Visitor visa for United States: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwiseConditions and details
The passport must be valid to travel to the United States and, in principle, for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Country-specific agreements waive this validity extension; check whether an agreement applies to your passport. The visa, when required, and admission by CBP remain separate conditions.
Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signedConditions and details
Any person applying for a nonimmigrant visa completes the electronic form DS-160 and signs it by checking the “Sign Application” box. This signature binds the applicant to the accuracy of his or her statements, under penalty of perjury. Submission of the form remains mandatory even when the interview is waived. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 formConditions and details
Upload a photo meeting Department of State requirements during the DS-160 application. If the upload fails, bring a compliant printed photo to the interview. Also follow the instructions of the consular post.
Payment of the visa application processing fee, per personConditions and details
The consular fee schedule sets the processing fee for a nonimmigrant visa application not based on a petition at 185 USD per person, which includes the visitor visa. A issuance fee may be added depending on nationality, on a reciprocity basis.

Depending on your situation

Fingerprint scan, at the request of the consular officerConditions and details
Each applicant provides his or her fingerprints when the consular officer requires it. Applicants summoned to an interview provide biometric data used to authenticate their identity and verify their statements.
Supporting documents requested by the consular officer: intent to leave the United States at the end of the stay, right to enter another country afterward, funding for the trip and the returnConditions and details
The visitor visa is granted only if the consular officer is convinced that the applicant will leave the United States at the end of his or her temporary stay, that he or she will be able to enter another country afterward, and that sufficient financial arrangements cover the trip and the departure. The officer may require any document he or she deems necessary to establish this and examines all documents presented.
Police certificate (criminal record extract), if the consular officer has reason to believe that a record existsConditions and details
The applicant presents a certificate from the police authorities indicating what their records contain about him or her when the consular officer has reason to believe that a police file or criminal record exists.

Official fees

Visitor visa (B) — application processing fee, per person 185 USD

Steps

Check whether the nationality falls under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA authorization); if not, apply for a visitor visa, category B-2 for tourism.
Complete the DS-160 form online, upload the digital photo to it, and sign it electronically.
Pay the application fees and make an appointment for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of residence or nationality.
Appear for the interview with the requested supporting documents. Since 1 October 2025, it is generally required at any age, unless a limited waiver applies; follow the post's biometric instructions.
On arrival, submit to inspection by a CBP officer, who verifies admissibility and decides on admission.
Check online your I-94 arrival record, which shows the deadline of the authorized stay.
To stay longer, apply for an extension with form I-539, if possible at least 45 days before the deadline.

Where to apply

Online application form DS-160 of the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of the United States embassies.
Consular section of the United States embassy or consulate competent for the place of residence, for the interview and the issuance of the visa.
United States immigration services (USCIS): application for extension of stay by form I-539, online or by mail.

Good to know

Duration of admissionConditions and details
The regulation provides that a B-2 visitor is admitted for at least six months, even if they request less, unless an exception is approved on a case-by-case basis. The admission period may not exceed one year; extensions of no more than six months at a time may be granted.
Extension of stayConditions and details
An application to extend a B-2 visitor's stay is made with form I-539, accompanied by the original I-94. It explains the reason, the temporary nature of the extended stay, the arrangements made for departure, and the effects on employment and residence in the country of origin.
Meaning of the word “tourism” for the B-2 visaConditions and details
The visitor visa for pleasure covers recreational activities: tourism, leisure, visits to friends or family, rest, medical care, and activities of a social or associational nature. It does not allow obtaining a visa for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that the child has American nationality.
Possible bondIf departure at the end of the stay does not appear fully assured, the consular officer may require the posting of a bond in an amount sufficient to guarantee that departure.
Nonrefundable feesVisa application fees are neither refundable nor transferable.
Entry suspensions for 39 countriesConditions and details
Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and holders of travel documents of the Palestinian Authority. It targets persons who were outside the United States and without a valid visa on that date. The categories concerned and the exceptions vary by country; visas valid on the effective date are not revoked under this proclamation. Affected persons may file an application and appear for an interview, with no guarantee of issuance or admission.
Entry not guaranteedConditions and details
The visa does not guarantee entry: on arrival, the CBP officer verifies admissibility. A finding of inadmissibility may lead to removal proceedings, affect future entries, and cause the visa to be canceled.
Visa renewalConditions and details
Renewal follows the steps of a visitor visa application. An interview waiver may be possible for a B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 renewal within 12 months following the expiration of the previous visa, if that visa had been issued for its full period of validity when the holder was at least 18 years old. One must also file in one's country of nationality or habitual residence, have no visa refusal that has not been overcome, and present no apparent or potential ground of ineligibility. The officer may always require an interview.
Place of application and interview waiverConditions and details
For an interview waiver in this tourist path, file in the country of nationality or habitual residence and meet the other waiver criteria. An application in another country may be more difficult; consult the competent post before paying the fees or making an appointment.
Stay beyond the authorized periodStaying in the United States beyond the authorized period may result in a reentry ban or removal; it is recommended to request the extension at least 45 days before the deadline.

Nationalities covered

This procedure applies to 110 nationalities.

Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
China
Colombia
Comoros
Costa Rica
Cyprus
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Fiji
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Macao
Madagascar
Malaysia
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
North Korea
North Macedonia
Oman
Pakistan
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Seychelles
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Vietnam

Official links

Department of State — Visitor Visa (new tab) travel.state.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR § 22.1 « Schedule of fees » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR partie 41 « Visas: Documentation of Nonimmigrants » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 8 CFR § 214.2 (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
How to extend your nonimmigrant or tourist visa | USAGov (new tab) www.usa.gov
Visas - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Morocco - Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard! (new tab) ma.usembassy.gov
Department of State — Suspension of Visa Issuance (new tab) travel.state.gov
Admission into United States | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (new tab) www.cbp.gov
Department of State — Interview Waiver Update (new tab) travel.state.gov
Extend Your Stay | USCIS (new tab) www.uscis.gov
How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa | USAGov (new tab) www.usa.gov
DHS — U.S. Visa Waiver Program (42 countries); additional official sources: usa.gov, 8 CFR 212.1, USCIS pages, Proclamation 10998DHS — U.S. Visa Waiver Program (42 pays) ; compléments officiels : usa.gov, 8 CFR 212.1, fiches USCIS, Proclamation 10998 (new tab) www.dhs.gov

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