If you’re an avid traveler and can’t imagine staying in one place for too long, then chances are you’ve also considered taking a trip to another country. And while it might seem like a no-brainer to check out the sights in a new city or explore a new country, the reality is that it can be challenging to secure the necessary tourist visa.
However, some travelers are also looking for opportunities to see the U.S. without applying for a temporary or permanent resident visa first. Among other things, this means they will not leave and reapply when their time here is finished they will stay on as tourists.
What is a Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa is a document that permits a person to enter the United States as a tourist for a specific period. Unlike a business or student visa, a tourist visa does not guarantee that you will receive permission to stay in the country.
The U.S. government classifies visitors based on certain criteria, including their purpose for visiting the country and their financial stability. Those who are not considered “low-risk” by the U.S. government may need to pay an application fee and pass additional screening requirements before they can be issued a tourist visa. Tourist visa categories include:
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa
Tourist visa applications are made at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. In most cases, the consulate or embassy where you apply for a visa will be the same one where you will apply for your entry into the U.S. The first step in applying for a tourist visa is to determine the consulate where you will apply.
Generally, if you are applying for a non-U.S. visa, you will apply at a U.S. consulate in your home country. If you are applying for a U.S. visa with a brief visit to the consulate, you will apply at the consulate where you will be applying for entry into the U.S. Next, you will need to gather documents to support your case.
These documents will vary depending on your specific situation, but they include your passport, application form, and supporting documentation. Some consulates also require you to bring additional documents such as your round-trip flight itinerary, medical insurance, and proof of financial stability.
How Long Will It Take to Get a Tourist Visa?
Depending on your situation, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few months to process your visa application. Consulates will typically take into account the urgency of your case and decide on your application within a few days of submitting your application. Once approved, it can take several weeks to receive your visa.
Types of Tourist Visas
- Tourist Visa F – This is the visa you will receive upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry. You will be allowed to stay in the country for 45 days, and then you must either extend your visa or leave the country. However, if you receive a visitor visa with an F category code, you will not need to apply for an extension of your stay in the U.S. However, if you overstay your visa, you will be fined and may be subject to other penalties.
- Tourist Visa B – This is the same as an F visa, except that you do not have to receive an entry stamp in your passport upon entry to the U.S.
- Tourist Visa C – This category is only available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. You can enter the U.S. for 90 days without a visa, and then you can stay for six months with a valid C visa.
Requirements for the Different Types of Tourist Visas
- Tourist Visas F – You can apply for a tourist visa with a maximum stay of 30 days. However, if your application is approved, the U.S. Department of State will limit your stay to 30 days at all U.S. ports of entry. If you do not have the paperwork to extend your visa, you will need to extend your stay in the U.S. by paying a fee at a U.S. port of entry.
- Tourist Visas B – You can apply for a tourist visa with a maximum stay of 90 days. However, if you have a B-2 visa, you cannot apply for a B-1/B-2 dual-entry visa. If you enter with a B-2 visa, you can return to Canada or Mexico without applying for another visa. However, if you have a B-1 visa and attempt to re-enter the U.S. without a B-2 visa, you will be fined and may be subject to other penalties.
- Tourist Visas C – You can enter the U.S. with a valid Canadian or Mexican visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to obtain a valid B-1/B-2 visa.
Tips for Getting a Visa as a Tourist
- Make sure your application is complete and has all the required documents.
- Make sure your application is not marked with any red flags, such as an extreme itinerary, unusual travel route, or having a small travel party.
- Make sure your travel dates are set. If you are visiting the U.S. for a series of trips, your visa application may be delayed or even rejected if you apply for a trip that is not imminent.
- Make sure you know how much your visa application fee is.
- If you are applying for a B or C visa, the fee must be paid in U.S. dollars.
- Make sure you know the requirements for your visa. In some cases, you may need to apply for a visa waiver.
- Make sure you can pay for your trip before you leave. If your finances are uncertain, you may need to apply for a visa waiver.
Conclusion
When you travel to the United States as a tourist, you have the same rights and privileges as a U.S. citizen. This means you can enter the country without a visa if you have a valid passport, are traveling on a tourist visa, and have no prior immigration violations.
However, there are some restrictions on entering and leaving the U.S. as a tourist. You may only be allowed to stay in the country for a certain period, there may be additional requirements for visiting certain places, and you may be able to visit the U.S. multiple times without applying for a new visa.
If you are planning to visit the U.S. as a tourist for less than 90 days, you will need a tourist visa. If you are planning longer than 90 days, you may be able to enter the U.S. as a tourist under certain circumstances.
