USA Tourist Visa
Planning a trip to the United States? From the buzzing streets of New York City to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Grand Canyon, the U.S. offers endless experiences for travelers. To turn this dream into reality, you’ll need a USA Tourist Visa (B-2 Visa). This visa is essential for exploring the country for leisure, meeting family, or even for medical purposes.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the U.S. tourist visa — from the application steps and eligibility conditions to required documents.
What is a USA Tourist Visa?
The United States is one of the world’s most visited destinations, welcoming nearly 79.6 million international travelers each year. Whether people arrive for holidays, business trips, or personal reasons, tourism contributes significantly to the American economy.
The U.S. Visitor Visa (B-2 Visa) is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism, short-term medical treatment, social visits, or similar purposes.
Types of USA Tourist Visas
Here are the main types of visas for travelers visiting the U.S.:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| B-2 Tourist Visa | Leisure travel, visiting family/friends, medical care, events | Up to 6 months (extensions possible) | B-1/B-2 Combined Visa | Both tourism and limited business (e.g., meetings, conferences) | Up to 6 months (extensions possible) |
| Visa Waiver Program | Tourism or business for citizens of eligible countries (ESTA) | Up to 90 days (no extension allowed) |
| Transit Visa (C Visa) | Transit stop in the U.S. while traveling to another destination | 1–2 days |
| Border Crossing Card | For Mexican nationals near U.S. borders for frequent short visits | Up to 30 days per visit (10-year validity) |
USA Tourist Visa Requirements for Indians
To qualify for a U.S. visitor visa, Indian applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
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Proof of travel purpose:
- For tourism – travel plan, flight tickets, hotel bookings
- For family visits – invitation letter from relatives/friends
- For medical visits – medical reports and hospital documents
- For business (B-1/B-2) – invitation from U.S. company, proof of intent to return
- Proof of funds: Show you have enough financial resources to cover your trip.
- Ties to India: Evidence of residence, employment, or family commitments proving you’ll return.
- Clear background: No criminal record or violations of U.S. immigration laws.
Documents Required for USA Tourist Visa
When applying for a U.S. tourist visa from India, prepare the following:
- Valid passport (with blank pages for stamping)
- Previous passports (if applicable)
- Recent photograph (meeting U.S. specifications)
- Completed DS-160 Visa Application Form
- DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode) stamped at Visa Application Center (VAC)
- Proof of payment of visa application fee
- Visa interview appointment confirmation letter
- Financial documents (bank statements, ITRs, payslips, etc.)
- Police clearance or character certificate
- A cover letter explaining your reason for travel
- Proof of intent to return to India (job, property, family ties, etc.)
USA Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) – Latest Cost
Here is the current fee for applying for a USA Visitor Visa (Business / Tourist):
- Application fee (B-1 / B-2):USD 185
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Other charges to keep in mind:
- Biometric / appointment fees (if required)
- Document translation and verification
- Other service/consular-centre fees
Below are the current visa fees for Indian applicants:
- Adults (12 years and above): €80 (approx. ₹8,000–₹8,500)
- Children (6–11 years): €40 (approx. ₹4,000–₹4,300)
- Children under 6 years: No visa fee
Additional charges you may need to budget for:
- Visa application centre service fee: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 (varies by country)
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 (mandatory)
- Optional services such as courier return of passport, SMS updates, or premium lounge facility
Note: Visa fees are non-refundable even if the application is refused. Costs are approximate and may change depending on exchange rates and country-specific rules. Always confirm the latest fee before submitting your application.
How to Apply for a USA Tourist Visa from India
If you are planning a leisure trip to the United States, here’s a step-by-step process to apply for a U.S. tourist visa (B-2 visa) from India:
Application Steps- Upload a digital photograph Ensure the photo meets the official size and format requirements set by U.S. authorities.
- Complete the DS-160 form Fill out the online non-immigrant visa application (DS-160) carefully and obtain the 10-digit barcode generated upon submission.
- Pay the visa application fee The required non-refundable fee must be paid before scheduling your interview.
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Book visa appointments
You will need to schedule two separate appointments:
- At the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for the main visa interview.
- At the Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) for document verification.
- Submit biometricsProvide your fingerprints and photograph at the Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Attend the visa interview During the personal interview, an officer will assess your eligibility.
If you satisfy the requirements, your U.S. tourist visa will be approved.
Processing Time for USA Tourist Visa (Indians)
The time taken to process a tourist visa depends on your nationality, the volume of applications, and the workload of the U.S. consulate. Below is the estimated timeline:
| Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| B-2 Tourist Visa | 2–6 weeks (depends on U.S. Embassy/Consulate) |
| B-1/B-2 Combined Visa | 2–6 weeks (depends on U.S. Embassy/Consulate) |
| Visa Waiver Program | ESTA approval usually within 72 hours |
| Transit Visa (C Visa) | 2–6 weeks (depends on U.S. Embassy/Consulate) |
| Border Crossing Card | 2–3 weeks after the visa interview |
How Can Apical Immigration Experts Assist You?
Dreaming of a U.S. vacation but worried about the tough visa process? With Apical Immigration Experts, getting your USA tourist visa becomes a smooth and stress-free experience. Our team ensures that your journey starts on the right note. Here’s how we support you:
- Profile Assessment
We carefully analyze your background against U.S. visa eligibility criteria and guide you on the right visa type to apply for. - Resume & Document Support
Our experts help you prepare a professional CV (if required) and assist in collecting and organizing all the necessary documents for your application. - Expert Guidance
From visa interview preparation to application form assistance, medical and police clearance certificates, or even language training if needed — our specialists are there at every step. - Dedicated Case Manager
You will have a personal case officer who handles your file, answers your queries, and provides continuous updates throughout the process. - Post-Visa Assistance
Once your visa is approved, we go beyond the basics by offering settlement support and guidance tailored to your needs, making your U.S. trip completely hassle-free.
With Apical Immigration Experts, you get an end-to-end solution — from profile evaluation, documentation, and application submission to post-landing services. We make your dream of visiting the USA a reality with trusted, transparent, and reliable support.
FAQs - USA Tourist & Visitor Visa
Typical timelines range 2–6 weeks after biometrics/interview, but can vary by consulate workload, season, and application completeness. Apply well in advance of travel.
There’s no fixed number, but many applicants show funds that comfortably cover flights, stay, local travel, insurance, and daily expenses—often ₹3–6 lakh+ for a short trip. Strong financial ties and consistent statements matter more than a single balance figure.
Usually, yes. Some applicants may qualify for interview waiver (dropbox) based on age/renewal criteria, but most first-time B-2 applicants attend an in-person interview.
Valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, appointment letters (VAC + interview), recent photo (as per specs), proof of funds, travel plan (itinerary/hotel), ties to India (employment, business, family, property), and any supporting letters (invitation/medical).
- Weak home-country ties or unclear return plans
- Insufficient financial evidence or inconsistent bank history
- Vague travel purpose or mismatched documents
- Inaccurate DS-160 or contradictory interview answers To reduce risk: keep documents consistent, explain purpose clearly, show ties and finances transparently, and answer confidently and truthfully.
