American Tourist Visa (B1/B2 Visa) – Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to the United States? Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, the American tourist visa (officially known as the B1/B2 visa) is your gateway. This guide covers US tourist visa requirements, costs, application steps, and expert tips to maximize approval chances.

What is an American Tourist Visa?

The US tourist visa, also called the B2 visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the United States for:

• Tourism & sightseeing
• Visiting family/friends
• Medical treatment
• Short recreational courses

The B1 visa covers business-related visits (meetings, conferences). Many applicants apply for a combined B1/B2 visa, granting flexibility for both purposes.

US Tourist Visa Requirements

To qualify for a US visitor visa, you must:

Essential Documents

✅ Valid passport (6+ months validity)
✅ DS-160 confirmation page (Online application form)
✅ Visa fee receipt (Payment proof)
✅ Photo (5×5 cm, white background, no glasses)
✅ Travel itinerary (Flight bookings, hotel reservations)
✅ Financial proof (Bank statements, sponsorship letters)
✅ Employment proof (Leave letter, salary slips)
✅ Ties to home country (Property docs, family details)

Additional Requirements for Indian Applicants

• US visa cost for Indian applicants: $185 (approx. ₹15,400)
• VFS Global appointment for biometrics
• Strong travel history improves approval chances

US Tourist Visa Cost (2025 Update)

US Visa Fees for Indians & Global Applicants

📌 Note:
The US visa price in India remains the same for all applicants. However, due to forex fluctuations, the INR equivalent may slightly vary.

Other Costs to Consider in 2025

• VFS service charge: ~₹1,300
• Courier fees: ~₹600
• Premium visa consultation (optional): ₹5,000 – ₹15,000

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa from India

Step-by-Step US Visa Application Process

1️⃣ Complete DS-160 form (Online application)
2️⃣ Pay US visa fees (Via NEFT/Cash at Axis/ICICI)
3️⃣ Schedule visa interview (US Embassy slots)
4️⃣ Attend biometrics (VFS Global center)
5️⃣ Visa interview (Consular officer decision)

📌 *Pro Tip: Apply 3-4 months before travel to avoid delays!*

US Tourist Visa Interview Questions & Tips

Common B1/B2 Visa Interview Questions

• Why are you visiting the US?
• Who is sponsoring your trip?
• Do you have family in the US?
• What is your job in India?

How to Increase Approval Chances

✔ Be honest & concise in answers
✔ Show strong home ties (Job, property, family)
✔ Carry all documents (Even if not asked)

US Tourist Visa vs. Canada Tourist Visa – Key Differences

📌 Note: Canada tourist visa from India is easier but has different requirements.

US Tourist Visa Processing Time (2024 Updates)

• Normal processing: 7-10 working days (after interview)
• Emergency appointments: Available for medical/family emergencies
• Administrative processing: Additional 30-60 days (if extra checks needed)

USA Visit Visa Apply Online – DS-160 Form Guide

The DS-160 form is the first step for your US tourist visa application. Key details needed:
🔹 Personal information
🔹 Passport details
🔹 US contact address
🔹 Travel plans

📌 *Pro Tip: Save your DS-160 ID – you’ll need it for appointment booking!*

US Tourist Visa Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

❌ Insufficient funds → Show strong bank balance
❌ Weak home ties → Prove job/family commitments
❌ Past visa violations → Explain overstays (if any)

FAQs – US Tourist Visa for Indians

1. What is the US tourist visa cost for Indians?

$185 (approx. ₹15,400), excluding VFS charges.

2. Can I apply for a US tourist visa online?

Yes! Fill DS-160, pay fees, and book an interview.

3. How long is the US B1/B2 visa valid?

Up to 10 years (but each stay max 6 months).

4. Is there a 10-year US tourist visa for Indians?

Yes, but approval depends on consular discretion.

Final Tips for a Successful US Tourist Visa Application

✔ Apply early (Peak seasons have long wait times)
✔ Dress formally for the interview (First impression matters)
✔ Stay calm & confident during questioning

Special US Visa Types FAQs

Q57. What is the 10-year tourist visa for the USA?
Indians and citizens of some countries can receive a 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa.

Q58. What is the US embassy visitor visa process?
It involves completing the DS-160 form, scheduling a visa interview, attending biometrics, and then the interview at a US Embassy/Consulate.

Q59. What is the US B1 and B2 visa cost for Indians?
It is around $185 USD (~₹15,000 INR).

Q60. What is a 10-year visa USA?
It’s a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for 10 years, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit.

Q61. How to apply for a US B1 visa application?
You must fill out the DS-160 form online, pay the fee, schedule an appointment, and attend the interview.

Q62. How to apply for a US B2 visa application?
Similar to B1, complete DS-160, schedule interview, pay the fee, and attend your interview.

Q63. How to apply for US travel visa application?
The travel visa for tourism is a B2 visa. Apply via DS-160 form, then book and attend your interview.

Q64. What are the types of visas for the USA from India?
Major visa types are: B1/B2 (business/tourism), F1 (students), H1B (workers), J1 (exchange), L1 (intra-company transfer), O1 (extraordinary ability).

India Visa for US Citizens FAQs

Q65. How can a US citizen apply for an Indian visa?
Apply online via the Indian e-Visa Portal or visit an Indian embassy.

Q66. How much is the India visa for US citizens?
Depending on the type, tourist e-visa for US citizens costs around $25-$80 USD.

Other General Travel Visa FAQs

Q67. Can I apply for visitors visa Canada from India?
Yes, apply online through the official IRCC portal and attend biometrics.

Q68. What is the USA visit visa apply online process?
First fill DS-160 form online, pay visa fee, and schedule an interview at the embassy.

Q69. What is the requirement for tourist visa in USA?
You must show intent to return home, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and a valid passport.

US Visa and Visitor Visa FAQs (Continuation)

Q38. What is the difference between a US visitor visa and a tourist visa?
There is no major difference. The US visitor visa refers to both B1 (business) and B2 (tourist) purposes. For tourism specifically, it’s a B2 visa.

Q39. What are the requirements for a US visitor visa?
You must show ties to your home country, proof of sufficient funds, valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, and travel purpose explanation.

Q40. What is the US tourist visa cost for Indians?
The US tourist visa (B2) costs approximately ₹15,000 INR ($185 USD) for Indian citizens.

Q41. How much does an America tourist visa cost?
An American tourist visa (B2) costs about $185 USD, applicable worldwide, including India.

Q42. What is the price of a visa for the USA?
The price of a US visa (tourist/visitor) is around $185 USD. Additional service fees may apply if using agents or visa centers.

Q43. What are the types of tourist visas USA offers?
For tourism, the B2 visa is issued. Business tourists use the B1 visa, and often a combined B1/B2 visa is granted.

Q44. What type of visa is needed for tourism in the USA?
The B2 visa is the official tourist visa for the USA.

Q45. How much does the US travel visa cost?
For a travel/tourist/visitor visa, the cost is $185 USD.

Canada Visitor Visa FAQs (Continuation)

Q46. How to apply for Canada tourist visa application online?
You can apply through the IRCC official website, fill out the form, upload documents, pay fees, and give biometrics.

Q47. What is the Canada tourist visa requirement?
You need a valid passport, financial documents, purpose of visit, ties to home country, travel history, and sometimes an invitation letter.

Q48. How much is the Canada tourist visa price in India?
The visa application fee is around 100 CAD, and biometrics cost 85 CAD.

Q49. How much is the tourist visa for Canada price in India?
Total cost (visa + biometrics) is around 185 CAD (~₹11,000 INR approx.).

Q50. How to apply for a Canada visitor visa for parents?
You can apply online through IRCC. Include a letter of invitation from the child in Canada and show financial support documents.

Q51. What is the cost of a Canada visitor visa?
The application fee is 100 CAD; biometrics 85 CAD.

Q52. Can I apply for a Canadian visitor visa application online?
Yes, all Canada visitor visas must now be applied online.

Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cuba Visa FAQs

Q53. How can Indians apply for a Mexico tourist visa?
Visit the Mexican Embassy in India, fill out the visa form, attach necessary documents, and pay the visa fee (~$48 USD).

Q54. What is the visa process for Vietnam travel for US citizens?
US citizens can apply online for a Vietnam e-visa valid for 30 days.

Q55. Do US citizens need a visa for Thailand?
US citizens do not need a visa for tourism trips under 30 days.

Q56. Do US citizens need a visa to visit Cuba?
Yes, US citizens must obtain a Cuba Tourist Card and declare an approved travel purpose.

FAQs on US, Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, and India Tourist Visas

US Tourist Visa FAQs

Q1. What is a US tourist visa?
A US tourist visa, often called a B2 visa, allows individuals to visit the United States for tourism, vacation, or visiting family and friends.

Q2. How can I apply for a US tourist visa?
You can apply online by filling the DS-160 form, scheduling an interview at the nearest US embassy/consulate, and attending the visa interview.

Q3. What is the cost of a US tourist visa for Indians?
As of now, the US tourist visa application fee for Indian citizens is approximately $185 USD, which is around ₹15,000 INR (subject to change).

Q4. What documents are required for a US tourist visa?
You need a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa appointment confirmation, photo as per US standards, financial proof, travel itinerary, and purpose of visit explanation.

Q5. What is the US B1 and B2 visa?
The B1 visa is for business visitors, while the B2 visa is for tourists. Together, they are often issued as a combined B1/B2 visa.

Q6. How much does a US visitor visa cost from India?
The visitor visa cost is the same as the tourist visa — approximately ₹15,000 INR.

Q7. How long is a US tourist visa valid?
Typically, Indians receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa, but the length of stay per visit is usually 6 months.

Q8. Can I apply for a US tourist visa online?
Yes, you must complete the DS-160 form online before scheduling an appointment.

Q9. What is the ESTA for US travel?
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Indian citizens cannot apply for ESTA; they need a regular visa.

Q10. What is the US visa cost from India?
The cost is around ₹15,000 INR, covering both B1 and B2 visa categories.

Canada Tourist Visa FAQs

Q11. How can I apply for a Canada tourist visa from India?
You can apply online through the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) portal or through a VAC (Visa Application Center).

Q12. What is the Canada tourist visa cost from India?
The cost is approximately 100 CAD for the application, plus 85 CAD for biometrics.

Q13. What documents are needed for a Canada tourist visa?
You’ll need a valid passport, financial proof, invitation letter (if any), travel itinerary, photographs, and ties to home country.

Q14. What are the requirements for a Canada tourist visa?
You must prove you will leave Canada after your visit, have enough funds, and have no criminal history.

Q15. Can I work with a Canada visitor visa?
No, you cannot work on a visitor visa. You need to apply separately for a work permit.

Q16. How much is the tourist visa for Canada?
The total cost (visa fee + biometrics) is approximately 185 CAD.

Q17. Can Canada visitor visa be converted to a work permit?
In some cases, yes — but you must meet all eligibility requirements and apply from inside Canada.

Mexico Tourist Visa FAQs

Q18. Do Indians need a visa to visit Mexico?
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa, unless they hold a valid US, Canada, Japan, UK, or Schengen visa.

Q19. What is the Mexico tourist visa cost for Indians?
The visa fee is approximately $48 USD.

Vietnam Tourist Visa FAQs

Q20. Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes, US citizens require a visa. They can apply for an e-visa online.

Q21. What is the Vietnam tourist visa application process for US citizens?
US citizens can apply for an e-visa online through the official Vietnamese government portal.

Thailand Visa FAQs

Q22. Do US citizens need a visa for Thailand?
For short visits up to 30 days, US citizens do not need a visa under Thailand’s visa exemption rule.

India Visa FAQs for US Citizens

Q23. Do US citizens need a visa for India?
Yes, US citizens need an e-Visa or a regular visa to visit India.

Q24. How to apply for an Indian visa for US citizens?
Apply online through the Indian e-Visa portal or at the nearest Indian consulate.

Q25. What is the cost of a 10-year Indian visa for US citizens?
The fee can vary, but it’s around $100–$150 USD depending on the type of visa and consulate.

Other FAQs

Q26. What is a business visitor visa USA?
A B1 visa allows people to attend meetings, conferences, or business-related activities in the US.

Q27. What types of US visas are available from India?
Main types include B1/B2 (visitor/tourist/business), F1 (student), H1B (work), and J1 (exchange visitor).

Q28. What is the cost of tourist visa USA type B2?
The B2 visa costs about $185 USD.

Q29. How much is the US visa fee for Indian citizens?
Approximately ₹15,000 INR, but always confirm from the official US visa fee page.

Q30. What is the tourist visa USA price?
The price remains approximately $185 USD across most countries including India.

Q31. What is the cost of visiting visa from India to USA?
The same — about ₹15,000 INR (~$185 USD).

Q32. Can I apply for America tourist visa online?
You can only submit the DS-160 form online. The interview must be attended in person.

Q33. What is America transit visa?
The C visa is issued for transit through the USA to another country.

Q34. How long does a US travel visa process take?
It varies by embassy and season but can range from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Q35. What is the visa USA J1 type?
J1 visas are for exchange visitors participating in programs promoting cultural exchange, like internships and research.

Q36. Can Indians apply for 10-year US tourist visa?
Yes, Indians often receive a 10-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa.

Q37. How much is the US B1/B2 visa application cost?

The fee is approximately $185 USD.

Ready to Apply for Your American Tourist Visa?

Now that you know the US tourist visa requirements, cost, and process, start your application today! For more updates, check the official US Embassy website.

📢 Need help? Drop your questions below! 🚀

(This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify details with the US Embassy/Consulate.)