Us Travel: Understanding Visa Requirements

If you are a US citizen and you're planning to travel outside of the US, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. While some countries do not require visas for American travellers, many do. To find out if you need a visa, you can look up your destination using the US State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool. On the country's information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements, as well as travel advisories and a link to the country's embassy.

US citizens must enter and exit the US using a US passport. If you are a dual citizen, you must enter and exit the US using your US passport.

Visa requirements for US citizens travelling abroad

If you are a US citizen and you are planning to travel outside of the US, you may need a visa to enter a foreign country. While not all countries require visas for American travellers, many do. You can look up your destination using the US State Department's 'Learn About Your Destination' search tool. On the country's information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements, as well as travel advisories and a link to the country's embassy.

The type of visa you need is defined by US immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel. You can use the Visa Wizard to find out what type of visa is appropriate for you. You can also visit the Frequently Asked Questions page or find out about the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of 41 countries to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. In return, US citizens and nationals can travel to these countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes.

If you are planning to drive while abroad, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for the country you are visiting.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. There are currently 41 countries in the program, including the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Korea, and Liechtenstein. To be eligible, travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval and meet several other requirements.

Requirements

To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you must:

• Be a citizen or national of a VWP-designated country.
• Have a valid ESTA approval.
• Have a valid passport from your country of citizenship that is valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the United States. This must be an e-passport with specified security features, including a digital chip containing biometric information.
• Be travelling for permitted purposes, such as consulting with business associates, attending a conference, or visiting friends or relatives. Certain activities, such as paid work and permanent residence, are not permitted under the VWP.

Limitations

It's important to note that the Visa Waiver Program has some limitations. Travellers who have previously been to certain countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Syria, and North Korea, may no longer be eligible for the VWP and may need to obtain a visa instead. Additionally, the VWP only allows for stays of up to 90 days, and travellers cannot extend their stay beyond this period. If you plan to stay longer or are ineligible for the VWP, you will need to apply for a visa.

Nonimmigrant visa types

A nonimmigrant visa is for temporary visits to the US and is placed in the traveler's passport. The type of visa you need is defined by US immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel.

• Business/Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2)
• Exchange Visitor Visa
• Transit/Ship Crew Visa
• Religious Worker Visa
• Domestic Employee Visa
• Journalist and Media Visa
• Athlete Visa
• Australian Worker Visa
• Crewmember Visa
• Diplomat Visa
• Foreign Military Personnel Visa
• Specialty Occupations Visa
• Student Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Training Visa
• Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor Visa
• Transiting Visa
• Victim of Human Trafficking Visa

Immigrant visa requirements

To enter the US, a foreign citizen must first obtain a US visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport. However, certain international travelers may be eligible for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program.

To apply for an immigrant visa, a foreign citizen must be sponsored by a US citizen or lawful permanent resident immediate relative(s), or a prospective US employer, and have an approved petition before applying for an immigrant visa.

Immigrant visas are based on the following:

• Family ties
• Employment
• Adoption
• Special immigrant categories
• Diversity visa

US Visa Types:

• Nonimmigrant visas: Visitor visas, also known as tourist visas, are required for those visiting the US for tourism or business. Student visas are mandatory for international students studying in the US. Nonimmigrant temporary work visas are also available.
• Immigrant visas: These are for people who want to live in the US permanently.

Visa Application Process:

• Determine the type of visa you need: The type of visa you must obtain is defined by US immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel. You can use the Visa Wizard to find out what type of visa is appropriate for you.
• Schedule a visa interview appointment: Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a US Embassy or Consulate.
• Gather required documents: This includes your passport, visa application, and other supporting documents.
• Attend the visa interview: You may be asked about your social, economic, and familial ties to your home country.
• Wait for visa processing: The processing time may vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances.
• Receive your passport with the visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your passport with the US visa placed in it.

Please note that the specific visa requirements and application procedures may vary depending on your country of citizenship and the US Embassy or Consulate where you are applying. It is recommended to check the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate in your country for detailed and up-to-date information.

Visa application process

To travel out of the US with a US visa, you must meet the requirements for visa-free travel to your destination country. US citizens don't need a US visa to travel but may need a visa issued by the country they wish to visit.

• Check if you need a visa: Citizens of 41 visa waiver countries can visit the US without a visa.
• Choose the type of US visa: Different types of visas are available depending on the purpose of your travel (e.g. tourism, business, work, study, etc.).
• Fill in the Non-immigrant visa Application Form DS-160: This form can be filled out online via the Consular Electronic Application Center. It consists of two parts: personal information and security/background information.
• Pay the application fee: The fee depends on the type of visa and is non-refundable. Additional issuance fees may also apply.
• Schedule a visa interview: All nonimmigrant visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to attend an interview. Schedule an appointment with the US consulate or embassy as early as possible.
• Compile the document file: Submit the required documents to prove you meet the requirements for the nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
• Attend the visa interview: An official will ask questions about your background and other details relevant to the visa type.
• Wait for processing: Processing times vary depending on the visa type. Make travel arrangements only after your visa is approved.

Please note that the above steps refer to the process for a nonimmigrant US visa. For an immigrant visa, additional steps include filing a petition with USCIS and undergoing a medical examination.

Frequently asked questions