U.S. Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2): DS-160, Documents, Fee and Interview Guide

A U.S. B-2 visa is used for temporary tourism, holidays, visiting relatives or friends and certain medical treatment. A combined B-1/B-2 visa also covers limited temporary business-visitor activities. Travellers eligible for the Visa Waiver Program may use an approved ESTA instead for qualifying trips, but ESTA is not a visitor visa.

Quick answer: Most applicants complete Form DS-160, pay the non-refundable application fee, schedule the required appointment and attend an interview with supporting documents. The current application processing fee for a B visitor visa is US$185.

B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 explained

Classification	Typical temporary purpose
B-1	Permitted business-visitor activities such as qualifying meetings or negotiations
B-2	Tourism, family visits, holidays or qualifying medical treatment
B-1/B-2	Combined visitor visa covering permitted purposes in both categories

These visas do not authorise ordinary employment in the United States. Study leading to a degree, permanent residence and many paid activities require different immigration routes.

Core eligibility questions

Under U.S. immigration law, a consular officer evaluates whether the applicant qualifies as a temporary nonimmigrant visitor. The application should present a credible purpose, realistic trip duration, sufficient funding and circumstances supporting departure after the visit.

There is no official universal minimum bank balance. A short self-funded holiday, a sponsored family visit and medical travel involve different evidence. Consistency and credibility are more important than copying another applicant’s financial figure.

Step-by-step application process

1. Confirm that the B visitor category matches the real purpose.
2. Complete the DS-160 online and save the application ID.
3. Upload a compliant photograph and submit the form.
4. Print the DS-160 confirmation page.
5. Follow the embassy or consulate’s country-specific payment and scheduling instructions.
6. Pay the non-refundable fee and schedule appointments.
7. Prepare required and purpose-specific documents.
8. Attend the interview and provide fingerprints where applicable.

Applicants should generally schedule at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Applying elsewhere may make it harder to demonstrate qualifications and can involve different appointment policies.

Documents commonly needed

• passport valid for travel, normally for at least six months beyond the intended stay unless an exception applies;
• DS-160 confirmation page;
• application-fee receipt when required before interview;
• a compliant photograph if the online upload failed;
• trip purpose and itinerary evidence;
• evidence of who will pay and how costs will be covered;
• employment, business, study, family or property evidence relevant to return plans; and
• additional medical or business documents when applicable.

An invitation letter or Affidavit of Support is not automatically required for a routine tourist application and does not determine approval by itself. Submit documents that are relevant, truthful and consistent with the DS-160.

Preparing for the interview

Review the submitted DS-160 before the appointment. Be ready to explain the purpose, duration, funding and what requires you to return home. Give concise truthful answers. Do not memorise a script or provide a false answer because it sounds stronger.

Appointment wait times vary by location, season and visa category. Check the official wait-time tool and embassy instructions rather than paying an unauthorised agent who promises a guaranteed slot.

Visa validity is not authorised stay

The visa’s expiration date indicates when it may be presented for travel. A Customs and Border Protection officer decides whether to admit the traveller and the authorised period of stay, usually recorded electronically on Form I-94. Review our U.S. CBP and I-94 guide before departure.

Common mistakes and refusal risks

• selecting a visitor visa for intended work or full-time study;
• inconsistent answers between the DS-160 and interview;
• hiding previous refusals, overstays, arrests or relatives;
• using altered statements, false employment letters or fake reservations;
• providing a trip budget unrelated to the applicant’s financial circumstances; and
• assuming an invitation or sponsor guarantees approval.

If refused, read the legal basis provided. A new application generally requires a new form and fee, and should address relevant changed circumstances or missing evidence rather than repeat the same file.

After approval

Check the printed biographical details and visa classification. Do not make assumptions about entry or length of stay based only on visa validity. Carry the address, return plan and supporting documents in hand luggage, and use the visa only for a permitted purpose.

Travellers considering other destinations can compare our Canada visitor visa guide and UK visitor visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does a U.S. visitor visa guarantee entry?

No. It permits travel to a port of entry where CBP makes the admission decision.

Can I buy tickets before the interview?

The Department of State advises applicants not to make final travel plans or buy tickets until a visa is issued.

Can another person complete my DS-160?

Assistance is possible, but the applicant remains responsible for accurate answers and must follow the form’s rules on identifying anyone who helped.

Official sources

• U.S. Department of State — Visitor Visa
• U.S. Department of State — DS-160
• U.S. Department of State — Visa fees
• U.S. Department of State — Appointment wait times

GlobalVisora is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, DHS, CBP or any embassy. This article is general information, not legal advice or a visa guarantee.