Tourist Visa USA: Guide for Visitors 2025

A foreign national planning to travel to the United States for tourism will usually need a visitor visa unless exempt under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Tourism can include short stays for holidays, family visits or medical treatment. The primary visa route is the B-2 visitor visa, or in many cases the combined B-1/B-2 visa which also permits certain business-related travel.

What this article is about: This guide gives a detailed overview of U.S. tourist visas and related entry routes. It explains the B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas, the application process, required evidence, fees, and the key exemptions available under the VWP. It also sets out the special provisions for Canadian and Bermudian citizens, who benefit from distinct entry rules.

By understanding these options and their requirements, travellers can ensure compliance with U.S. immigration law before departure. Advisers supporting applicants will also find this a practical reference when guiding clients through the visitor visa process.

 

Section A: Visitor Visa for Tourism (B-2/B-1/B-2)

 

The B-2 visa is the principal nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals entering the U.S. for leisure, tourism or medical treatment. It is often issued in combination with the B-1 visa as a B-1/B-2, which allows both tourist and certain business activities under a single entry document. Consular posts frequently issue the B-1/B-2 as standard, offering flexibility where travel may combine business and personal reasons.

 

1. Definition and purpose

 

The B-2 visa is a temporary category intended for short visits that do not involve work or permanent residence. It covers tourism, family visits and medical care.

The combined B-1/B-2 visa extends this to permitted business travel such as meetings, negotiations or conferences alongside tourism.

Importantly, a visa only allows the holder to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission. It does not guarantee entry. The decision on admission and period of stay rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Visa validity, often years and for multiple entries, is distinct from the authorised period of stay which CBP sets at entry.

 

2. Permitted activities

 

• Take holidays in the U.S.
• Visit family and friends
• Receive medical treatment with documentation such as diagnosis, U.S. provider confirmation of treatment, costs and duration, and proof of funds
• Attend social events hosted by community or service organisations
• Take part in amateur cultural or sporting events without payment
• Enroll in short recreational courses not leading to a degree, for example a short cooking class

 

These visas do not allow employment, formal academic study or residence in the U.S. Breaching conditions can result in visa cancellation, removal and future inadmissibility.

 

3. Duration of stay and extensions

 

The period of stay granted under a B-2 or B-1/B-2 visa is typically up to six months, but the exact period is determined by a CBP officer at entry and recorded on the I-94 admission record.

Visitors who need more time may apply to extend their stay by filing Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applications should be submitted at least 45 days before the current stay expires and must show a valid reason for the extension, sufficient financial means to remain in the U.S. and an intention to return home after the visit. Approval is not automatic.

Overstaying can have severe consequences, including cancellation of future visas and re-entry bars. Under U.S. law, an overstay of more than 180 days but less than one year triggers a 3-year bar, and overstays of one year or more trigger a 10-year bar on re-entry.

You can read our extensive guide to Form I-539 here >>

You can read our extensive guide to the B2 Visa Extension here >>

 

Section A summary

 

The B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas allow short-term visits for tourism, family visits or medical care, with flexibility for business activities in the combined visa. Visitors must stay within permitted activities, comply with the authorised period of stay and follow USCIS procedures if an extension is required.

You can read our extensive guide to the B2 Visa here >>

You can read our extensive guide to the B1 B2 Visa here >>

 

Section B: Application Process

 

Applying for a U.S. visitor visa involves several formal steps overseen by the Department of State. The process combines online submission with in-person attendance at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Careful preparation is critical to avoid delays or refusal.

 

1. How to apply

 

The process begins with completing the DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is a mandatory form for all nonimmigrant categories, including the B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas. The DS-160 collects detailed personal, travel and security-related information, and applicants must upload a compliant digital photograph.

You can read our extensive guide to the DS160 Form here >>

Once submitted, applicants pay the application fee and schedule a visa interview at their local U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer assesses the application, verifies documents and asks questions about the purpose of travel. The officer decides whether the applicant qualifies under U.S. immigration law.

Some applicants are generally exempt from interviews: children under 14 and adults over 79. However, exemptions vary by embassy and some applicants may still be called to attend.

You can read our extensive guide to B2 Visa Interview Questions here >>

 

2. Fees and payment

 

The visa application fee for tourist visas is $185 (2025 rate). This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Payment methods depend on local embassy arrangements but usually include online or bank-based options.

In addition, some applicants may need to pay a visa issuance fee (reciprocity fee). This depends on nationality and is only payable if the visa is approved.

 

3. Required documentation

 

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay in the U.S.
• Confirmation page of the DS-160 form
• Visa application fee receipt
• A recent passport-style photograph (if not uploaded with the DS-160)
• Evidence of financial means to support the stay, such as bank statements or payslips
• Proof of strong ties to the home country, for example employment, family or property
• Travel itinerary, such as flights or hotel reservations, if available
• Evidence of the purpose of visit, such as letters from U.S. medical providers for treatment travel

 

Consular officers place particular emphasis on evidence of ties abroad. Demonstrating employment, family commitments or property ownership helps show that the applicant intends to return home after the visit.

 

Section B summary

 

The application process requires accurate completion of the DS-160 form, payment of fees and attendance at an interview with strong supporting evidence. Approval depends not only on meeting procedural requirements but also on convincing the consular officer of financial stability and clear intent to return home.

 

Section C: Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

 

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without obtaining a visitor visa. Instead, travellers must secure authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. This system streamlines short visits and reduces the need for consular appointments.

You can read our extensive guide to the Visa Waiver Program here >>

 

1. Overview and eligible countries

 

The VWP is available to nationals of more than 40 countries, primarily in Europe along with partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Participation is restricted to countries with low rates of overstays and strong security cooperation with the U.S.

Travellers under the VWP may visit the U.S. for up to 90 days. This period cannot be extended, and visitors must depart before their authorised stay expires. Those needing longer visits must apply for a B-2 or B-1/B-2 visa instead.

 

2. ESTA requirement

 

Before travelling under the VWP, individuals must obtain approval through ESTA, an online screening system managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ESTA checks applicants against security and immigration databases to identify risks.

Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before departure, although some are processed more quickly. Once approved, ESTA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is earlier, and allows multiple entries. However, no visit may exceed 90 days.

ESTA approval does not guarantee admission. The final decision on entry and length of stay is made by CBP officers at the port of entry.

You can read our extensive guide to ESTA here >>

 

3. Restrictions and limitations

 

• Maximum stay of 90 days, with no option to extend
• No change of status is permitted while in the U.S.
• Travellers with prior overstays or immigration violations are ineligible
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of, or have travelled to, certain designated countries such as Iran, Iraq, Syria or North Korea may be excluded
• A biometric, machine-readable passport from a participating country is required

 

Travellers who cannot meet these conditions must apply for a visitor visa instead.

 

Section C summary

 

The VWP provides a convenient route for short visits without a visa, provided the traveller is from an eligible country and secures ESTA approval in advance. While efficient, it imposes strict limits on length and purpose of stay and excludes certain categories of travellers. Anyone needing a longer visit or with a complex immigration history must apply for a visitor visa.

 

Section D: Special Cases (Canada & Bermuda)

 

While most foreign nationals need either a visitor visa or ESTA approval to travel to the U.S., citizens of Canada and Bermuda benefit from long-standing exemptions that simplify entry for tourism and short visits. These exemptions do not remove the need for inspection at the border and do not override grounds of inadmissibility.

 

1. Canadian citizens

 

Canadian citizens are generally exempt from nonimmigrant visa requirements when travelling to the U.S. for tourism, business meetings or short visits. In most cases, they can enter with just a valid Canadian passport.

Unlike travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries, Canadians do not need ESTA approval, regardless of whether they arrive by air, land or sea.

However, Canadians do require visas for certain categories, including:

• Employment or study in the U.S.
• Immigrant visas for permanent residence
• Specific nonimmigrant categories, such as K (fiancé(e)) and E (treaty trader/investor) visas

 

Even with exemptions, Canadians are still subject to CBP inspection at entry, and admissibility is determined case by case.

 

2. Bermudian citizens

 

Citizens of Bermuda also benefit from exemptions under U.S. law. They can usually enter the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 180 days, provided they present a valid Bermudian passport.

As with Canadians, Bermudians still require visas if seeking to work, study or immigrate. Specialist categories such as fiancé(e) or treaty investor visas must also be obtained through a consulate.

 

3. Exceptions and admissibility considerations

 

Although Canadians and Bermudians enjoy easier entry routes, visas remain necessary in the following situations:

• Travel for employment or study
• Applications for permanent residence
• Specialist nonimmigrant categories, such as K or E visas
• Cases involving past immigration violations or criminal records, which may trigger consular processing

 

Ultimately, both groups are still subject to U.S. immigration law at the border. The exemptions provide simplified travel but not an absolute right of entry.

 

Section D summary

 

Canadian and Bermudian citizens benefit from special entry rules that remove the need for a visitor visa for short stays. These exemptions offer convenience but are not unlimited. Visas are still required for work, study, immigration or specialist categories, and all travellers remain subject to inspection and admissibility checks by CBP.

 

FAQs

 

What is the difference between a B-2 visa and ESTA?

 

A B-2 visa is a formal visitor visa that allows entry for tourism, leisure or medical care. Stays are usually up to six months, and extensions may be possible by applying to USCIS. ESTA is electronic travel authorisation available only to nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries. It permits visits of up to 90 days, cannot be extended and cannot be converted into another immigration status.

 

How long can I stay in the U.S. on a tourist visa?

 

The authorised stay under a B-2 or B-1/B-2 visa is typically up to six months, but the exact period is set by a CBP officer at the port of entry and recorded on the I-94 admission record. Stays under ESTA are limited to 90 days and cannot be extended.

 

Can I extend my tourist visa once I’m in the U.S.?

 

Yes, B-2 visa holders may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539 with USCIS. Applications should be made at least 45 days before the authorised stay ends. Applicants must provide valid reasons, evidence of financial support and proof of intent to return home. ESTA users under the VWP cannot extend their stay or change status.

 

Do children need ESTA approval under the Visa Waiver Program?

Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA approval and a valid passport to enter the U.S. under the VWP.

 

Are medical treatments covered under the B-2 visa?

 

Yes. The B-2 visa permits entry for legitimate medical treatment. Applicants should provide evidence such as medical records, a letter from their home country physician, confirmation of treatment arrangements from a U.S. medical provider, details of anticipated costs and proof of funds to cover treatment and related expenses.

 

Conclusion

 

Tourism to the United States is regulated through clearly defined visa and entry systems. Most foreign nationals require a B-2 or B-1/B-2 visa for leisure, family visits or medical care. These visas typically allow stays of up to six months but carry strict limits on work and study.

For eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries, short-term travel is streamlined through ESTA, which allows up to 90 days without a visa but cannot be extended or converted into another status.

Canadian and Bermudian citizens enjoy separate statutory exemptions, enabling short visits without a tourist visa. However, visas remain necessary for work, study, immigration or certain specialist categories. Importantly, all travellers remain subject to CBP inspection and admissibility checks at the border.

Across all routes, compliance with entry conditions is vital. Overstaying can trigger multi-year re-entry bans under U.S. law. Choosing the correct pathway—visitor visa, ESTA under the VWP or nationality-based exemptions—and preparing the appropriate documentation helps ensure a lawful and smooth entry for tourism.

 

Glossary

 

B-2 Visa	A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for short-term tourism, leisure or medical visits.
B-1/B-2 Visa	A combined visa allowing both business (B-1) and tourism/medical (B-2) travel under one entry document.
DS-160	The mandatory online nonimmigrant visa application form for U.S. visitor visas.
ESTA	Electronic System for Travel Authorization used by Visa Waiver Program travellers.
I-94	The arrival/departure record issued by CBP showing authorised period of stay.
Form I-539	Application form to extend or change nonimmigrant status with USCIS.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)	A program allowing citizens of designated countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa, subject to ESTA approval.

 

Useful Links

 

NNU Immigration – US Visa Guide

U.S. Department of State – Visitor Visas

CBP – ESTA Application

USCIS – Form I-539 Extension

CBP – I-94 Admission Record