United States

Most visitors need either a B1/B2 visa with an in-person interview, or an ESTA authorisation if their nationality is in the Visa Waiver Program.

Where you apply
US embassy or consulate, after paying the MRV fee
Interview
Required for most first-time applicants
Biometrics
Fingerprints taken at the appointment
Wait times
Vary enormously by post — weeks to over a year
Length of stay
Decided by the officer at the border, not by the visa

Good to know

  • The visa lets you travel to a port of entry. Admission and the length of stay are decided there by a CBP officer.
  • Interview waiting times are published per consulate and differ by more than a year between posts. Check yours before booking travel.
  • Section 214(b) — the presumption that every applicant intends to immigrate — is the most common refusal ground. Evidence of ties at home matters more than the itinerary.
  • Dropbox renewal without an interview is available at some posts if your previous visa was recent.

Requirements vary by nationality

We do not publish an automated eligibility check — the rules change too often for that to be honest. A consultant confirms your exact checklist in writing before any work starts.

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Available visa types

B1/B2 visitor visa

Visa

Combined business and tourism visa. Requires an online form, a fee payment and, for most applicants, a consular interview.

Validity — Commonly up to 10 years, multiple entry, depending on nationality
Stay — Decided by the officer at the border, often up to 6 months
Processing — Interview wait times vary widely by post; 2 weeks to several months (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 129
Government / visa centre feeUSD 185 (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.
View requirements

ESTA guidance

Guidance

If your nationality is in the Visa Waiver Program you may travel on an ESTA authorisation instead of a visa. We check your eligibility and prepare your submission.

Validity — Two years, or until the passport expires
Stay — Up to 90 days per entry
Processing — Usually within 72 hours (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 49
Government / visa centre feeUSD 21 (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.
View requirements