Tourist Visas: Us Travel Now?

If you are a foreign national travelling to the US for tourism, you will need a visitor visa (B-2 or combined B1/B2) unless you qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows citizens of 41 countries to travel to the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay.

The Visa Waiver Program

The VWP cannot be used for study, employment, permanent residence, or work in the foreign press, radio, film, journalism, or other information media. It is important to note that Canadian and Bermudian citizens generally do not need non-immigrant visas for tourism.

To determine eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program, travellers must use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). ESTA is an automated system that collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. While authorisation through ESTA does not guarantee entry into the US, it is recommended that travellers apply as soon as they begin making travel plans or before purchasing airline tickets.

The B-2 Visa

To apply for a B-2 visa, you must prove that your trip to the US is only for a short time, and that you plan to return to your home country after your visit. You must also show that you have a place to live outside the US and will not remain in the country permanently.

The application process for a B-2 visa involves completing the Online Non-Immigrant Application, Form DS-160, and attending an interview. Additional documentation may be required, such as proof of funds to cover the trip and a valid passport.

The B-1 Visa

To be eligible for a B-1 Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your trip must be for legitimate business purposes.
• You must have a specific, limited period of time for your stay.
• You must have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of your trip and stay in the US.
• You must have a residence outside the US that you do not intend to abandon, as well as other binding ties that will ensure your return to your home country.
• You must be otherwise admissible to the United States.

The application process for a B-1 Visa includes completing the Online Non-Immigrant Application (Form DS-160), attending an interview, and providing various documents, such as a passport, recent photograph, proof of funds, and proof of binding ties to your home country. The average wait time for a B-1 Visa interview appointment varies depending on location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early.

It is important to note that the B-1 Visa is intended for temporary visits and should not be used for living long-term in the United States or spending the majority of your time in the country. Misusing the visa could lead to denial of entry or future visa issues.

The ESTA Visa Waiver

Foreign nationals travelling to the United States for tourism need a visitor visa (B-2 or combined B1/B2) unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

The VWP requires travellers to have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. ESTA is a web-based system operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to determine eligibility to travel to the US for tourism or business under the VWP. In most cases, an ESTA will be valid for two years. However, you must obtain a new ESTA if you:

• Receive a new passport, including an emergency or temporary passport
• Change your name
• Change your gender
• Change your country of citizenship
• Need to change your responses to any of the "yes" or "no" questions on the ESTA application

An approved ESTA allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter the US, but it does not guarantee entry. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the US.

The Interview Process

To travel to the US on a tourist visa, you must first obtain a visitor visa (also known as a tourist visa). This is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who want to enter the US temporarily for tourism or business. There are two categories: B-1 for business travel and B-2 for tourism and medical treatment.

Once you have determined that you need a visa, you can begin the application process. Here is a step-by-step guide to the interview process:

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application

Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You will need to upload a photo that meets the Photograph Requirements. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

Step 2: Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants, and you should schedule your appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so apply early.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Interview

Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview if required. Gather all the required documentation, including your passport, visa application confirmation page, application fee payment receipt, and photo. Additional documentation may be required, such as evidence of the purpose of your trip, your intent to depart the US after your trip, and your ability to pay all costs of the trip.

Step 4: Attend Your Visa Interview

Arrive on time for your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your intended travel to the US, your life in your home country, and your immigration background. They may also corroborate the information included in your application and review any supporting documents you have brought. The interview will likely be brief, lasting only a few minutes. The consular officer will typically reach a decision immediately after the interview.

Step 5: After the Interview

If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee and make arrangements to receive your passport and visa. The consular officer will inform you if your application requires further administrative processing.

Frequently asked questions