• B-1 (Business): people attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or other short business activities.
• B-2 (Tourist): people visiting for holidays, family visits, medical treatment, or short recreational courses.
• B-1/B-2 combined: for travellers doing both types of activities.

Key eligibility points 

• You must have a valid passport.
• You must show you intend to stay temporarily and will return home (ties to your country).
• You must prove you can pay for your trip or that a sponsor will.
• You must meet health and character requirements (police or medical checks may be requested).
• You must not intend to work or immigrate while on a visitor visa.

How to apply (step-by-step)

1. Complete the online DS-160 form and print the confirmation page.
2. Pay the non‑refundable visa application fee (amount shown on the local U.S. Embassy/Consulate site). The typical fee is USD 185 for most visitor visas.
3. Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country (appointments vary by location).
4. Gather required documents (passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, supporting documents).
5. Attend the interview and provide fingerprints and any requested documents.
6. Wait for visa processing or additional administrative processing if required. If approved, pay any issuance fee (if applicable) and arrange passport return.

Fees & processing times

• Standard application fee (most nationalities): USD 185 
• Some nationalities may pay issuance fees after approval.
• Interview wait times and processing vary by Embassy/Consulate, season and demand — check local appointment and processing times on your Embassy website.

Entry, length of stay and extensions

• A visa does not guarantee entry CBP officers at the port of entry decide admission and length of stay.
• If you need to extend your stay or change to another nonimmigrant status while in the U.S., apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorised stay ends.
• Overstaying can void your visa and make you ineligible for future visas.

Tips for a smoother application

• Be honest and complete on your DS-160 and at your interview.
• Carry evidence that shows you will return home (job letter, family, property).
• Apply early interview wait times can be long.
• Do not make irreversible travel plans (buy non‑refundable tickets) until you have a visa.