US tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

US tourist visa requirements are clear and detailed. US visa application is a multi-step process. The first step of the application process is to fill DS-160 form online. The second step is to schedule the visa interview appointment. This step involves paying the visa fee, picking the location and date of your visa interview.

Visa interview is mandatory so it can be intimidating for some. If you have a genuine reason to visit the US along with relevant data and documentation, the odds of visa approval are high.

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US TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity required to enter the United States

Passport must be valid only for the intended period of stay

NOTE
A few countries are required to have their passport valid for 6 months beyond the intended period of stay. For more information, refer to six-month club update on U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

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Visa EXEMPT passport holders

180-day entry

1. Bermuda (British Territory)
2. Canada

90-day entry

• Entry allowed under Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
• Must hold a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval
• Must hold an e-passport with an embedded electronic chip
• Extensions are not permitted
• Nationals who have been to Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen are not eligible. Must apply for a visa.
• Nationals who are also citizens of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria are not eligible. Must apply for a visa.

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Chile
7. Czech Republic
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Ireland
17. Italy
18. Japan
19. Latvia
20. Liechtenstein
21. Lithuania
22. Luxembourg
23. Malta
24. Monaco
25. Netherlands
26. New Zealand
27. Norway
28. Poland
29. Portugal
30. San Marino
31. Singapore
32. Slovakia
33. Slovenia
34. South Korea
35. Spain
36. Sweden
37. Switzerland
38. Taiwan
39. United Kingdom

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Visa REQUIRED passport holders

180-day entry

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Angola
5. Antigua and Barbuda
6. Argentina
7. Armenia
8. Aruba
9. Azerbaijan
10. Bahamas
11. Bahrain
12. Bangladesh
13. Barbados
14. Belarus
15. Belize
16. Benin
17. Bhutan
18. Bolivia
19. Bosnia and Herzegovina
20. Botswana
21. Brazil
22. Bulgaria
23. Burkina Faso
24. Burundi
25. Cape Verde
26. Cambodia
27. Cameroon
28. The Central African Republic
29. Chad
30. China
31. Colombia
32. Comoros
33. Congo, Dem Rep of
34. Congo, Rep of
35. Costa Rica
36. Cote d’Ivoire
37. Croatia
38. Cuba
39. Curacao
40. Cyprus
41. Djibouti
42. Dominica
43. Dominican Republic
44. Ecuador
45. Egypt
46. El Salvador
47. Equatorial Guinea
48. Eritrea
49. Ethiopia
50. Fiji
51. Gabon
52. The Gambia
53. Georgia
54. Ghana
55. Grenada
56. Guatemala
57. Guinea
58. Guinea-Bissau
59. Guyana
60. Haiti
61. Holy See
62. Honduras
63. Hong Kong
64. India
65. Indonesia
66. Iran
67. Iraq
68. Israel
69. Jamaica
70. Jordan
71. Kazakhstan
72. Kenya
73. Kiribati
74. Kosovo
75. Kuwait
76. Kyrgyzstan
77. Laos
78. Lebanon
79. Lesotho
80. Liberia
81. Libya
82. Macau
83. Macedonia
84. Madagascar
85. Malawi
86. Malaysia
87. Maldives
88. Mali
89. Marshall Islands
90. Mauritania
91. Mauritius
92. Mexico
93. Micronesia
94. Moldova
95. Mongolia
96. Montenegro
97. Morocco
98. Mozambique
99. Myanmar
100. Namibia
101. Nauru
102. Nepal
103. Nicaragua
104. Niger
105. Nigeria
106. North Korea
107. Oman
108. Pakistan
109. Palau
110. Palestinian Territories
111. Panama
112. Papua New Guinea
113. Paraguay
114. Peru
115. Philippines
116. Qatar
117. Romania
118. Russia
119. Rwanda
120. Samoa
121. Sao Tome and Principe
122. Saudi Arabia
123. Senegal
124. Serbia
125. Seychelles
126. Sierra Leone
127. Solomon Islands
128. Somalia
129. South Africa
130. South Sudan
131. Sri Lanka
132. St Kitts and Nevis
133. St Lucia
134. St Vincent and the Grenadines
135. Sudan
136. Suriname
137. Swaziland
138. Syria
139. Tajikistan
140. Tanzania
141. Thailand
142. Timor-Leste
143. Togo
144. Tonga
145. Trinidad and Tobago
146. Tunisia
147. Turkey
148. Turkmenistan
149. Tuvalu
150. Uganda
151. Ukraine
152. United Arab Emirates
153. Uruguay
154. Uzbekistan
155. Vanuatu
156. Venezuela
157. Vietnam
158. Yemen
159. Zambia
160. Zimbabwe

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US TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

Validity of US tourist visa

The validity of US visas depends on the country of passport. US tourist visas are usually issued for 1 year, 5 years or 10 years.

Example: The B1/B2 or B2 visas for Afghanistan passport holders are valid for 1 year only. Whereas, for Bangladesh passport holders, the B1/B2 visas are valid for 5 years. For Indian passport holders, B1/B2 visas are valid for 10 years.

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When to apply for US tourist visa

You can apply for US tourist visa as early as you can. Unlike, other country visas, US visa can be applied as early as you. I have seen some readers apply as much as 1 year in advance.

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How long can your stay in the US

The US tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the US. But if you stay that long continuously in the US on a tourist visa, you will have trouble entering the US again. You may be questioned on your purpose of visit.

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US tourist visa processing time

Unlike other country visas, US visa has no processing time. Meaning, the visa officer will tell your visa result at the end of your interview. You will be able to pick up or receive your passport within 3-10 business days from your interview day.

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Application procedure

The US visa application is a 4 step process

1. Fill DS-160 form online
2. Schedule US visa appointment
   1. Pay visa fee
   2. Schedule fingerprints and photo appointment
   3. Schedule visa interview appointment
3. Attend US visa interview
   1. Preparation
   2. Planning
   3. Documentation
   4. Interview Procedure
   5. Dos and Don’ts of the Appointment
   6. Dos and Don’ts of the Interview
   7. Interview Questions and Answers
   8. Visa Result
4. Pick up Passport

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1. Fill DS-160 form online

The first step in the US visa application process is to fill DS-160 form online. It is a lengthy form, so it can take a few days to complete. You would need to gather and compile a lot of information for the form.

I recommend starting your application process as early as possible.

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2. Schedule US visa appointment

The second step in the visa application process is to schedule US visa appointment. This involves paying the visa fee, selecting the location and date of your interview.

Depending on the country where you would like to attend your visa interview, you would need to schedule one or two appointments. Some countries require an additional appointment for fingerprints and photo.

The website and the procedure to schedule US visa appointment is different in different countries.

If you are attending your US visa interview in Asia, Central America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle east, you must schedule your appointment on the US Travel Docs website.

If you plan to attend your US visa interview in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East, you must schedule your appointment on the US Visa Information and Appointment System.

2.1. Pay US tourist visa fee

The US visa application fee is $160 payable in US dollars or local currency (in Asia only). You can pay your visa fee in various ways, such as cash at a local bank, electronic fund transfer or using a credit card.

2.2. Schedule fingerprints and photo appointment

Certain countries such as Mexico requires an additional appointment for fingerprints and photo. You will be prompted to make this additional appointment as part of your visa interview appointment.

2.3. Schedule visa interview appointment

Available dates and times for your visa type are displayed on the screen. Pick the date and time that works best for you.

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3. Attend US visa interview

Attending US visa interview is a feat in itself. The high-security US embassy and the intimidating visa officers can make the entire process daunting and overwhelming.

But if you break the interview process into smaller steps and tackle them individually, it can be less stressful. Let’s look at these steps individually in detail.

3.1. Preparation

• Go over your DS-160 to familiarize with the information you have entered. You may be asked the same questions in the interview. You must not contradict your own answers.
• Go over the top 5 US interview questions and answers. Sit and answer all of those questions. Make a note of them if you have to.
• Write down any other questions on your purpose, industry, etc and prepare them as well.

3.2. Planning

• Gather the documentation that you would need to carry
• Print any documentation that needs to be printed
• Organize your documentation in an easily retrievable format
• Familiarize with directions and transportation options to the embassy
• Wash, iron and have your interview clothes ready

PRO TIP
Use a compartment folder to sort and organize your documentation. Label the compartments if you have to it.

3.3. Documents required

 Mandatory Documentation

• Current Original Passport
• All old passports (especially those with old US visas)
• Interview Appointment Confirmation Print
• Your DS-160 Confirmation Print
• Visa Fee Receipt (if the fee was paid at a local bank in person)
• Recent Passport Size Photo (white background only)
• Additional Photo ID (required to gain access into the embassy)

 Additional Documentation

• Employment Proofs (if employed)
  • Employment Letter
  • Leave Approval Letter
  • Recent 3 Months Payslips
• Student Proofs (if student)
  • Student ID
  • Letter from the university
  • Fee receipts
  • Recent results, transcripts or diplamas
• Business Proofs (if business owner)
  • Business Registration
  • Annual Reports
  • Annual Income Statements
  • Tax Returns
• Sponsor Documentation (if sponsored)
  • Sponsor’s ID copy
  • Sponsor’s Employment Proofs
• Purpose of Travel
  • Conference tickets
  • Wedding invitations
  • Training Confirmations
  • Detailed Itinerary
• Recent 6 Months Bank Statements

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
I was not asked to show any documentation at all during my US B1/B2 visa interview. I did take my bank statements, my payment receipts of the conference I was attending, my business cards as a blogger and travel writer.

3.4. Appointment Procedure

The interview procedure varies slightly from location to location. This 10 step procedure gives you an overall idea on what to expect.

1. Arrive at the embassy
2. Present your appointment confirmation at the gate
3. Go through the security
4. Deposit your ID proof
5. Deposit your cell phone and keys
6. Stand in the line for fingerprints and photo
7. Give your fingerprints and photo
8. Stand in the line for the interview
9. Give your interview
10. Find out your visa result

3.5. Dos and Don’ts of the Appointment

• Arrive on Time: The time of your appointment is the time to arrive at the gate of the embassy. It is NOT the time of your actual interview. You must arrive not more than 15 min before your appointment time. Otherwise, you will be sent back and asked to arrive at your appointment time.
• No Electronics: Only a cellphone and keyfob are allowed into the embassy. Any other electronics such as tablets, laptops, etc. are not allowed into the embassy and you will be sent back.
• No Bags: Backpacks and luggage are not allowed into the embassy. The embassy will not store any bags and you will be sent back.
• No Non-permitted Items: Non-permitted items such as cigarettes, lighter, sharp objects, food items, etc are not allowed. You will have to discard them or you will be sent back.
• Carry Documents: You can only carry documents in a see-through folder or plastic bag.

3.6. Dos and Don’ts of the Interview

• Be honest: Visa officers are very well trained and have years of experience. They see thousands of applicants in their careers. They can easily spot lies and manipulative answers. Be honest in your answers.
• Be confident: Stand straight. Be loud and clear. Ask the visa officer to repeat the question if you did not understand. Don’t change your answers if you are asked to repeat.
• Don’t show desperation: Don’t show any signs of desperation. Visa officers are very well trained and have years of experience. They can easily spot desperation.
• Say only what’s needed: Answer only with the information needed. Say what is needed, nothing else. Any extra information can lead to unnecessary questions that you may not have answers for.
• Be fluent in your English: This is a tricky one. Visa officers will not have much time and they can be impatient at times. If your answers are not clear and difficult to understand, it can impact your visa result. Improve your English speaking skills. Get rid of any accent if you have.
• Carry all relevant documentation: Make sure you have all the documentation with you. There should not be a situation where you don’t have a document that you are asked to present.
• Organize your documentation: Organize your documents in a smart way, so you can retrieve them right away when asked. Shuffling through the documents, taking too long to retrieve a document, mishandling documents can affect your visa result.
• Dress appropriately: Dressing appropriately makes you presentable. It boosts your confidence as well.
• Choose your visa officer: Last but not the least. If you have the opportunity to choose your visa officer, go to a visa officer who looks friendly and close to the same age as yours.

3.7. US tourist visa interview questions

During the US B1/B2 visa interview, you will be asked a few questions. These questions can be the same as what you already have in your DS-160 or completely different.

Here are the top 5 US visa interview questions.

• Why do you want to go to the US?
• How long do you plan to stay in the US?
• Have you been to the US before?
• Have you been to other countries?
• What do you do for a living?

Each above question can lead to many other questions depending on your answers. For example, “what do you do for a living” can lead to questions such as how long you have been working, how much money you make, etc.

3.8. Visa Result

You will be told the result of the visa at the end of the interview. Therefore, at the end of the interview, you will know whether your visa is approved or denied or needs additional information.

If approved, you will be told that your visa is approved. You will be given a sheet of paper with instructions on how to pick up your passport or when to expect the delivery.

If denied, you will be told that your visa is denied. Your passport and documentation will be returned back to you. You will also be given a sheet of paper marking the section under which your visa application was denied.

If the visa officer needs additional information, you will be given a sheet of paper with details and the steps to continue from there.

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4. Pick up Passport

If your visa is approved, your passport will be ready for pick up within 3-10 working days. You will be notified via email or SMS that your passport is ready for pickup.

If you have requested for your passport to be delivered, you will be notified via email or SMS when the passport is dispatched. You should receive it in 3-10 working days.

After you pick up or receive your passport, verify your visa for any discrepancy. If you see any discrepancy, contact the consulate/embassy immediately.

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ENTERING AND LEAVING THE US

Entering the US by air

Port of entry in the US airports usually have two lines for arriving passengers. One for citizens and permanent residents and the other for visitors. You will go and stand in the visitor’s line. When your turn comes, you will be sent to either an automated kiosk or to an immigration officer.

If you are sent to an automated kiosk, just follow the instructions on the screen. You will scan your visa page and your details will appear on the screen. Review the details. Go through the steps and print your receipt.

Once you print your receipt, proceed towards an immigration officer. Present your passport and receipt.

You may be asked a few questions. Your passport will then be stamped with appropriate visa type and the date until which you can remain in the US. Your passport and receipt will be returned back to you.

If you are sent to an immigration officer instead of an automated kiosk, just present your passport, boarding pass and completed customs form.

You may be asked a few questions. Your passport will then be stamped with appropriate visa type and the date until which you can remain in the US. Your passport, boarding pass, customs form will be returned back to you. You will also be given a receipt.

Verify the stamp, visa type and date immediately for any discrepancy.

As always, carry a print of your return/onward flight ticket and hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket for proof of onward ticket.

After you finish your immigration procedure, walk to your baggage claim carousel. Pick up your bags and head to the exit.

Before the exit, you will go through the customs screening. You will have to present the customs form or receipt that you received at the immigration. The customs officer will then indicate whether you can just walk out or scan your baggage.

If you are asked to scan your baggage, continue to the baggage scanning area and put all your baggage on the scanner conveyer belt. Pick up your bags after the scan and walk towards the exit.

Have a great time in the US!

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Leaving the US by air

Unlike many other countries, the US does not have an exit passport control. There will not be any immigration check while exiting the US.

The departing airline will notify your exit details to the US Customs and Border Protection. You can check your history of US entry/exit dates on the US Visitor’s I-94 Website.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to apply for US tourist visa?

You can apply for US tourist visa by first completing the DS-160 form online. The US tourist visa application is a 4 step process.

1. Fill DS-160 form online
2. Make the visa fee payment
3. Schedule visa appointment
4. Pick up passport

The DS-160 form can take several days for you to complete as it needs a lot of information. The current US visa fee is $160 USD, which you can pay by cash at a local bank, electronic fund transfer or using a credit card. Depending on the country, you would need to set up one or two visa appointments. Countries such as Mexico requires an additional appointment for fingerprints and photo.

You will know your visa result at the end of the interview. You can then pick up your passport in 3-10 working days.

How much is the US visa application fee?

US visa application fee is $160 USD. This is fee is payable in local currency (in Asia) or in USD (rest of the world).

What is the US visa processing time?

US visa result is immediate. You will be told the visa result at the end of your visa interview.

That being said, the entire process beginning from DS-160 to receiving your passport can take several weeks. Apply for your visa as early as possible.

What are the documents required for US visa?

You would need to carry the following mandatory documents for your US visa interview.

• Current Original Passport
• All Old Passport (especially those with US visas)
• Interivew Appointment Confirmation Print
• The DS-160 Confirmation Print
• Visa Fee Receipt (if the fee was paid at a local bank in person)
• Additional Passport Size Photo
• Additional Photo ID

Along with the above mandatory documents, you can also carry other documents that support your case such as employment proofs, financial proofs, etc.

What are some of the US visa interview questions and answers?

During the interview, visa officers typically ask questions related to your purpose of travel, itinerary, ties with your home country, etc. Some of these questions can be from your DS-160 or completely different.

Here are the top 5 US visa interview questions and answers

Q1. Why do you want to go to the US?
You can talk about whether you are visiting the US for tourism or business. If for tourism, talk about the places you plan to visit and why. If for business, talk about the meetings or conferences you plan to attend or the people you plan to meet.

Q2. How long do you plan to stay in the US?
Mention the total days of your itinerary. Make sure to keep the total between 10-20 days.

Q3. Have you been to the US before?
Mention whether you have been in the US before. If you did, also mention when and how long.

Q4. Have you been to other countries?
Mention all the countries you have been to. Start with the countries that require visas such as countries in Europe, Canada, Japan, etc.

Q5. What do you do for a living?
Mention your current employer, your role and title. You don’t have to mention the duration of your employment, duties or salary.

Each applicant’s situation is different. Therefore, each of these questions can lead to many other questions depending on your answers.

How long does it take to get the visa after the interview?

The visa result will be told right at the end of the interview. If your visa is approved, your passport will be ready for you to pick it up within 3-10 working days. You will be notified via email or SMS that your passport is ready for pickup.

If you have requested for your passport to be delivered, you will be notified via email or SMS when the passport is dispatched. You should receive it in 3-10 working days.

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SUMMARY

US tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the multi-step application process can be confusing for many.

A Visa interview is mandatory so it can be intimidating. If you have a genuine reason to travel along with relevant information and documentation, then you have nothing to worry about.

Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. I get a small commission if you click on them and make a booking or purchase, but at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support this blog.