US visitor, transit & esta | Visa Applications

Visa routes

Visitor visa (B-1/B-2)Visa route
A temporary visa for business (B-1), tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or the two combined. No employment is permitted.
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)Visa route
Lets citizens of participating countries travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa, using an approved ESTA obtained before travel.
D crewmember visaVisa route
A short-term nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals working aboard a sea vessel or international aircraft that operates in the United States.
C-1 transit visaVisa route
A short-stay nonimmigrant visa for travellers passing through the United States in immediate and continuous transit on the way to another country.
B-1 Business Visitor VisaVisa route
A temporary nonimmigrant visa for short business trips to the United States — meetings, conferences, contract negotiation and consulting with associates. It does not permit paid work or employment by a US company.
B-2 Tourist Visitor VisaVisa route
A temporary US visa for tourism, holidays, visiting family and friends, private medical treatment and short recreational courses. No paid work or study for academic credit is permitted.

Requirements & how-to guidance

ESTA and the Visa Waiver Program explainedGuidance
What the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA are, who can use them, and when you need a visa instead.

Guides & explainers

Attention U.S. Travelers: Namibia May Require Visas SoonGuide
The country is considering implementing visa requirements for citizens from over 30 nations, including the US.
B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Questions (2026)Guide
Learn about the essential B1 B2 Visa Interview Questions (2026) to effectively prepare for your interview and achieve success.
B1/B2 Visa Documents Checklist (2026)Guide
Ensure your B1/B2 visa application is successful with our comprehensive Documents Checklist (2026) and avoid refusals.
B1/B2 Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026)Guide
Confirm your eligibility for the B1/B2 Visa in 2026. Discover the key requirements for visiting the United States temporarily.
B1/B2 Visa Proof of Funds (2026)Guide
Learn how to provide B1/B2 Visa Proof of Funds effectively to ensure your eligibility for a U.S. visitor visa.
Can You Get a US Transit Visa At The Airport?Guide
You must apply for your transit visa in advance of your travel to the USA. You cannot obtain a transit visa while in the airport.
Do I Need A Transit Visa For USA If I Don't Leave The Airport?Guide
If you have a stopover in the United States planned for your journey but if you don't leave the airport, do you still require a transit visa to the USA?
Do I Need A Visa To Transit The United States?Guide
You might need to apply for a transit visa depending on how long your layover is. Visa Waiver citizens can transit with an ESTA.
Do I Need A Visa To Transit Through the USA From the UK?Guide
You must apply for a visa or participate in the Visa Waiver Program to leave the international zone when transiting through the USA.
Do I Need An ESTA If I Am Only In Transit?Guide
Unless you're a citizen of Canada, Bermuda, or Mexico, you need a valid ESTA if you're transiting through the United States.
Extend or Reapply for a B-1/B-2 Visa (2026)Guide
Need to extend or reapply for a B1/B2 visa (2026)? Discover the official procedures for a smooth visa process.
Guide to U.S. Healthcare For Immigrants & TravellersGuide
The United States provides superior healthcare, showcasing cutting-edge medical technologies and illustrious medical professionals. However, the American healthcare system…
How Long Does It Take To Apply For A US Transit Visa?Guide
Travelers traveling through the US to their final destination must get a US transit visa. Processing times can vary so you should plan ahead.
How Much Does A US Transit Visa Cost?Guide
Depending on your origin and your length of stay, the cost of a US transit visa may change anytime and be subject to additional expenses.
How to extend your B1/B2 visaGuide
It can be difficult to navigate U.S. immigration policies, particularly regarding visa extensions. B1 and B2 visas, also referred to as visitor visas, are nonimmigrant visa…
How to manage your finances while traveling on a US visaGuide
Travelling can be a thrilling adventure, but it also presents several challenges, one of the most significant of which is effectively managing your finances. Differences in…
Qatar Becomes Second Muslim-Majority Country to Join U.S. Visa Waiver ProgramGuide
Qatar marked a significant milestone by becoming only the second Muslim-majority country to gain entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Romania Urges Citizens to Renew Expired US Visas to Qualify for Visa Waiver ProgramGuide
the Romanian government's initiative urging citizens to renew expired US visas is a pivotal step towards joining the US Visa Waiver Program
Travellers Guide to Attending the Super BowlGuide
Every year, the Super Bowl, one of the largest and most anticipated sporting events, attracts global attention. Travelling to the Super Bowl is a once-in-a-lifetime experie…
Travelling To Sport Events In The USA With A VisaGuide
The United States of America, also known as the land of opportunity, is home to some of the world's most exciting sporting events. Sporting events like the Super Bowl, NBA…
US Impose Travel Bans on Israeli Settlers for West Bank ViolenceGuide
The U.S. Department of State has announced that it will impose travel bans on Israeli settlers implicated in recent attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank. Secretary of S…
US Transit VisaGuide
Travelers from non-visa-waiver program nations traveling through the United States must have a US Transit Visa. Learn all you need to know.
What Countries Are Eligible For A Visitor Visa Waiver?Guide
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of forty countries to come to the United States for short-stays without a visa.
What is the difference between B1 and B2 visa?Guide
B2 visas are for travel and personal reasons, while B1 visas are for business-related activities. Both have a six-month maximum stay limit.
What is the USA Visa Waiver Program?Guide
The USA Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days.
What to do if you run out of money while traveling on a US visaGuide
Often, travel is a rewarding experience that opens one's senses to new cultures and experiences. However, it can also present unexpected circumstances, such as running out…
Who Is Eligible For A Transit Visa To The USA?Guide
You must fulfill all eligibility requirements such as having a confirmed onward ticket to be eligible for a transit visa for the USA.