B-2 Visa (Holiday visa)

In general, holiday makers traveling to the United States require valid B-2 visas. That is unless they are eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program, or they are a national of a country which has an agreement with the United States allowing their citizens to travel to the United States without B-2 visas.

If you are not eligible to travel visa free, or are not a national of a country where B-2 visa requirements are waived, you will be required to apply for a visa before traveling.

All B-2 visa applicants, even children and babies listed in parents' passports are required to:

• Complete the visa application form DS-156;



• Pay a visa application fee;



• Present a passport or other travel document valid for at least six months beyond the holder's period of stay in the United States with at least one blank page - the six-month requirement does not apply to United Kingdom passports. If the passport is damaged, we recommend that you obtain a new passport before applying for the visa to avoid any delay in the processing of your application; and


• Provide one photograph which meets State Department regulations.

Note: The decision to approve or deny the application will be based on the interview and information provided orally. However, the consular officer may ask the applicant to provide documentary evidence of the following:

• funds sufficient to cover all expenses while in the United States; and


• a residence abroad to which he/she intends to return at the end of the stay in the United States. This is generally established by evidence of family, professional, property, employment or other ties and commitments to some country other than the United States sufficient to cause the applicant to return there at the conclusion of his/her stay.

Additional processing requirements and information for the following:

Issuance fees

Nationals of certain countries are required to pay an issuance fee in order for an approved visa to be issued. No fee is charged for the issuance of an B visa to a British citizen passport holder.

How do I apply for the visa?

Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to appear in person before a U.S. consular officer. Applicants under the age of 14 and thosed aged 80 and over may be eligible to submit their application by courier. See "Applying for a Visa" at top right-hand side of this page for further information.

Reminder: We always recommend that individuals apply for visas well in advance of their proposed date of travel. No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore, final travel plans or the purchase of non refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued and you are in receipt of the passport.

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