Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

If you qualify for a waiver, you will still need to get approval to travel to the U.S. through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Learn about ESTA and how to apply.

Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas, including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply using Form DS-160
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.

How to renew a visitor visa

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and get information about visa renewals, including:

• Processing times
• Fees
• Your eligibility for an interview waiver

Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms

• The expiration date on your visa does not indicate the date on which you must depart the U.S. 
  • The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S. 
• You may renew your visitor visa before it expires. But you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. 
  • Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.