The US tourist visa, officially known as the B2 visa, is for travelers seeking leisure, family visits or medical treatment in the US. While your stay in the States may be short term – this visa still comes with a rigorous application process. Consular officers don’t just check your paperwork; they assess whether you’re a legitimate visitor or a potential overstay risk. A well-prepared application, comprehensive supporting documents and a strong visa interview can mean the difference between an easy approval and a frustrating denial.

It’s also important to remember that a visa is not a guarantee of entry; Customs and Border Protection officers still have the final say on whether you will be admitted into the country.

This guide will break down everything you need to know about the US tourist visa, from eligibility requirements to tips on how to increase your chances of approval.

 

What is the US tourist visa?

 

If you’re a non-US national traveling to the United States for a holiday or to visit friends and relatives, you will need to apply for a US tourist visa if you are ineligible to travel visa-free under ESTA.

Generally, you will require a visa if you:

 

• Do not qualify under the Visa Waiver Program, for example, you are a national of a country which is not part of the VWP.
• Do not qualify for ESTA authorization, for if you have a criminal record.
• Are VWP eligible but you intend to visit for longer than 90 days.

 

If any of the above apply, you will need to be granted permission to travel to the US with the appropriate visa category.

 

What does the B-2 US tourist visa permit?

 

The B-2 is a nonimmigrant visa for those travelling to the US for reasons including:

 

• Tourism, pleasure or visiting.
• Undergoing medical treatment.
• Performing as an amateur entertainer or athlete, provided you will not be paid for so doing.
• Participating in social events hosted by fraternal, social or service organisations.
• Undertaking a short recreational course of study where your primary purpose of travel is still tourism.

 

If you are planning to travel to the United States for a different purpose that is not recreational in nature, for example, if it is business-related or to undertake temporary employment, the B-2 would not be appropriate and you would need to apply for a different category of visa.

For example, if you intend to work during your time in the US, you would need to apply for the relevant work visa.

 

US tourist visa requirements

 

When applying for a US tourist visa there are specific requirements that must be met under US immigration law. You must be able to demonstrate that:

 

• The purpose of your trip is to enter the US temporarily for tourism, pleasure or visiting.
• You have funds to cover expenses during your trip.
• You plan to remain for a specific limited period.
• You have a residence outside the US, as well as other sufficient, binding ties that will ensure your departure at the end of your visa period.

 

The primary requirement is to show that the visit is for a legitimate, temporary (‘non-immigrant’) purpose. Applicants must provide a detailed itinerary or an explanation of their travel plans, including places they intend to visit and activities they plan to engage in while in the US.

You will also need to show ties to your home country, as evidence that you have sufficient reason to return home after your temporary stay in the United States. This can include proof of employment, ownership of property, family connections, or enrolment in an educational institution. Strong ties to the home country help convince the consular officer that you do not intend to overstay your visa or immigrate illegally.

Financial stability is another important eligibility requirement for a US tourist visa. You have to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the United States. This can be proven through bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, or letters from employers indicating salary and employment status. If someone else is sponsoring the trip, such as a family member or friend, a letter of sponsorship and their sponsor’s financial documents must be provided.

You will also need a valid passport that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in the US.

 

How to apply for a US tourist visa

 

To apply for a US tourist visa you will need to file an application at a US Consular post in your country of residence. In the UK this would be either the US Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast.

You submit your application by:

 

• Completing the online non-immigrant visa application Form DS-160
• Uploading a photograph
• Scheduling a visa interview
• Paying a non-refundable MRV application fee, where required prior to interview
• Providing an ink-free digital fingerprint scan. You will receive instructions on when and where to do this.

 

Visa applicants aged between 14 and 79 will need to attend a pre-arranged, in-person interview, while applicants under 14 or 80 and over may be eligible to apply by courier. Your interview must be booked in advance.

During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about the information provided in your application form and about your planned activities while in the US to determine your eligibility for the US tourist visa. The B-2 visa interview generally lasts around 15 minutes.

You will need to bring the following documents to your interview:

 

Required Documents	Description
Form DS-160 Confirmation Page	A printout of the confirmation page from the completed DS-160 online visa application form
Appointment Confirmation	A printout of your visa interview appointment confirmation
Application Fee Payment Receipt	Proof of payment for the non-refundable visa application fee
Passport or Travel Document	A valid passport or travel document that must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US
Additional Supporting Documents
Proof of Trip Purpose	Documents such as a travel itinerary, tickets, or a letter from friends or family confirming your stay
Financial Evidence	Proof that you can cover all trip expenses or evidence that a sponsor will cover some or all costs
Intent to Depart the US	Evidence of residence, employment, or family ties abroad to demonstrate intent to return to your home country

 

It is important to stress this list is not exhaustive. As the documents you should take to your interview will be determined by your specific circumstances, it is best to take advice if you are unsure to avoid any issues or delays with your application processing.

 

 

How long is B2 visa processing?

 

In most cases, at the end of the interview, you should be told whether your visa application has been approved, denied or if further information is required for a decision to be made.

If your application for a US tourist visa is successful, it typically takes 3 – 5 workdays to process for the passport to be stamped and a further 2-3 days for the courier to deliver.

Processing times are subject to consular caseload and potential delays and disruption due to issues such as pandemic service restrictions. Take advice when making your application for the latest processing timeframes.

 

What is Administrative Processing?

 

If you have been told your application is subject to administrative processing, you can expect delays in a decision on your application. It can be difficult to estimate how long the administrative processing will be, as it can vary between applications and depending on the circumstances, but it can be a period of months or even years. Again, take advice if you have received notification of administrative processing to determine your best course of action.

 

Applying for a US Tourist Visa with a criminal record

 

If you fall within the scope of one of the inadmissibility or ineligibility grounds, for example, you have a criminal conviction, you may still be able to apply for a US visa with a supporting application for a waiver of inadmissibility. Each case will be taken on its own facts, as such it is recommended you take advice from an expert to understand the merits of your application and likely prospects of being successful.

If you have not already applied for a waiver based on a past conviction, you may be advised to do so during the interview. In this case, it can take around 8 months from the date of interview for a visa decision to be made.

 

Traveling for tourism and work

 

An individual on a US tourist visa is not permitted to perform gainful employment or carry out work while in the United States. However, if you want to enter the United States temporarily for a combination of both business-related activity and tourism, you can apply for a B-1/B-2 visa.

The B-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visitor visa for those travelling to the US temporarily to engage in business activities, such as attending a conference or seminar, or other legitimate activities of a commercial or professional nature.

As with a US tourist visa, however, a business visa will not generally allow for gainful employment or productive activity.

In practice, most B classification applications are processed as combination B1/B2 visas, but you should ensure this is the case if you intend to carry out both types of activity during your stay.

 

Once I have my US tourist visa, what happens next?

 

While a US tourist visa entitles the holder to travel to the US, it does not guarantee entry. US officials at the port of entry, such as the airport, have the right to allow or refuse admission to the United States.

You should therefore be prepared for questioning at border control and carry with you documentation in support of your reason for travel, as permitted by your visa.

Here are the key documents you should have with you when traveling:

 

Valid Passport with B2 Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US unless your country is exempt from this requirement. The B2 visa must be valid and unexpired at the time of entry.

 

Return Ticket or Proof of Departure

CBP officers often ask about your departure plans to ensure that you do not intend to overstay. A round-trip flight ticket or proof of onward travel can demonstrate that you plan to leave the US within the authorized period.

 

Proof of Accommodation

If you are staying in a hotel, bring a hotel reservation confirmation. If staying with friends or family, having a letter of invitation with their contact details and address can be helpful.

 

Evidence of Financial Means

You may be asked to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay. Carry bank statements, credit cards, or a letter from a sponsor who will cover your expenses if applicable.

 

Travel Itinerary

A detailed travel plan including flight details, hotel bookings, and scheduled activities can help demonstrate the purpose of your trip.

 

Letter from Employer or Proof of Ties to Your Home Country

To show that you intend to return home, bring a letter from your employer stating your job position and leave approval. If self-employed, proof of business ownership or ongoing work commitments can be useful. Property ownership, lease agreements, or family-related documents can also support your case.

 

Medical Documents (if applicable)

If you are traveling for medical treatment, bring doctor’s reports, appointment confirmations, and proof of funds to cover medical expenses.

 

Customs Declaration Form (if required)

If bringing larger amounts of cash, gifts or restricted items, be prepared to declare them on arrival using Form 6059B (Customs Declaration) or any required forms.

 

Need assistance?

 

You should always apply for a US tourist visa well in advance of your intended travel departure date and avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements until you are in receipt of your validated passport.

If you are unclear about any aspect of obtaining a US B-2 tourist visa, contact us for guidance on your specific circumstances.

 

US tourist visa FAQs

 

What is a US tourist visa?

A US tourist visa also known as a B2 visa allows foreign nationals to visit the US for tourism vacations medical treatment or visiting family and friends.

 

Who needs a US tourist visa?

Travelers from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program need a US tourist visa to enter the country for short-term visits.

 

How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?

A B2 visa typically allows stays of up to six months but the final decision is made by US Customs and Border Protection upon arrival.

 

Can I extend my stay on a US tourist visa?

You can apply for an extension by filing Form I-539 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services before your authorized stay expires.

 

Can I work in the US with a tourist visa?

A US tourist visa does not allow any form of employment or business activities that generate income from a US source.

 

Do I need an interview for a US tourist visa?

Most applicants between ages 14 and 79 must attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate as part of the application process.

 

What documents are required for a US tourist visa?

Typical documents include a valid passport a completed DS-160 form a visa appointment confirmation proof of financial means and a letter stating the purpose of travel.

 

How long does it take to get a US tourist visa?

Processing times vary by country and season but it generally takes a few weeks including the time to schedule an interview and receive a decision.

 

Can a US tourist visa be denied?

A visa may be denied for reasons such as incomplete documentation lack of strong ties to your home country or concerns about overstaying.

 

Can I visit family in the US on a tourist visa?

A B2 visa allows travel to the US to visit family members but you must demonstrate that you intend to return home after your visit.

 

Can I travel to the US multiple times on a tourist visa?

If your visa is valid you can enter the US multiple times but border officers will assess each visit to ensure compliance with visa rules.

 

What should I do if my US tourist visa is denied?

If denied you can review the reason provided by the consular officer correct any issues and reapply or explore other visa options depending on your situation.

 

Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
US Tourist Visa	A non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to visit the US for tourism medical treatment or visiting family
B2 Visa	A type of US visitor visa specifically for tourism leisure medical visits or family visits
Visa Waiver Program	A program that allows citizens of certain countries to visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa
DS-160 Form	The online application form required for all non-immigrant US visa applicants including tourist visas
Visa Interview	A mandatory in-person appointment at a US embassy or consulate where an officer determines visa eligibility
Visa Fee	The non-refundable payment required to process a US visa application
Passport Validity	A requirement that a traveler’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay in the US
Proof of Ties	Documents showing strong connections to the applicant’s home country such as employment property or family
Visa Approval	The decision granting an applicant a US tourist visa allowing them to travel to the country
Visa Denial	The refusal of a visa application often due to incomplete documentation weak ties to home country or ineligibility
Authorized Stay	The period a traveler is allowed to remain in the US determined by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry
Overstay	Remaining in the US beyond the permitted duration which can lead to penalties and future visa denials
Visa Extension	A formal request to extend a tourist visa stay beyond the initially approved duration by filing Form I-539
Multiple Entry Visa	A visa that allows the holder to enter and exit the US multiple times within the visa’s validity period
Consular Processing	The procedure of applying for a visa through a US embassy or consulate outside the US
CBP Officer	A Customs and Border Protection officer who determines a traveler’s eligibility to enter the US at a port of entry
Reapplication	The process of submitting a new visa application after a denial with updated or additional supporting documents