Country-by-country guides on visitor visas: what they are, who they are for, and what you can do. Prepared from public immigration sources for planning reference; always follow the official pages.
For short tourism or family visits, most people use B-2 or the combined B1/B2. This page covers visitor travel only—not work or immigrant visas.
Must-have: valid passport, visa photo, DS-160 barcode page, visa-fee receipt, interview or drop-box appointment. Also prepare: 3–6 months of bank statements, employment/leave letter, itinerary matching the form. Invitation letters are usually optional.
B-2 is for tourism and visiting family; B-1 is for short business activities. Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2. A visa does not guarantee entry—how long you may stay is set at the border.
Whether you can use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with ESTA depends on your passport country, travel purpose, and stay plans. Check the official U.S. government page for your passport.
The dates on your visa mean you may seek entry during that period—not that you may stay until the visa expires. How long you can stay each time is written at entry.
Some passport holders with certain long-term visitor visas may need to enroll in EVUS before travel. Whether it applies follows CBP’s official rules.
The officer must be satisfied you are a temporary visitor who will leave after the trip. Common evidence includes work, studies, family, or property ties to your home country.
Staying past your allowed period can void your visa and affect future entry. Before you leave, check your I-94 / the departure date given at entry.