Visitors to the United States of America for tourist and business activities must obtain a visitor’s visa, also known as a tourist visa. In this article, we will walk readers through the process of obtaining the above-mentioned type of Visa.
Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.
Citizens of some countries have the privilege of visiting the US without a visa under the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Interested persons are required to check the link below and verify if they qualify for a waiver. Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.
If you qualify for a waiver, you will still need to get approval to travel to the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Learn about ESTA and how to apply.
Tourist Attractions in the United States
First-time visitors to the United States will find the country very attractive. Site attraction in the US includes the Statue of Liberty to the Grand Canyon, there’s a familiarity borne from endless films and TV shows and her role as a world superpower. Her sheer size means there’s a sublime cocktail of sights, sounds and cultures to explore. America may be a relatively young nation but it sure knows how to build unforgettable cities. On the East Coast, glance up at the iconic skyscrapers of New York and chow down on lobster in Boston. On the West Coast, stroll San Francisco’s crazy, twisty streets and visit the real La La land of Los Angeles. While inland, roll the dice in glittering Las Vegas. You’ll find a different America in each world-famous city. Then there’s the breathtaking, epic vistas. Countless. There’s a reason why road trips hold such appeal. Head north to draw breath at Alaska’s wilderness and majestic peaks of the Rockies, hike the glories of its famed national parks Yosemite and Yellowstone, look up at the towering rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, take in the sublime countryside of New England on the East Coast… just a few of its natural wonders. And with so many hotels here, from popular chains to world-class accommodation, cheap motels to beach resorts, you’ll always find the right accommodation for you.
Visitor (Tourist) Visas and Other Travel Documents for Entering the U.S.
The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:
- B-1 for business travel
- B-2 for tourism and medical treatment
Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas including:
- Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
- How to apply using Form DS-160
- What documents you will need
- Application fees
- How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate
Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94
Requirement for a U.S Tourist Visa
- Current, valid passport
- Intended travel itinerary for your U.S. trip
- Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of travel (bank statements, proof of assets, etc)
- Proof of strong ties to your home country (employment verification, school enrollment, property ownership, etc)
- National ID number issued by your home country (if applicable)
- Recent digital photograph that meets U.S. government guidelines (be sure to save this photo on the computer or device you’ll use to file your application)
You’ll also be required to answer biographical questions about you and your family, as well as more detailed questions about your employment and travel history as part of the DS-160 process. It can be helpful to have this information on hand while you complete your application.
Procedure To follow in applying for A US Tourist VISA
To Acquire a US Tourist Visa Applicant will follow the Procedure below
Step 1: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Once you have determined the appropriate visa category, you must complete the relevant form for your visa type. Be thorough and accurate while filling out the form, as any discrepancies may impact your application’s success.
You may either have to fill in your form online, or by paper. The method of application will vary from visa to visa.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee
After completing your form, you will normally have to pay the visa application fee. The amount varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Ensure that you keep the receipt as proof of payment, as you will need it for the visa interview
Cost of Getting a US Tourist Visa
The new fee for the B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visas is USD 185 per applicant.
The visa fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused. This fee does not include other additional fees, such as the cost of travel to your interview, obtaining or translating essential documents for the application process, or any legal support that you may require.
Some applicants are required to submit proof of funds for being able to support themselves financially during their trip. Usually, a minimum amount is expected to be shown in the form of a bank statement.
Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.
In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.
Understand Expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms
- The expiration date on your visa does not indicate the date on which you must depart the U.S.
- The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port of entry into the U.S.
- You may renew your visitor visa before it expires. But you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.