US TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS (B1/B2)

Please note that as of June 2022 the CDC no longer requires travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID pre arrival to the US.

We are improving our B1/B2 application process to make sure it is up to date with the current US tourist visa requirements. We will make this product available again soon. In the mean time, below you will find useful information to keep in mind for your US visa application.

Planning a trip to the US most likely entails that you must get a visa. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your visa. However, the US visitor visa (B1/B2) covers tourism and business purposes. Keep in mind that if you are from a country that is on the list of Visa Waiver countries, you only need an ESTA if you travel by air.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a United States B1/B2 Visa?

The United States B1/B2 Visa is an authorized document that offers you entry to the United States. It is electronically linked to your passport.

How do I know if I am eligible for a United States B1/B2 Visa?

You can verify your eligibility using the iVisa's Visa Checker. Just pick your country of origin and the United States as the destination country. The information will appear in seconds.

What are the tourist Visa USA Requirements??

The US tourist visa requirements are nothing out of the ordinary. After all, we are talking about a non-immigrant visa, and as you can expect, the requirements for a US tourist visa are somewhat mild as opposed to other types of visas for foreign citizens, such as those applicants who need them issued for employment, residency, and other purposes.

The first requirement you need to meet is eligibility. As part of the USA visitor visa requirements, you must provide proof that you apply for a US tourist visa for the purpose it was intended. Basically, you need to prove the following:

A valid passport –Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months, beginning with your period of stay in the United States.
Digital photograph – you can take it yourself following the requirements.
Travel itinerary – if you have already made travel arrangements.
Dates of your last five visits or trips to the United States – if you have previously traveled there. You may also be asked for your international travel history for the past five years.
A declaration to demonstrate if your purpose for visiting is business, tourism, or medical treatment.
You have to prove if you can provide for yourself while in the US.

If you can cross all of the above off the list, you can apply for your US Tourist visa.

What are the processing times and prices?

The total price will vary according to the processing time and the nationality. You have three options with iVisa. The three options are:

Standard processing – your eVisa is processed within , and the price is (service fees included).
Rush processing – you will get your visa within , and the total price is (service fees included).
Super rush processing – this is the fastest alternative you have at hand. You will get your US B1/B2 Visa in only , and you will be charged (service fees included).

Click here to receive more information about your online form.

How can I apply?

You need to go through multiple steps to complete this process and meet the US visit visa requirements:

Step one: fill in the online form

It is not possible to get a US Tourist visa online, but it is possible to fill in the application online. iVisa will soon be able to help you with that. The form is called a DS-160, and the fact that you can fill one online makes things easier. Once you submit it, you receive an application form confirmation page, and you need to print it out. Why? You will need it when you go for your interview.

Step two: pay the application fee

The application fee is $160. Depending on your personal case, you must pay it during the application or before your interview. You need the receipt when you go for your interview in the embassy or consulate. It is one of the required documents. Keep in mind that some nationalities must also pay an issuance fee when they receive their visa.

Step three: schedule your interview

When you have your confirmation page, you are free to schedule an interview with a consular officer. It is preferable to do so at the US embassy in your country of origin. It is possible to have your interview at the US embassy in another state, but that complicates things a bit. When a date is set, make sure that you prepare.

Step four: go to your interview

At the date and hour of your interview, make sure to arrive with your required documents. You must bring the following:

The paper that confirms your meeting
A letter in which you describe the purpose of your trip to the US
Proof of sustenance once in the US
Evidence that you have strong ties in your country of origin (family, job, etc.)
An invitation letter from a friend in the US (optional but helpful)
Criminal record

Additional documents may be necessary to meet requirements:

Documents relevant to your previous visit in the US if that is the case
Diploma or transcript if you are a student
A letter from your employer and the payslips for the last three months if you have a job
A letter from a company in the US that states the purpose of your visit if you travel for business
Documents belonging to your family or friends if you plan on visiting them
Letter from your doctor about your illness and treatment if you travel for medical purposes

Once you are at your interview, the consular officer will ask you a series of questions to which you need to give an honest answer. When the interview is over, the consular officer will take his or her notes, and your visa will be granted or denied in a few weeks, depending on the season and how busy the embassy office is at the time.

As you can see, the US tourist visa requirements (B1/B2) are nothing out of the ordinary. However, you should still study them carefully to understand the legal nuances of entering the country as a tourist. The lists may be longer than for other visas, but you have to admit that there is nothing on that list that is challenging to obtain compared to visas foreign citizens must apply for in other countries.

Where can I read more?

For a better resolution click here and start talking to one of our customer service representatives. Alternatively, you can find more info and FAQs here.

We are improving our B1/B2 application process to make sure it is up to date with the current US visa policy. We will make this product available again soon. In the mean time, below you will find useful information to keep in mind for your US visa application.