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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

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

Check to see 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.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist 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
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

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 contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

By Sarah James

U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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• UK Visas and Immigration

Apply for a UK visa in the USA

Updated 24 April 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/usa-apply-for-a-uk-visa/apply-for-a-uk-visa-in-the-usa

To apply for a UK visa in the USA you need to:

• apply online
• pay your fee
• book and attend your biometric appointment
• Attend an Application Support Center ( ASC )
• mail your application

Apply online

Apply online to complete your application and pay your fee.

Book and attend your biometric appointment

Once you have completed your online application you will be prompted to book a biometric enrolment appointment at an ASC . This is to have your photo and fingerprints taken (known as ‘biometric information’).

Alternatively, you can attend a VFS Premium Application Centre (PAC) to provide your biometric information and submit your application. If you choose to attend a VFS PAC , you will need to purchase a Premium Service.

Attending an ASC

You can only attend your ASC appointment on your scheduled date and time. If you arrive on a different date or time, you will not be processed. Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

When you visit the ASC for your biometric appointment, you must take your current valid passport and a copy of your appointment confirmation letter, which will be sent by VFS Global when you book your appointment.

Cell phones, cameras, and other recording devices are not permitted inside the ASC .

When arriving at the ASC , you must:

• wear a face covering. Face coverings will not be provided to applicants. All individuals not wearing a face covering will not be allowed entry
• not bring additional individuals or family members with you to your appointment. Only interpreters, attorneys, or those providing needed assistance to you will be permitted to accompany you
• follow social distancing guidance when you arrive, such as sitting and standing apart from others
• not come to your appointment if you are sick or start to feel symptoms of being sick. If you or someone with you appears ill during your appointment, the ASC may require that you reschedule your appointment
• check the operating status of our offices on the day of your appointment

Visa application process for children under 5

Children under the age of 5 applying for a UK visa from within the United States must attend an appointment at an ASC or a PAC. At the appointment, they will have their photograph taken but will not be required to provide their fingerprints.

Mail your application

Once your appointment confirmation letter is stamped at the ASC , you will have 5 days to mail this, your application form, current passport, UPS return shipping label, and any supporting documents (if you haven’t uploaded them online) to:

VFS Services USA Inc. UKVI Scanning Hub 128 East 32nd St Floor 4 New York NY 10016

All applications must include your current passport with at least one blank visa page on both sides. If your application is submitted without a passport the application will be refused.

The 5 working day priority or 15 working day standard service for processing your UK visa application will only begin once these documents have been received at the above address.

Return shipping

To have your passport or any other documents returned, you must provide a fully addressed UPS prepaid electronic shipping label as we cannot accept non-electronic shipping labels. You must your return shipping label is inside the package, and to keep a copy of the shipping label for your records.

Coronavirus advice for entering the UK

If you are travelling to the UK, you should check what you need to do before you travel and any changes at the UK border .

Read guidance on immigration conditions if you have been affected by travel restrictions because of coronavirus.

You can contact our international contact service provided by Teleperformance who work in partnership with UKVI .

Calls from outside the UK cost £0.69 per minute (plus the local network charge) to call UKVI .

Emails from outside the UK cost £2.74. This includes the initial email enquiry plus any follow-up emails to and from the contact centre relating to the same enquiry. Emails are sent using an online form on our website.

Our English language phone line service is open 24 hours Monday to Friday, with other languages available at times that reflect standard business hours where possible.

Teleperformance staff do not play any part in, or influence the outcome of visa applications. They can provide help with navigating the UKVI guidance online. They cannot provide immigration advice.

Make a complaint

Letters or emails about decisions to refuse a UK visa will not be treated as complaints. If you do not agree with the decision on your visa application, please use the existing appeals channels.

If you have a complaint about how your visa application has been handled, or the conduct of UKVI staff you should read our complaints procedure .

Alternatively, you can send your complaint by email using our international contact service .

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US Visitor Visa for UK Citizens

If you are planning on visiting the United States from the UK temporarily, you will need a US Visitor Visa or some other form of immigration permission. Here is information on requirements and how to apply for a US Visitor visa from the UK.

Call us on 0333 305 9375 for assistance with applying. We provide immigration services that help UK citizens acquire US Visas.

Request a call back from our immigration experts

Page contents.

• What is ESTA?
• Types of the US Visit Visa?
• Requirements for UK citizens
• Required and supporting documents
• How to apply from the UK
• Cost and Processing times
• US Visitor Visa help

Frequently Asked Questions

Visiting the united states from the uk.

If you wish to travel to the United States temporarily, you can apply for a visitor visa. A US Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows people from the UK and other countries to enter the United States for six months.

This visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to travel to the United States and stay for up to 180 days at most in a year. This non-immigrant visa is typically valid for up to 120 months.

British citizens can travel to the US for leisure or certain business purposes on visitor nonimmigrant visas for 180 days at a time. However, if you are staying for 90 days or less, you can visit the US on ESTA instead of a visa because the UK participates in the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

If you need more information or help with successfully applying to come to the US on a valid visa as a temporary visitor, contact our immigration lawyers. Call us on 0333 305 9375 today

Take the first step. Request a Fact Finding + Expert Consultation Contact Us

What Is An ESTA?

ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The US ESTA allows citizens of the UK to visit the US for tourism, transit or business. It’s easier and quicker as you can get it within 24 hours after submitting the ESTA online application form.

The US ESTA is valid for 2 years and allows UK nationals to stay in the UK for up to 90 days without a visa. Also, it can be used for return visits.

Along with the UK, 38 countries are also in the VWP. Citizens of those countries can apply for an ESTA as well.

The application process is easy; once you begin, you must complete it in seven days or your progress will be deleted. To apply, you will:

• Accept the disclaimers
• Provide your valid passport
• Provide biographical and other information
• List travel arrangements
• Answer yes/no eligibility questions
• Review and confirm provided information
• Pay the $14 processing fee
• Submit your application
• Await decision

You can print or download a PDF version of the above for your records.

If you change your name, gender, citizenship, passport, or answers in the ESTA form, you must apply for a new ESTA.

Types Of US Visitor Visa

If you wish to travel to the United States on a nonimmigrant Visitor visa, there are three categories:

B1 Business Visitor Visa

The B1 Visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits holders to visit the US temporarily for some business activities. The permitted activities for business travellers visiting the US include:

• Attending business, educational, scientific or professional conventions, conferences, or seminars
• Negotiating contracts
• Attending business meetings
• Attending sessions/handling disputes in court
• Consulting with business associates
• Engaging in unpaid voluntary work

B2 Visa or Tourist Visitor Visa

The B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to travel to the US for tourism, pleasure, medical treatment, or visiting. These are some of the permitted activities on the B2 visa:

• Visiting friends or relatives
• Receiving medical treatment (where there’s a confirmed diagnosis and a letter from a medical facility in the US treatment).
• Unpaid amateurs participating in musical, sports and similar events or contests

A B1/B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits the visa holders to partake in both the permitted activities under the B-1 and B2 visas.

If you are unsure if your activity is covered under any of the US visitor visas, contact an immigration lawyer for assistance. Call us on 0333 305 9375 .

Visitor Visa Requirements

Each visitor visa category has specific requirements that you must meet to demonstrate your eligibility. However, there are some general requirements, they include that you:

• Must have a legitimate reason to enter the U.S
• Have enough money to cover your activities and support yourself throughout the duration of your stay
• Intent to leave the US after a limited period of stay
• Have strong ties with the UK and have plans to go back home
• You aren’t planning on giving birth in the U.S (birth tourism)

In addition, the US Visitor nonimmigrant visas do not permit holders to earn a degree while in the US or be employed. Although you can take on some short voluntary activities, you cannot take on paid work. If you are to study, it must not be the main reason for your coming and it must be a short recreational course, for example, a 1-day cooking class while on vacation.

Required Documents For The US Visitor Visa

Like with applying for any US Visas, UK citizens must provide some required documents to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility requirements. They include the following documents:

• A valid British passport
• A passport-sized photograph
• Filled form DS-160
• Evidence of your ties and intention to return to the UK, for example, letters from your employer or property ownership documents)
• Proof that you can support yourself and cover all your expenses during your visit
• Documents detailing the purpose of your travel to the US

You may need to present additional documents depending on your reason for applying for a US visitor visa from the UK. For example, if you are applying for a b2 visa because you’re seeking medical treatment, then you must provide evidence of a medical diagnosis from a licensed physician that proves your need for treatment in the US, a letter from the facility in the US that is to treat you with details on your treatment and hospitalization fees, and proof of financial support, including to cover the medical-related expenses.

Get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers to learn how to apply for a US visitor visa. Contact us

How To Apply For A US Visitor Visa From The UK

To apply for any of the US visitor visas from the UK, you must begin by completing the online visa application form (Form DS-160). After you have submitted that, ensure you print the confirmation page as you will need that for your interview.

Upload your photograph and pay the visa application fee. After you have paid visa fees, you can schedule an interview with a consular officer in the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast. The visa interview is compulsory for visa applicants between the ages of 14 and 79.

Take the confirmation page of your DS-160 and the required and supporting documents with you for your interview. At the embassy or consulate, a staff will collect, enter, and review your visa application and your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

Afterwards, you will meet with a consular officer who will ask you a few questions to determine your eligibility.

Cost And Processing Times Of The US Visitor Visas

Cost of a b1/b2 visa.

The B1 and B2 visitor visas cost $160. This fee is not refundable and must be paid during the visa application process.

Processing times of the B1 & B2 Visa?

Successful B1 & B2 applications from the UK take 3-5 workdays to process. After your business or tourist visa interview, expect a 5-7 work-day window to allow for delivery via courier.

There’s no way to accelerate the processing of your visa for a faster time. If you are in a hurry, apply for an ESTA.

If your application is successful, you will get your UK passport back and your B1/B2 visa. If your application is denied, you will get your UK passport back along with notification of refusal, and you can reapply.

How Can Total Law Help UK Citizens Visit The United States?

Our team of immigration lawyers are experienced in assisting UK citizens and residents with obtaining a United States visitor visa. We are ready to assist you with any visa or immigration matter.

Whether you want assistance with applying for a visa or advice on the right visa route for your particular circumstances, we can help you through custom immigration packages that meet your exact needs. We provide support and advice in these aspects:

• Immigration to the US from the UK
• Assessing your eligibility for a visitor visa
• Providing advice on your visitor and other immigration options
• Filing a visa application for you
• Ensuring that all your documentation and forms are submitted with the highest of standards
• Helping with gathering documents and evidence of eligibility
• Guiding you through a visa interview
• Liaising with the USCIS on your behalf

For more information about how we can help you travel to and visit the United States from the United Kingdom, please give us a call or contact us online. You can call us on 0333 305 9375 or send an email to [email protected] .

Advice Package

Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.

Application Package

Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Fast Track Package

Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.

Appeal Package

Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.

The Advice Package

During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.

The Application Package

With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.

The Fast Track Package

Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.

The Appeal Package

By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.

If you wish to find out which of the U.S. family visas is best for you, the Total Law team is happy to assist. Learn more

Related pages for your continued reading.

K4 child visa, k1 fiance visa, family based green cards, spouse immigrant visa, us citizenship, do i need a visa to travel to the usa from the uk.

You don’t need a visa to visit the USA from the UK. The UK is part of the US visa waiver program, so you can apply for an ESTA online and travel to the US with that. An ESTA allows you to stay in the US for up to 90 days.

However, UK visitors that want to stay in the United States for more than 90 days will have to apply for a visa. Depending on your intentions, tourist visas or family visas may be appropriate. You can check this website for more visas.

For advice on the best immigration route for your circumstances, contact us today. Call us on 0333 305 9375 .

Can I switch from a US Visitor Visa to another visa?

You may be able to apply for a change in your nonimmigrant status if your situation changes. For example, if you marry a US citizen, you may be eligible for a K3 Spouse visa .

If you make an application while in the US to the USCIS, you will not need to apply for a new visa, but must do so once you leave the US. The United States government does not allow foreign citizens to return without a valid visa.

How can I pass my visa interview?

The following tips may be you pass your visa interview during your interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country:

• Prove your ties to the UK
• Prove that you will return to the UK
• Provide all necessary and supporting documents
• Ensure you don’t and haven’t gone against immigration laws

In addition, be concise, truthful, and confident when answering the interview questions.

What visa interview questions should I expect?

The US visa interview questions you may be asked will depend on the consular officers. They may include:

• Do you have family or friends living in the US?
• What plans have you made for travelling to the US?
• What’s the nature of your visit?
• How will you pay for your trip?
• What do you do for a living?
• How much money do you earn?
• What family do you have in your home country?
• What assurances can you give that you won’t overstay your visa in the US?

Disclaimer: Total Law operates under different capacities in the various countries we cover, including as immigration consultants or lawyers; We connect clients with our network of immigration lawyers if we are not registered as a law firm in a particular country