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8 ways to enter

United States visas

United States tourist visa

For holidays and short visits, travellers may use a B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa. Some travellers qualify for visa-free entry or ESTA, an online travel permit.

Ways to get a United States tourist visa

  1. B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa

    Visa needed

    People travelling for a holiday or tourism. The combined B-1/B-2 visa covers business and pleasure.

    Fee
    US$185 application fee. A nationality-based issuance fee may also apply.
    1. Explain your trip purpose and planned length of stay.
    2. Show your home and other ties outside the United States.
    3. Pay the application fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
    4. Attend the consular interview.

  2. ESTA (online travel permit)

    eTA needed

    Eligible nationals of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries who hold a biometric passport and meet the programme rules.

    Stay
    Up to 90 days. This includes time in Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or Caribbean islands if you arrived there through the United States.
    Valid for
    Up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
    Entries
    Multiple entries
    Fee
    US$10.62 to apply, plus US$30 if approved: US$40.62 total. Land entry also requires a US$30 Form I-94.
    Processing
    Apply at least 72 hours before departure. This is advice on when to apply, rather than a guaranteed processing time.
    1. Check that your nationality, passport and travel history meet the programme rules.
    2. Apply for ESTA before travelling and pay the application fee.
    3. Pay the additional approval fee if your application is approved.
    4. For land entry, also obtain Form I-94 online in advance or at the border.

  3. Visa-free visits for Canadians and qualifying Bermudians

    No visa needed

    Canadian citizens and qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda can visit without a visa under most circumstances.

    Stay
    Up to 180 days for qualifying Bermudians.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  4. Visa-free entry through Bahamian preclearance

    No visa needed

    Bahamian nationals who apply for admission at a U.S. preclearance facility in the Bahamas.

    Passports that qualify (1)

    1. Prepare your Bahamian passport and any required police certificate.
    2. Apply for admission at a U.S. preclearance facility in the Bahamas.

  5. Visa-free entry for British Virgin Islands citizens

    No visa needed

    British Overseas Territories citizens of the British Virgin Islands travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, or continuing to other parts of the United States with a good-conduct certificate.

    Passports that qualify (1)

  6. Cayman Islands visa waiver

    No visa needed

    British Overseas Territories citizens of the Cayman Islands who obtain the required waiver and travel directly to the United States.

    Entries
    One entry
    Fee
    25 Cayman Islands dollars

    Passports that qualify (1)

    1. Prepare your passport and any required police clearance.
    2. Obtain a visa waiver from the Cayman Islands Passport and Corporate Services Office and pay the fee.
    3. Travel directly from the Cayman Islands to the United States.

  7. Visa-free visits from the Turks and Caicos Islands

    No visa needed

    Qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands making a short business or pleasure visit directly from the territory.

    Stay
    Short stays

    Passports that qualify (1)

  8. Border Crossing Card

    Other permit

    Mexican nationals who meet requirements similar to those for a visa.

    Passports that qualify (1)

Who needs it

Holiday visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visitor visa.

Who doesn't

Eligible nationals of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries can visit with ESTA for up to 90 days. Separate exemptions cover Canada, qualifying Bermudians, certain nearby jurisdictions and the freely associated states.

How to apply

  1. Show the specific purpose and planned length of your visit.
  2. Show that you have a home and other ties outside the United States that support your return.
  3. Pay the application fee to the consular section of a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  4. Attend an interview so a consular officer can assess your application.

What to bring

  • Foreign passport
  • Evidence of your trip purpose and limited stay
  • Evidence of your home and other ties outside the United States

Good to know

  • The border officer decides whether you may enter and records your permitted stay on Form I-94, the arrival and departure record.
  • B visa holders may attend short courses that do not give academic credit.
  • Some visitor visa applicants must post a bond and use designated entry and exit points.
  • The application fee is not refunded if the visa is refused. Extra security review can take several weeks.
  • The July 2025 law would require a US$250 visa integrity fee, refundable after the visa expires if its conditions were followed.
  • New visa issuance is suspended for some nationalities, with limited exceptions.
  • B visas are not issued for travel whose primary purpose is giving birth to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child.

Questions

Do I need a tourist visa for the United States?

Holiday visitors who do not qualify for a visa exemption need a visitor visa. Eligible nationals of 42 Visa Waiver Program countries can visit with ESTA for up to 90 days. Separate exemptions cover Canada, qualifying Bermudians, certain nearby jurisdictions and the freely associated states.

What are the ways to get a tourist visa for the United States?

There are 8 options: B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa (a visa from an embassy); ESTA (online travel permit) (an online travel permit); Visa-free visits for Canadians and qualifying Bermudians (no visa at all); Visa-free entry through Bahamian preclearance (no visa at all); Visa-free entry for British Virgin Islands citizens (no visa at all); Cayman Islands visa waiver (no visa at all); Visa-free visits from the Turks and Caicos Islands (no visa at all); Border Crossing Card (a special permit).

Who can go to the United States without a tourist visa?

Canadian citizens and qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda can visit without a visa under most circumstances. Bahamian nationals who apply for admission at a U.S. preclearance facility in the Bahamas. British Overseas Territories citizens of the British Virgin Islands travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, or continuing to other parts of the United States with a good-conduct certificate. British Overseas Territories citizens of the Cayman Islands who obtain the required waiver and travel directly to the United States. Qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of the Turks and Caicos Islands making a short business or pleasure visit directly from the territory.

Can I apply online for the United States?

Yes: ESTA (online travel permit). Eligible nationals of the 42 Visa Waiver Program countries who hold a biometric passport and meet the programme rules.

How much does a the United States tourist visa cost?

US$185 application fee. A visa issuance fee may also apply, depending on nationality.

What documents do I need for a the United States tourist visa?

Foreign passport; Evidence of your trip purpose and limited stay; Evidence of your home and other ties outside the United States.

How do I apply for a the United States tourist visa?

1. 1. Show the specific purpose and planned length of your visit. 2. 2. Show that you have a home and other ties outside the United States that support your return. 3. 3. Pay the application fee to the consular section of a U.S. embassy or consulate. 4. 4. Attend an interview so a consular officer can assess your application.

What rules do I have to follow on a the United States tourist visa?

The border officer decides whether you may enter and records your permitted stay on Form I-94, the arrival and departure record. B visa holders may attend short courses that do not give academic credit. Some visitor visa applicants must post a bond and use designated entry and exit points.

Does my passport change whether I need a tourist visa for the United States?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the United States visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a tourist visa for the United States be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

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