Planning a trip to the United States for tourism, visiting friends or family, or attending a short event? In most cases, you will need a US B1/B2 tourist visa. This guide explains the entire process step by step so you know exactly what to expect, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid the most common reasons for refusal.
What Is a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2)?
The US tourist visa is officially called the B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa. It is intended for short visits to the United States for purposes such as:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Attending conferences, business meetings, or events (B1)
- Medical treatment
- Short, unpaid courses or events (not full-time study)
The B1 category covers business visitors, while the B2 category covers tourists and visitors. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa.
Who Needs a US Tourist Visa?
You need a B1/B2 visa if you:
- Are not a citizen of a country in the US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
- Are from a Visa Waiver Program country but plan to stay longer than 90 days
- Are ineligible for ESTA due to previous overstays, refusals, or certain travel history
- Plan to visit for medical treatment, specific business, or non-tourism reasons that require B1/B2
If you're unsure, check the official website of the US embassy or consulate in your country to confirm whether you need a visa or can travel with ESTA.
Overview: US Tourist Visa Application Steps
The B1/B2 visa process usually includes the following stages:
- Determine your visa type and eligibility
- Complete the online DS-160 form
- Create a profile and pay the MRV (visa) fee
- Schedule your VAC (biometrics) and consular interview
- Prepare the required documents
- Attend the biometrics appointment (if required)
- Attend the visa interview at the embassy or consulate
- Wait for processing and receive your passport
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Purpose
Before you start, make sure that your purpose of travel fits the B1/B2 visa category. The consular officer must be convinced that:
- You will visit the US temporarily
- You have strong ties to your home country
- You can afford your trip and expenses
- You will respect US immigration laws and leave before your authorized stay ends
If your real intention is to work, immigrate, or study long-term, you should not apply for a B1/B2 visa.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the official online nonimmigrant visa application form. You must complete it accurately and honestly. To start the DS-160:
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website
- Select your country and the embassy/consulate where you will apply
- Create or note your DS-160 application ID and security question
You will be asked to provide:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, marital status, etc.)
- Passport information
- Home and mailing address
- Details of your travel plans (dates, destinations, contacts)
- Previous US travel history
- Employment, education, and family information
- Security and background questions
At the end of the form, you must upload a digital photo that meets US visa photo requirements. After submitting, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode—this is required for your interview.
Step 3: Pay the MRV Visa Fee
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is the non-refundable application fee. As of 2025, the standard MRV fee for a B1/B2 visa is around $185, but always check the exact amount and accepted payment methods on your local embassy or visa application center website.
In many countries, you must:
- Create an account on the official visa appointment website
- Link your DS-160 confirmation number
- Pay the MRV fee by bank transfer, online payment, or at designated payment locations
Keep the payment receipt—it's required to schedule your interview.
Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once the MRV fee is processed, you can schedule:
- A biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) – if required in your country
- An interview at the US embassy or consulate
Wait times vary by location and season. In busy periods, interview slots can be weeks or months away. Check visa appointment wait times as early as possible and choose an appointment that fits your travel plans.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documents
Document preparation is one of the most important parts of your application. You should organize:
Mandatory Documents
- Valid passport: At least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay in the US
- DS-160 confirmation page: With the barcode clearly visible
- Appointment confirmation letter: Showing the date and time of your interview
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Recent passport-size photo: If the online upload fails
Supporting Documents (Strongly Recommended)
- Proof of funds: Recent bank statements, salary slips, tax returns
- Employment proof: Employment letter, leave approval, contract
- Business ownership documents: Registration, tax documents, invoices (for self-employed)
- Property or asset documents: Land titles, home ownership, investments
- Family ties: Marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, etc.
- Travel itinerary: Flight reservations and hotel bookings (you don't need fully paid tickets at this stage)
- Invitation letter: If visiting friends or relatives, include their invitation letter and status in the US
- Medical documents: If visiting for treatment, include doctor letters and hospital estimates
While not all documents will be checked, having them ready strengthens your case and shows that you are a serious traveler.
Step 6: Biometrics Appointment (If Applicable)
In many countries, you'll first attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Center. There, your fingerprints and a photo will be taken. This visit is usually quick and does not involve an interview about your travel plans.
Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview
The visa interview is where the consular officer decides whether to approve or refuse your application. Here are practical tips:
- Arrive early and follow all security instructions
- Bring only your documents—electronics may not be allowed inside
- Dress neatly (business casual is enough)
- Answer questions clearly, honestly, and confidently
- Keep your answers short and to the point
Typical questions include:
- Why are you traveling to the US?
- How long will you stay?
- Who is paying for your trip?
- Where do you work and what do you do?
- Do you have family in the US?
- Have you traveled outside your country before?
The officer may look at your documents briefly but often decides based mainly on your answers and overall profile.
Step 8: Processing and Passport Return
After the interview, your application may be:
- Approved: Your passport is kept for visa stamping and returned via courier or pick-up
- Refused: You receive a refusal slip with the main reason (often under section 214(b))
- Put under Administrative Processing (221g): Additional checks are required, and processing may take longer
Once you receive your passport back, check the visa foil carefully:
- Your name and passport number
- Visa type (B1/B2)
- Validity dates (from/to)
- Number of entries (often multiple)
How Long Is the US Tourist Visa Valid?
Visa validity and allowed stay are different:
- Visa validity: Period when you are allowed to travel to the US (often 1–10 years, depending on your nationality and reciprocity rules)
- Length of stay: Decided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months per visit
The CBP officer stamps your passport and issues an electronic I-94 record showing your authorized stay period. You must leave the US on or before this date.
Common Reasons for US Tourist Visa Refusal
Most refusals happen under section 214(b), which means the officer was not convinced that you qualify as a genuine temporary visitor. Common reasons include:
1. Weak Ties to Home Country
Not having strong reasons to return home, such as stable employment, family, or property.
2. Insufficient Financial Capacity
Inability to demonstrate that you can afford your trip and expenses in the US.
3. Inconsistent or Unclear Answers
Giving answers that don't match your DS-160 or that sound rehearsed, confusing, or unrealistic.
4. Previous Immigration Violations
Past overstays, illegal work, or violations in the US or other countries.
5. Suspicious Travel Purpose
Not being able to clearly explain why you are traveling or giving a reason that does not match the B1/B2 visa category.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Approval
1. Be Honest and Consistent
Never provide false information or fake documents. Consistency across your DS-160, interview answers, and documents is essential.
2. Show Strong Home Country Ties
Highlight stable employment, business, studies, property, close family, or long-term plans in your home country.
3. Prepare, but Don’t Memorize
Think about your answers in advance, but avoid sounding like you're reciting a script. Speak naturally and confidently.
4. Keep Your Travel Plans Realistic
Make sure your itinerary, budget, and duration of stay make sense for your situation and income level.
5. Bring Organized Documents
Even if the officer doesn’t review everything, bringing a well-organized document file shows seriousness and preparation.
If Your US Tourist Visa Is Refused
A refusal is not the end of the road, but you should take it seriously:
- Read the refusal sheet carefully to understand the main reason
- There is usually no formal appeal for 214(b) refusals
- You can reapply at any time, but you should address the issues that led to the refusal
- Reapplying too quickly without changes in your situation often leads to another refusal
Final Checklist Before Your Interview
- âś” DS-160 completed and confirmation page printed
- âś” MRV fee paid and receipt saved
- âś” Interview appointment confirmed
- âś” Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your trip
- âś” Supporting financial and employment documents organized
- âś” Clear and honest explanation of your travel purpose
- âś” Realistic travel dates and itinerary
With the right preparation and a clear travel purpose, the US tourist visa process becomes much more manageable. Once your visa is approved, you can start planning your flights, hotels, and experiences across the United States.
Tip: After receiving your visa, always respect the length of stay given on your I-94 record. Overstaying even once can seriously damage your chances of getting visas in the future.
When you're ready to plan your trip, you can search and compare flights to the US in seconds and find the best options for your budget.