US Tourist Visa: Fees, Eligibility, Application Process

The article was updated on November 20, 2025

A US Tourist Visa is officially known as a B-2 Visa. It is a non-immigrant visa granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit the United States temporarily for tourism, visiting family and friends, attending social events, family gatherings, or for medical treatment.

The B-2 visa is issued for up to 10 years, and you can visit the country multiple times during this period.

However, you cannot stay for more than 6 months per visit. In some cases, it can be extended by another six months.

Eligibility Criteria for Getting a US Tourist Visa

To be eligible for a US tourist visa, you must prove the following to the immigration authorities:

• The purpose of your visit is purely tourism, visiting family/friends, attending social events, or medical treatment.
• Your stay is for a temporary period, and you intend to return to your home country.
• You have the financial means to pay for your expenses during your stay in the US.
• You have strong family ties back home that will ensure you return home after visiting the country.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa

Here’s a breakdown of the US tourist visa application process:

Step 1: Complete the B-2 visa application form

Complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application form (DS-160 form) by following the specified guidelines. Make sure all the information is correct, as you cannot make any changes after submitting the form.

If you have been denied a visa earlier, you need to submit a new DS-160 form.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the B-2 visa application fee, which is non-refundable. Keep the payment receipt as you will need this while booking your visa appointment.

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment

You need to schedule two appointments online – one at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for fingerprints and photos and one at the US Embassy or Consulate for the visa interview.  For scheduling the interview, you will need the passport number, visa fee receipt, and barcode number of the DS-160 form confirmation page.

Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre or visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives can carry the required documents for them.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview   

Carry all the required documents for the visa interview.

Step 5: Visa Processing

If your application gets approved, you will receive an email and SMS. Collect your passport and visa from the selected pickup location.

Documents Required for a US Tourist Visa

The list of documents required for a B-2 visa application is:

• Print out of your DS-160 form confirmation page, which you will receive after submitting the non-immigrant visa application form online.
• A valid passport that must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
• If there is more than one person included in your passport, they must apply for a visa individually.
• Recent photographs as per US visa photo specifications.
• Visa appointment confirmation page or appointment letter.
• Payment receipt of visa application fee.
• Proof of financial ability to cover the costs of your trip, such as bank statements, income tax returns, or pay slips.
• An invitation letter from your host if you are visiting your family or friends.
• Travel itinerary.

Fees for a US Tourist Visa

Currently, a B-2 visa costs $185. However, from 2026, a new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will be added for most non-immigrant visa categories.

The Visa Integrity Fee may be refunded under certain conditions. If you leave the country within 5 days after your visa expires or you legally extend your stay, or you become a green card holder, then the fee will be refunded.

However, the visa application fee is non-refundable.

US Tourist Visa Waiver Program

The US Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business without a visa and stay for up to 90 days. However, they must have an electronic passport and approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before travelling to the US.

Currently, the following countries are in the US Visa Waiver Program:

Conclusion

The US offers various types of visas based on the purpose of your travel. If you are visiting for tourism or medical purposes, you need to apply for a B-2 visa. While applying for the visa, you should know the Dos and Don’ts to avoid rejection.

US Tourist Visa -FAQs

Also See

• US Tourism Statistics 
• US Citizens Will Require ETIAS To Travel To Europe From 2021 Onwards