United StatesVisits and short stays

US tourist visa (B-2): requirements and how to apply

B-2 visitor visa (tourism)

In short

The B-2 visa covers tourism, holidays and visits to friends and relatives in the United States. You need it if your nationality is not in the Visa Waiver Program or you cannot use ESTA. You apply with the DS-160, pay $185 and normally attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. CBP sets the length of stay at entry, usually up to 6 months.

checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
Validity
Validity and number of entries follow the reciprocity schedule for your nationality
Fee
US$185Non-petition nonimmigrant visa application fee (22 CFR 22.1); non-refundable
Processing time
Interview wait times vary; most visas are decided at or shortly after the interview unless administrative processing is needed
Work
No employment; B-1 allows only business activities such as meetings and negotiations
Family
Each family member applies with their own DS-160 and fee
Path to permanent residence
None; visitors must intend to leave
Where to apply
A U.S. embassy or consulate, normally in your country of nationality or residence, booked through the official appointment service it names

Who qualifies

B-2 is for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, rest, and social events, as well as short recreational courses. You must show a temporary purpose, enough money for the trip, and a residence abroad you intend to return to; consular officers presume immigrant intent until you show otherwise. Study for credit, employment and arriving to give birth for citizenship purposes are not permitted purposes.

Evidence for the interview

Only the passport, one photo and the DS-160 page are mandatory, but you may bring anything that supports your case: proof of employment and income, bank statements, property or business ownership, enrolment for students, and a travel plan. Officers mainly assess your answers, so be ready to explain the purpose, duration, who pays and your life at home.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for travel (CBP’s six-month rule applies to most nationalities; check the current bulletin)
  • One colour photo, 5 × 5 cm, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses

Other

  • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Travel

  • Rough travel plan and, if visiting someone, their invitation and status

Money

  • Evidence of funds and ties to your home country: bank statements, employment letter, tax records, property deeds

How to apply

Fill in the DS-160, then create a profile on the official appointment service of the US embassy or consulate where you apply, pay the fee and book the interview. Applicants are expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence. The barcode on your DS-160 must match the one in the appointment system. Your passport with the visa is returned through the delivery option you chose when booking.

  1. Complete the DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov and print the barcode confirmation page.
  2. Create a profile on the official appointment service of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply and pay the $185 visa fee.
  3. Gather evidence of your job, income, savings and family ties at home.
  4. Book the interview, choose a document delivery option and print the appointment letter.
  5. Attend the interview with your passport, photo, DS-160 page and supporting documents.
  6. If approved, collect your passport with the visa through the chosen delivery option; do not book travel before then.

Forms

Interview waiver for renewals

You may be able to renew without an interview if your previous B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visa had full validity, expired no more than 12 months ago, was issued when you were at least 18, you apply in your country of nationality or residence, have never been refused (unless overcome) and have no apparent ineligibility. The appointment system asks screening questions; qualifying passports are mailed in and take about 4 to 6 weeks.

At entry and during your stay

CBP decides admission and records the permitted stay on your electronic I-94, which you can check online. Overstaying can void the visa and lead to bars on returning. To stay longer for a legitimate reason, file Form I-539 with USCIS before the I-94 date ($470 on paper, $420 online).

Refusals under section 214(b)

Most visitor refusals are under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act: the officer was not convinced you have strong enough ties to return or that your purpose fits the visa. There is no appeal; you can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee when your circumstances have changed or you can present them more clearly. Fees are non-refundable.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B-2 visa?

CBP decides at entry and records it on your I-94; visitors are usually admitted for up to 6 months. The visa’s validity is separate from the permitted stay.

Is there a minimum bank balance for a US tourist visa?

No fixed amount is published. You must show you can pay for the trip and that your finances and ties make your return credible.

Can I book the appointment in a different country?

The appointment should be at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence or nationality. A fee paid for one country cannot be used to book in another.

Do my social media accounts matter?

The DS-160 asks for social media identifiers used in the last five years. For F, M, J, H-1B and several other categories, applicants are also told to set their accounts to public for vetting.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United States

Visits and short stays

  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP; an extension can be requested with Form I-539 if treatment continues
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Immediate and continuous transit only; never more than 29 days

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Admission normally for up to 2 years at a time, renewable while the business qualifies

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: From 15 September 2026: the programme end date, up to 4 years, plus a 30-day departure period; longer study needs an extension from USCIS
  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Length of the programme, up to 5 years
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Interns up to 12 months; trainees up to 18 months (12 months in agriculture and hospitality and tourism)
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: 12 months, extendable by 6, 9 or 12 months with State Department approval

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years in total
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Initial stay up to 3 years (1 year for a new office); total 7 years for L-1A and 5 for L-1B
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years initially; extensions in 1-year increments
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Period of the certified need, usually up to 1 year, extendable to a 3-year maximum

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: K-1: 90 days to marry; CR-1: 2-year conditional green card; IR-1: 10-year green card
  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Immediate relatives: no queue after petition approval; preference categories: years, depending on the Visa Bulletin

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

United States visa guide