A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism generally requires a visitor visa unless exempt under the Visa Waiver Program. Travel for pleasure may include short stays for vacation, visiting friends or family, or receiving medical treatment. The primary visa category for such travel is the B-2 visitor visa, or in some cases the combined B1/B2 visa, which also covers certain business-related visits.

What this article is about: This guide provides an authoritative overview of US tourist visas and visitor entry routes. It explains the B-2 and B1/B2 visas, how to apply, the documentation and fees involved, and key exemptions under the Visa Waiver Program. It also outlines the rules for Canadian and Bermudian citizens, who benefit from different entry arrangements.

By understanding the options and requirements, individuals can ensure they meet the right legal conditions before traveling to the United States for tourism. Advisers supporting applicants will also find this a useful reference when navigating the US visitor visa process.

Section A: Visitor Visa for Tourism (B-2/B1/B2)

The B-2 visa is the primary nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals wishing to enter the United States for leisure, tourism, or medical treatment. It can also be issued in combination with the B-1 visa as a B1/B2 visa, which allows both business and tourist travel under the same entry document. This makes the B1/B2 particularly useful for individuals who expect to undertake both purposes during their stay.

1. Definition and Purpose of the B-2 and B1/B2 Visa

The B-2 visa is a temporary visa category designed for short-term visits to the United States that do not involve work or permanent residence. Its main purpose is to facilitate international travel for individuals who want to visit the US for vacation, family visits, or medical reasons.

The B1/B2 visa is a combined document that covers both business-related travel (meetings, conferences, negotiations) and leisure purposes. Many US consulates now issue the B1/B2 as standard, providing flexibility for travelers who may have multiple purposes for their visit.

Both visa types are issued for specific periods but may be valid for multiple entries, depending on the applicant’s nationality and consular decision.

You can read our extensive guide to the B2 Visa here >>

You can read our extensive guide to the B1 B2 Visa here >>

2. Permitted Activities

Holders of a B-2 or B1/B2 visa are permitted to undertake a wide range of tourism-related activities, including:

• Vacationing in the United States
• Visiting family and friends
• Receiving medical treatment (with supporting evidence such as a diagnosis from a physician, a letter from a US medical provider outlining treatment, costs, and duration, and proof of funds)
• Attending social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participating in amateur musical, sports, or similar events, provided no payment is received
• Enrolling in short recreational courses of study not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class)

These visas do not allow employment, academic study toward a degree, or long-term residence. Engaging in work without authorization can have severe immigration consequences, including visa cancellation and removal from the United States.

3. Duration of Stay and Extensions

A typical B-2 or B1/B2 visa permits a stay of up to six months, although the exact length of stay is determined at the port of entry by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The officer will stamp the I-94 arrival/departure record with the expiration date of authorized stay.

In certain circumstances, visitors may apply to extend their stay by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To be eligible, the visitor must demonstrate a valid reason for extension, sufficient funds to support themselves, and an intention to return to their home country. USCIS guidance advises filing at least 45 days before the current authorized stay expires.

Visa holders should not assume that an extension will be granted automatically. Overstaying can have serious immigration consequences, including cancellation of future visas and multi-year bans on re-entry.

You can read our extensive guide to Form I-539 here >>

You can read our extensive guide to the B2 Visa Extension here >>

You can read our extensive guide to the US Visitor Visa Extension here >>

Section A Summary
The B-2 and B1/B2 visas are designed to facilitate lawful short-term visits to the United States for tourism, leisure, or medical treatment. They allow flexibility for visitors but carry clear restrictions on work and study. Travelers should be aware of the permitted activities and ensure compliance with their visa conditions, including observing the duration of stay and applying for extensions properly if required.

Section B: Application Process

Applying for a US tourist visa involves several steps, each of which must be completed accurately to avoid delays or refusals. The process is managed by the US Department of State and typically requires both online submission and an in-person visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.

1. How to Apply

The first step in applying for a B-2 or B1/B2 visa is to complete the DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form. This is a mandatory form for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including visitor visas. The DS-160 requires personal information, travel details, background information, and security-related questions. Applicants must upload a digital photograph that meets the official requirements.

Once the DS-160 is submitted, the applicant must pay the visa application fee and schedule a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will review the application, ask questions about the purpose of travel, and assess whether the applicant qualifies for a visa under US immigration law.

You can read our extensive guide to B2 Visa Interview Questions here >>

Children under the age of 14 and applicants over the age of 79 are generally not required to attend an interview, although this may vary by embassy or consulate.

You can read our extensive guide to the DS-160 Form here >>

2. Fees and Payment Requirements

The current application fee for a US tourist visa is $185 (as of 2025). This fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied. Payment methods vary by country but usually include online payment, bank transfer, or payment at an authorized bank.

Some applicants may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee (also known as a reciprocity fee), depending on their nationality. This fee is payable in addition to the application fee and is only due if the visa is approved.

3. Required Documentation

Applicants must prepare a range of supporting documents to present at their interview. The most common requirements include:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay in the United States
• Confirmation page of the completed DS-160 form
• Visa application fee payment receipt
• A recent passport-style photograph (if not uploaded successfully with the DS-160)
• Evidence of financial means to cover expenses during the stay (such as bank statements, pay slips, or tax records)
• Proof of ties to the home country (such as employment contracts, family commitments, or property ownership)
• Travel itinerary, if available (flight bookings, hotel reservations, planned visits)
• Documentation supporting the purpose of travel, such as medical treatment letters for health-related visits

Providing strong evidence of ties to the applicant’s home country is often decisive in securing a visa. US consular officers assess whether the applicant is likely to overstay, and demonstrating employment, family responsibilities, or property ownership abroad helps establish intent to return.

Section B Summary
The tourist visa application process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Applicants must complete the DS-160 form, pay the required fees, and attend an interview with appropriate documentation. Success depends not only on completing formal requirements but also on demonstrating financial stability and clear ties to the home country to reassure consular officers of the applicant’s temporary intent.

Section C: Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business without first obtaining a visa. Instead, travelers must obtain authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding their flight or ship. This system simplifies short-term travel and reduces the need for consular appointments.

1. Overview of VWP and Eligible Countries

The VWP is available to nationals of over 40 countries, most of which are in Europe, along with selected nations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The program is intended to facilitate travel for visitors from countries with low levels of visa overstays and strong diplomatic ties with the United States.

Under the VWP, eligible nationals can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa. This period cannot be extended, and travellers must leave the United States before the authorised stay expires. If a longer visit is required, the individual must instead apply for a B-2 or B1/B2 visa.

You can read our extensive guide to the Visa Waiver Program here >>

2. ESTA Approval Requirement

To travel under the VWP, individuals must secure approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure. ESTA is an online system operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that screens applicants for security and immigration risks.

Travelers must submit their ESTA application at least 72 hours before travel, although some approvals may be issued more quickly. An ESTA is generally valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, multiple entries are permitted, but no single visit can exceed 90 days.

An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry; the final decision is made by CBP officers at the port of entry. However, it is a mandatory prerequisite for boarding flights or ships bound for the United States under the VWP.

You can read our extensive guide to ESTA here >>

3. Restrictions and Limitations

The VWP carries certain restrictions that travelers must be aware of:

• No extension of stay is permitted beyond 90 days.
• VWP visitors cannot change immigration status (for example, switching to a student or work visa).
• Individuals who have previously overstayed in the US are not eligible to use the program.
• Nationals of VWP countries who have visited or are dual nationals of certain designated countries (such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Syria, and others) may be excluded from the program.
• Travelers must use a biometric, machine-readable passport issued by a participating country.

For individuals who do not meet these conditions, a B-2 or B1/B2 visa remains the appropriate option.

Section C Summary
The Visa Waiver Program offers a convenient route for short visits to the United States without a visa, provided the traveler is from an eligible country and secures ESTA approval. While efficient, the program imposes strict limits on duration and purpose of stay, and is unsuitable for those who require longer visits, status changes, or who fall under restricted categories. Overstaying under the VWP can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future ineligibility and multi-year bans on re-entry.

Section D: Special Cases (Canada & Bermuda)

While most foreign nationals require either a visitor visa or ESTA approval to travel to the United States, citizens of Canada and Bermuda benefit from special exemptions. These exemptions reflect long-standing statutory arrangements and provide simplified entry for tourism and short-term visits.

1. Canadian Citizens

Citizens of Canada generally do not need a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States for tourism or short-term visits. This exemption applies to most categories of temporary travel, including leisure, business meetings, and family visits. Canadians may typically present only their valid passport at the port of entry.

Unlike Visa Waiver Program travellers, Canadian citizens are inspected directly at the border or port of entry and do not require ESTA approval when travelling by air, land, or sea. However, there are exceptions where a visa is still required. For example, Canadian citizens need a visa if they are seeking to enter the United States to work, study, or immigrate permanently. In addition, certain categories such as fiancé(e) visas (K-1) or treaty trader/treaty investor visas (E-1/E-2) require formal visa issuance through a US consulate.

2. Bermudian Citizens

Like Canadians, citizens of Bermuda also enjoy simplified entry rules under long-standing statutory exemptions. They generally do not require a visa for tourism or business visits lasting up to 180 days. At the port of entry, they may be admitted upon presentation of a valid Bermudian passport.

Bermudians, however, are subject to the same restrictions as Canadians in terms of needing a visa for employment, study, or immigration purposes. Certain specialist visa categories also remain mandatory.

3. Exceptions and Circumstances Requiring a Visa

Although both Canadians and Bermudians benefit from exemptions, they may still require visas in specific scenarios, such as:

• Seeking to enter for employment or study
• Applying for permanent residence (immigrant visas)
• Entering under specialist nonimmigrant visa categories (for example, fiancé(e), investor, or exchange visitor visas)
• Individuals with previous immigration violations or criminal records, who may be referred for consular processing

These exceptions highlight the importance of understanding the limits of nationality-based exemptions. Even though entry is simplified, compliance with US immigration law remains essential.

Section D Summary
Canadian and Bermudian citizens enjoy special entry arrangements that remove the need for a tourist visa for short visits. These exemptions provide greater flexibility but are not absolute, as visas are still required for work, study, immigration, or certain specialist categories. Travelers should confirm whether their purpose of travel falls within the exemption to avoid issues at the border.

FAQs

What is the difference between a B-2 visa and ESTA?

A B-2 visa is a formal visitor visa that allows entry for tourism, leisure, or medical treatment and can permit stays of up to six months, with the possibility of applying for an extension. ESTA, by contrast, is electronic travel authorisation available only to citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. It allows visits of up to 90 days without a visa but cannot be extended or changed into another status.

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

A B-2 or B1/B2 visa typically allows a stay of up to six months, although the exact duration is determined by a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry. An extension may be possible by applying to USCIS before the authorised stay expires. By contrast, ESTA under the VWP is strictly limited to 90 days with no extensions.

Can I extend my tourist visa once I’m in the US?

Yes, extensions are possible for B-2 visa holders by filing Form I-539 with USCIS. Applicants should apply at least 45 days before the authorised stay ends. Extensions are not guaranteed and applicants must provide valid reasons, evidence of financial support, and proof of intent to return home. ESTA users under the VWP cannot extend their stay.

Do children need ESTA approval under the Visa Waiver Program?

Yes. All travellers, including infants and children, must have their own ESTA approval if entering under the Visa Waiver Program. They must also hold their own valid machine-readable passport.

Are medical treatments covered under the B-2 visa?

Yes, the B-2 visa permits entry for legitimate medical treatment in the United States. Applicants should provide supporting evidence such as medical records, a diagnosis from their home country physician, confirmation of treatment arrangements from a US medical provider, details of costs, and proof of funds to cover treatment and living expenses.

Conclusion

Tourist travel to the United States is governed by clear visa and entry requirements. Most foreign nationals require a B-2 or B1/B2 visa to visit for leisure, family visits, or medical treatment. These visas generally permit stays of up to six months but carry restrictions on work and study.

For eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries, travel is streamlined through ESTA approval, which allows short visits of up to 90 days without a visa. The VWP has strict limits, cannot be extended or converted to another status, and travellers should submit ESTA applications at least 72 hours before departure.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda benefit from special statutory exemptions that allow entry without a tourist visa for short visits, although visas remain necessary for employment, study, immigration, or certain specialist categories. Canadians do not use ESTA and are inspected directly at the border or port of entry.

Across all routes, compliance with entry conditions is critical. Overstays can result in cancellation of future visas and multi-year bars on re-entry. Selecting the correct pathway—visa, VWP with ESTA, or a nationality-based exemption—and preparing the right documentation will support a lawful, smooth entry for tourism.

Glossary

Useful Links

Author

Nita Upadhye

Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.

Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

• Nita Upadhye

  https://www.nnuimmigration.com/author/nita/

  US Government Shutdown: Impact on Visa and Immigration Processing
• Nita Upadhye

  https://www.nnuimmigration.com/author/nita/

  H1B Visa Cost & Fees 2025
• Nita Upadhye

  https://www.nnuimmigration.com/author/nita/

  H-1B Reforms Reach Consultation Stage
• Nita Upadhye

  https://www.nnuimmigration.com/author/nita/

  Project Firewall: DOL Intensifies H-1B Enforcement