Overview
Visitor Visa --> Worldwide Caution: Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Americans in the Middle East: : For consular information or assistance, call the Department of State’s 24/7 Task Force at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and 1-888-407-4747 (from the U.S. and Canada). View more.
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Visas English Tourism & Visit Business Employment Study & Exchange Immigrate Other Visa Categories U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country Tourism & Visit Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas > Tourism & Visit > Visitor Visa --> Share this page: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All Filter Countries Visitor Visa Visa Waiver Program Travel Without a Visa Citizens of Canada and Bermuda Visitor Visa Overview Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to travel to the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa). Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa: Business (B-1) Consult with business associates Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference Settle an estate Negotiate a contract For more information, please visit FACT SHEET: U.S. Business Visas (B-1) and Allowable Uses .
Tourism (B-2) Tourism Vacation (holiday) Visit with friends or relatives Medical treatment Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation) Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa: Study Employment Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media Permanent residence in the United States Birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child) is not permissible on a visitor visa. How to Apply There are several steps to apply for a visa.