US · Application requirements

US Visa Requirements 2026

Travelers from countries without ESTA / Visa Waiver Program coverage who plan a temporary stay in the US for business (B1) or tourism (B2), typically up to six months.

Issued by U.S. Department of State · Last verified May 28, 2026 · Official source ↗

At a glance

Application fee

MRV (B1/B2 application): $185
Visa Integrity Fee (at issuance) *: $250

as of May 30, 2026 · details

Processing time

Interview wait: days – 12+ months
Visa printing after interview: ~1–2 weeks

details

Issuing authority

U.S. Department of State

Who needs a US Visa?

Travelers from countries without ESTA / Visa Waiver Program coverage who plan a temporary stay in the US for business (B1) or tourism (B2), typically up to six months.

Where to apply

Online via the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, then an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Interview-waiver (drop-box) is available for renewals within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, in the same category, applying in the country of nationality or residence.

Fees

MRV (B1/B2 application): $185
Visa Integrity Fee (at issuance) *: $250

$185 USD MRV (machine-readable visa) application fee, non-refundable. Petition-based categories cost more ($205 for H/L/O/P/Q/R; $315 for E). * The $250 USD Visa Integrity Fee was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 2025) but State Department implementation guidance is still rolling out as of May 2026 — the fee is NOT yet being uniformly collected at most posts. When fully in effect it will add to the MRV at visa issuance for most nonimmigrant categories. Verify with your specific embassy before paying.

Fees as of May 30, 2026. Confirm current amounts on the official source before paying.

What to bring

Documents and items you'll need at the appointment or with your application.

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity past your intended stay
Printed DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
Visa interview appointment letter
MRV fee receipt
One recent compliant 2×2 inch photo (also uploaded digitally in DS-160)
Supporting documents proving ties to home country (employment, family, finances)

Need the photo specs?

Exact size, head height, background, and what gets rejected.

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How long does it take?

Interview wait: days – 12+ months
Visa printing after interview: ~1–2 weeks

Interview wait times vary widely by post — a few days to over 12 months. After a successful interview, visa printing typically takes 1–2 weeks.

Times vary by location, season, and individual case. Always check the official source for the current backlog before you book travel.

Official source

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html

Last verified May 28, 2026

Verify before applying. We compile this from official government sources and re-verify regularly. Fees, processing times, and rules change without notice — always confirm current information on the official site before you apply or pay any fee.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about applying for a us visa.

How much does a US tourist visa cost? +

The Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) application fee for a B1/B2 tourist visa is $185 USD as of May 30, 2026 — non-refundable, paid before the interview. On approval, a separate $250 USD Visa Integrity Fee applies under the July 2025 law. Realistic total: ~$435. Petition-based categories cost more ($205 MRV for H/L/O/P/Q/R, $315 for E investor/treaty visas), plus the same $250 integrity fee.

What is the new Visa Integrity Fee? +

A $250 USD fee, mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 2025) and indexed annually to inflation. It applies to most nonimmigrant visa issuances on top of the MRV. It is collected at visa issuance (not application), so refused applicants do not pay it. State Department implementation guidance is rolling out gradually through 2026 — confirm with your post before paying.

How long does it take to get a US tourist visa? +

Interview wait times vary enormously by embassy — from a few days in low-demand posts to 12+ months in high-demand posts (Mumbai, Chennai, Mexico City have historically been slowest). Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html before booking travel. After a successful interview, the printed visa is mailed back in roughly 1–2 weeks.

Do I need a US visa from my country? +

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel for tourism or business stays under 90 days using ESTA instead of a B1/B2 visa. Citizens of non-VWP countries need a B1/B2 visa for any visit. Check the State Department's VWP country list to see which applies to you.

How long is a US B1/B2 visa valid? +

Validity is set per-country reciprocally — most countries get 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visas, but some get shorter validity (1–5 years) or single-entry. The visa itself sets the entry window; CBP at the port of entry decides how long you can stay (typically up to 6 months per entry, marked on your I-94).

What is the difference between B1 and B2 visas? +

B1 is for business visits — meetings, negotiations, conferences, consultations (no employment in the US). B2 is for tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. Most travelers receive a combined B1/B2 visa stamp, which covers both.

Do I have to do an in-person interview? +

For most first-time applicants, yes. Renewals within 12 months of the prior visa's expiration, in the same category, may qualify for the interview-waiver (drop-box) program in the country of nationality or residence. The 2025 narrowing of waiver eligibility ended waivers for older renewals — check your embassy site to see if you qualify.

Can I extend my US tourist visa stay? +

You can file Form I-539 with USCIS to extend your B1/B2 stay before the authorized period on your I-94 expires. The current I-539 fee is $420 online or $470 paper (biometrics included). Extensions are discretionary and typically granted for up to 6 additional months.

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