How to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa (B1/B2)

The complete step-by-step guide on how to apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa (B1/B2) from 61 countries: Albania, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Mauritania, Mexico, North Macedonia, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Serbia, South Africa, Spain and Andorra, Suriname, Tanzania, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

• Fill out the DS-160 form online

• To complete the DS-160 upload a photo that meets the Photo Requirements. Here are some Photo Examples.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

• Create an account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com

• Add yourself as an applicant

• Pay the visa fee of $185 (non-refundable). Payment options may vary by country.

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Interview Appointment

• Sign in into your account at https://ais.usvisa-info.com

• Schedule your visa appointment

• Visa appointment wait times vary. Here are the official Visa Appointment Wait Times.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Required documents for a B1/B2 visa interview:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)

• DS-160 confirmation page

• Visa appointment confirmation

• Photo (printed)

Additional documents may be required for a B1/B2 visa interview

Documents that prove your ties to your home country, such as:

• Employment contracts

• Pension contributions

• Property ownership documents

• Marriage certificate

• Family records

Documents that prove your financial ability to cover travel expenses:

• Bank statements

Documents you can provide if you own a business:

• Business registration certificate

• Business bank statements

Documents not required for a B1/B2 visa interview:

• Letter of invitation

• Affidavit of support

• Flight or hotel reservations

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

Most applicants aged 14-79 are required to attend a visa interview.

• Bring the required documents

• When you enter the U.S. Embassy, you will go through security. Your belongings will be safely stored, and a visitor badge will be provided to you.

• Digital fingerprint scans (ink-free) will be taken.

• A consular officer will interview you. They will ask about your travel plans, finances, and intent to return home. Answer honestly and clearly.

• At the end of the interview, the consular officer will inform you if your visa is approved or refused.

Step 6: Receive Your B1/B2 Visa

• If your visa is approved, your passport with the B1/B2 visa will be returned to you within a few days.

If you follow this step-by-step guide, you will successfully apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa (B1/B2).