How to get tourist visa for USA

If you are asking yourself how to get a tourist visa for the USA you have come to the right place. Through a tourist visa, foreigners can enter the United States to enjoy recreational activities or for medical reasons. 

This visa is ideal for those planning a temporary stay and do not plan to work, study, or conduct business in the US. 

If you would like personalized legal advice, please do not hesitate to contact our Los Angeles immigration lawyers at Lluis Law.

How to get a tourist visa for the USA in 2025

To apply for a B-2 tourist visa to travel to the United States you must:

1. Complete Form DS-160 online.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Schedule an interview with the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
4. Gather the necessary documents for the interview.
5. Attend the interview, where an officer will ask you questions about your reasons for traveling to the United States.

What do I need to obtain a tourist visa for the United States?

To obtain a B-2 tourist visa for the USA you must first define the purpose of your trip, whether it is for:

• Tourism;
• Vacation;
• Visiting family or friends;
• Receive medical treatment;
• Participate in social or recreational events without receiving payment;
• Enroll in short, non-academic courses, such as recreational workshops. For example, a cooking class.

You will then need to apply for a visa and submit the required documents. 

Remember that you will not be able to study full-time, much less work. Therefore, if this is your goal, you may qualify for an F-1 student visa or a work visa, such as the H-1B .

What are the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa in the United States?

Among the most important requirements for obtaining a B-2 tourist visa is demonstrating that your purpose in the US is only temporary. 

This involves proving that you have a home in your country of origin that you do not intend to leave and that you intend to return at the end of your stay. 

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the following:

• Valid passport.
• Photograph that meets specific requirements.
• Form DS-160.

Who should apply for a US tourist visa?

The B-2 tourist visa is designed for those who plan to visit the United States temporarily for reasons other than work or education. 

Therefore, if your purpose of travel is business-related, you should opt for the B-1 visa. 

Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you may be eligible to apply for an ESTA permit. This allows you to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.

If you need help determining which option is right for your trip, our immigration attorneys at Lluis Law can offer you personalized legal advice.

Is it easy to get a tourist visa for the USA?

Obtaining a tourist visa to the United States is not difficult if you meet the requirements and prove that you have legitimate reasons to return to your home country. 

It is important to be clear in your answers during the consular interview and to apply for the visa at the right time. 

To increase your chances of approval, make sure you have a valid passport and apply well in advance of your trip.

What do I do if my passport with a B-2 visa is lost or stolen?

If your passport with a B-2 visa is lost or stolen while you are in the United States, follow these steps:

1. Report the loss or theft at a police station and obtain a copy of the report.
2. Obtain your Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94) by downloading it online if you have lost it as well.
3. Notify the US Embassy that issued your visa of the loss, including your name, date and place of birth, US address, email address, and a copy of the police report.
4. Apply for a new visa abroad, as it cannot be replaced within the US, you will need to apply again at a US embassy or consulate outside the country.

How much does a tourist visa for the United States cost?

The application fee for a tourist visa is $185. However, if you require faster processing, there may be additional costs depending on the option you choose. 

Standard processing takes between 2-3 weeks, while faster options, such as priority processing, can reduce the time by 3-10 days.

How much money do you need to travel to the United States after obtaining a tourist visa?

There is no minimum amount of money required to travel to the United States on a tourist visa. 

However, it is important to demonstrate that you can cover your expenses during your stay, including accommodation, transportation and food.

How long can I stay in the US on a B-2 tourist visa?

With a B-2 tourist visa, you can stay in the US for a maximum of six months per entry. Please note that the duration of your visa is for 10 years.

If you fail to comply with this period, you could face the consequences of unlawful presence in the US.

How can I extend my stay in the US with a B-2 visa?

If you have a B-2 visa and wish to extend your stay, you must apply before the authorized period on your Form I-94 expires. To do so:

1. File Form I-539 online or by mail.
2. Include your original Form I-94 and an explanation of why you need the extension.
3. Pay the fee applicable to your nonimmigrant status.

Please note that if your B-2 visa has expired, you cannot renew it or extend its validity within the U.S. Therefore, you can only extend your stay while your I-94 is still valid.

How can I request an urgent appointment for a B-2 visa if there are no appointments available?

To request an urgent appointment for a B-2 visa, you must follow these steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with the US embassy or consulate.
2. Request urgent processing and follow the instructions provided.
3. Please clearly state the reason for your urgent request in your request. While some reasons may qualify for an expedited appointment, such as urgent medical treatment, not all requests will be approved.

Examples of urgent scenarios that could qualify

• Death or serious illness of a close family member in the US.
• Need for urgent medical treatment for yourself or your minor child.
• Unforeseen work or business emergencies that require your travel.
• Participation in important cultural, political, economic or sporting events.

Circumstances that do not qualify

• Attend weddings, family reunions or similar events.
• Last minute tourism or enjoyment.
• Renew an expired visa or attend non-urgent events.

Please note that urgent processing is only granted under certain conditions and is subject to consulate approval.

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for other types of American visas, which can be processed more quickly.

Frequently asked questions On how to get a tourist visa for the USA

Can I renew my B-2 visa?

You can usually renew your B-2 visa, but you must do so at a US embassy or consulate abroad. 

The renewal process is virtually the same as for an initial application, even if your current visa has not yet expired. Only diplomatic visa holders can renew their visas within the US.

What do I do if my tourist visa application has been denied?

If your tourist visa application has been denied, you may reapply at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. 

However, you will need to submit new documentation to prove that you meet the requirements. Please note that appointment availability may be limited, so planning ahead is recommended.

Can I bring my pet with me to the United States on a tourist visa?

If you want to bring your pet to the US on a B-2 visa, dogs will now have to meet new specific requirements based on the countries they have been in in the past six months. 

For cats there are no changes in entry, but be sure to review the necessary documentation with your veterinarian and confirm with the airline.

What foods can I bring with me to the US on a B-2 visa?

The United States Department of Agriculture prohibits the entry of meat products such as fresh, dried or canned meat.

However, some permitted items include chocolate, canned fish, and some types of cheese. Please note that upon arrival in the US, all of your food may be inspected by an officer.

Can I bring medications to the US on a B-2 visa?

You may bring prescription medications into the United States, but they must be in their original containers with the doctor’s prescription printed on the container. 

Additionally, it is recommended to carry only the amount needed for personal use, usually a supply of up to 90 days.

If the medications are not in their original containers, you must bring a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor, as this is mandatory. 

Why hire our immigration attorneys to apply for a B-2 visa?

Applying for a B-2 visa may seem like a simple process, but any errors or missing documentation can result in a denial. 

Our immigration attorneys at Lluis Law have the experience to guide you through every step, ensuring that your application is complete and well-founded.

Now you are better informed about what foreigners, whether Spanish, Venezuelan, Mexican or of other nationalities, need to enter the United States. 

If you would like us to help you with this complex process, please do not hesitate to contact us today.