U.S. Tourist Visa 2026: B-1/B-2, ESTA & Application Guides

A U.S. tourist or visitor trip usually requires a B-2 visa, a combined B-1/B-2 visa, or authorization under the Visa Waiver Program through ESTA. The correct option depends on nationality, the purpose and expected length of the trip, prior travel history and whether the traveler is eligible for visa-free travel.

Last reviewed: July 30, 2026.

This Tourist Visa center organizes the principal guides for planning a temporary visit, completing Form DS-160, paying the government fee, preparing documents, attending the consular interview, checking the decision and complying with the I-94 after arrival.

Start with the main guide: B-1/B-2 Tourist and Business Visa 2026 explains who needs a visa, the difference between business and tourism activities, visa validity, admission and the complete visitor framework.

Choose the Correct Visitor Pathway

Purpose or Situation	Best Starting Guide
Tourism, visiting family, medical treatment or temporary business	B-1/B-2 Complete Guide
Eligible passport and a qualifying trip of 90 days or less	ESTA and Visa Waiver Program
Determining whether the applicant legally qualifies	B-1/B-2 Eligibility Requirements
Completing every stage from DS-160 to passport return	B-1/B-2 Application Process
Preparing the interview file	Tourist Visa Document Checklist
Preparing answers for the interview	B-1/B-2 Interview Questions

B-1/B-2 Application and Interview Guides

B-1/B-2 Visa Application Process

The application begins with Form DS-160 and the selection of the correct embassy or consulate. The applicant then pays the $185 nonrefundable MRV fee, schedules biometrics and an interview when required, prepares the supporting file and follows the consular instructions after the decision.

Open the step-by-step B-1/B-2 application guide.

Tourist Visa Eligibility and Section 214(b)

B visa applicants must establish a permitted temporary purpose and satisfy the officer that the trip will end as planned. The legal standard is broader than a document checklist and includes the applicant’s individual circumstances, finances, travel plans and ties outside the United States.

Review the B-1/B-2 eligibility requirements.

Documents Required for the Interview

The core file generally includes the passport, DS-160 confirmation and the local appointment records. Supporting evidence depends on the trip and applicant profile. The dedicated checklist distinguishes required baseline items from optional evidence related to purpose, return intent and funding.

Open the tourist visa document checklist.

Interview Questions and Preparation

Consular interviews are often brief. Applicants should understand the legal purpose of the interview, review the DS-160 and answer questions honestly and directly rather than memorizing a scripted speech.

Prepare with the B-1/B-2 interview guide.

After the Interview

CEAC Status and Passport Tracking

An application may appear as Application Received, Ready, Issued or Refused in CEAC. “Refused” can describe a final decision or a case remaining under Section 221(g), so the written instructions from the embassy control the next step.

Check a U.S. visa status through CEAC.

Visa Denial and Reapplication

A Section 214(b) refusal has no formal appeal, while a Section 221(g) case may require a document or additional processing. Other grounds of inadmissibility can require a different legal response.

Understand the refusal notice and next steps.

Appointment Wait Times

Interview availability changes by post. The Department of State updates global wait information monthly, and embassies may release new appointments at any time.

Check current U.S. visa appointment wait times.

Travel, Admission and Extension

A visa does not guarantee entry. Customs and Border Protection decides admission and records the authorized stay on Form I-94. The visa expiration date and the I-94 date serve different purposes.

Visitors who need additional time may be able to file Form I-539 before the I-94 expires, but approval is discretionary and the request must be supported by a legitimate temporary reason.

ESTA and Visa Waiver Travel

Eligible citizens and nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries may be able to travel for qualifying tourism or business for up to 90 days after obtaining ESTA. ESTA is not a visa, does not guarantee admission and generally does not permit extension or change of status.

A traveler may need a B visa despite holding a participating passport because of trip length, intended activity, prior travel, dual nationality, a prior refusal or another restriction.

Open the complete ESTA guide.

Country-Specific Tourist Visa Guides

Federal visitor visa law is the same nationwide, but payment systems, appointment availability, passport delivery and designated processing posts differ by country. Use the country guide as a practical supplement and always confirm the current embassy instructions.

Latest Tourist Visa Guides and Updates

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