Obtaining a tourist visa to enter the USA

A tourist visa allows a foreign national to stay in the United States for a specific period of time.

For stays of less than 90 days: you don’t need to apply for a tourist visa if your country is a member of the Visa Waiver Program. You can apply for an electronic travel authorization in just a few minutes by clicking on ESTA online form.

What is an American tourist visa?

An American tourist visa is an official authorization for travel to destinations in the United States. A visa allows foreign travelers to enter the U.S. territory and stay there for a period specified in the visa.

What can I do in the USA on a tourist visa?

A tourist visa allows you to stay in the United States to carry out the following activities:

Sightseeing, visiting friends and family;
Getting medical treatment;
Take part in unpaid sporting or musical events;
Participate in friendly or social events.

However, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in the United States.

What are the criteria for obtaining a tourist visa?

The main requirements for obtaining a tourist visa to visit the USA are :

A temporary stay in the United States and proof of intention to return to your country of origin at the end of your stay;
Only carry out activities authorized by the B2 tourist visa;
Proof of sufficient financial means to stay in the USA.

How do I apply for a B2 visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa for the USA online at uscis.gov, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website. It comprises the following steps:

Complete the DS 160 online application form;
Pay the B2 visa fee to validate the application;
Make an appointment with the American consulate or embassy;
Gather supporting documents for the visa application ;
Pass the visa interview with an American consular officer.

The process for obtaining a tourist visa is longer and more complicated than for obtaining an ESTA.

How much does it cost to obtain a tourist visa?

For tourist visa applications, the online fee is US$185. The cost of the visa is therefore much higher than the cost of the ESTA.

How long does it take to obtain a tourist visa?

It takes at least a few weeks to process a visa application. This timeframe depends on the number of applications being processed by the U.S. consular authority in the applicant’s country of origin. The time required is therefore much longer than the time required to obtain an ESTA.

How long is a tourist visa valid?

The initial duration of a B2 tourist visa for the United States is 6 months. This represents twice the validity of the ESTA. To extend the duration of the visa, the visa holder must request an extension for a further 6 months. This extension request can only be made after 3 months and no later than 42 days before the visa expires.