Latest 2026 Guide to Applying for a US Tourist Visa

What are the requirements, procedures, and documents needed for a US tourist visa? Check out this guide compiled by Living Nomads.

Almost everyone in the world has heard of the US, whether through movies or books. The Statue of Liberty, Hollywood (the film capital), the dazzling casinos of Las Vegas, New York (a global financial hub), the majestic White House in Washington, iconic fashion brands, and tech giants—all these elements create a captivating America, a symbol of prosperity and global influence.

Precisely because of this appeal, the US is also known for having one of the most challenging visa application processes. But don’t be discouraged; “difficult” doesn’t mean “impossible”! With this comprehensive guide to US tourist visas, we hope you’ll feel confident in pursuing your American dream!

What Is a US Tourist Visa? How Do B1 and B2 Visas Differ?

Generally, foreign citizens wishing to enter the US must first obtain a visa—either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stays or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. A tourist visa falls under the non-immigrant category, intended for those wishing to enter the US temporarily for business (B-1 visa), tourism (B-2 visa), or a combination of both (B-1/B-2).

B1 Visa: For those visiting the US for business or work-related purposes, such as attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or meeting business partners. However, the B1 visa does not authorize paid employment within the US.

B2 Visa: For those visiting the US for tourism, visiting family/friends, or medical treatment. This includes activities such as sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or attending social events.

Go City San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass

In most cases, the U.S. Consulate issues a combined B1/B2 visa, allowing you to enter the U.S. for both business and tourism purposes. However, during the application process, you must clearly state the primary purpose of your trip to ensure you receive the appropriate visa category.

Thus, if you wish to travel to the U.S. for tourism, to visit family and friends, to attend special events, or for medical treatment, you may apply for a B-2 tourist visa. Please note that a B-2 tourist visa does not permit you to study, conduct business, or work in the United States. Additionally, the visa indicates the number of times you may enter the U.S. The letter “M” signifies multiple entries. If a specific number appears—such as “One”—you are permitted only a single entry.

How Long Is a U.S. Tourist Visa Valid?

A U.S. tourist visa (B1/B2) offers the opportunity to explore this vast and diverse country over a period of 12 months (or up to a maximum of 10 years), with multiple entry privileges. This means you can plan several different trips within that timeframe.

Furthermore, renewing a U.S. tourist visa is a straightforward process. If your previous visa is still valid or expired within the last 48 months, you may be eligible for renewal without a new interview. Processing times for renewals can vary, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your planned trip.

How Much Does a U.S. Tourist Visa Cost?

Hawaii Big Island Manta Ray Night Snorkel Experience

Currently, the total amount you need to prepare for government fees is approximately 435 USD (equivalent to about 11,000,000 VND), comprising:

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Note
Application processing fee (MRV)	185 USD	Non-refundable base fee for the B1/B2 category.
Visa Integrity Fee	250 USD	Effective from October 2025 under the new law.
Total	435 USD	~ 11,000,000 VND (depending on the exchange rate)

In addition to the fees payable to the Embassy or Consulate, you should factor in the following costs for an accurate budget:

• Passport-style photos: Approximately 50,000 – 100,000 VND (must meet the 5x5cm standard with a white background).
• Passport delivery fee: Approximately 100,000 – 200,000 VND if you choose home delivery after your visa is approved.
• Service fees (if applicable): If you use an application assistance service, costs typically range from 3,000,000 – 5,000,000 VND, depending on the provider.
  Travel and accommodation costs: If you do not reside in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you must account for travel expenses to attend the in-person interview.

What Are the Requirements for a US Tourist Visa?

Statue of Liberty Express Cruise Tour in New York

Under the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), all B-1/B-2 visa applicants are presumed to intend to immigrate to the US unless they can prove otherwise. This means that to be granted a B-2 (tourist) visa, you must provide sufficient information demonstrating:

• A clear purpose of travel: The trip is temporary in nature, such as for tourism, visiting relatives, or medical treatment.
• A specific stay plan: You need to provide details regarding the duration of your stay, your intended itinerary, and a commitment to leave the US on time.
• Transparent finances: You must demonstrate the ability to cover all expenses during your time in the US (airfare, accommodation, meals, etc.).
• Strong ties to Vietnam: This is a crucial factor. This could be stable employment, a personal business, assets, or family ties—factors demonstrating that you have a clear reason to return after your trip.

(*) Note: Consular officers have only a few minutes to review your application. Thorough preparation, clear documentation, and consistent information will significantly increase your chances of successfully obtaining a U.S. visa.

US Tourist Visa (B-2) Application Checklist

5G eSIM USA | Verizon

To complete your US tourist visa application, you need to prepare the following mandatory documents:

• Form DS-160: This is the non-immigrant visa application form; it must be filled out online at ceac.state.gov/ceac. Once completed, print the confirmation page containing the barcode to submit with your application.
• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into the US. Each individual (including children) requires their own passport and DS-160 form.
• 5×5 cm photo: Taken within the last 6 months, with a white background and no digital alterations. Please refer to the specifications at travel.state.gov.
• Visa fee payment receipt: The processing fee is 185 USD (payable in VND). After paying via the ustraveldocs.com/vn system, you will receive a payment receipt to present at your interview.
• Interview appointment letter: Print the confirmation page showing your scheduled interview appointment from the official system. This document is mandatory when visiting the Embassy or Consulate.
• Supporting documents (optional): These may include an invitation letter, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, documents demonstrating ties to Vietnam, etc. While not mandatory, these documents can help increase your chances of visa approval.

(*) Note: The processing fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied.

Where to Submit Your US Tourist Visa Application?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour

US tourist visa interviews are conducted at the US Embassy in Hanoi or the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City at the following addresses:

In Hanoi: US Embassy

2nd Floor, Rose Garden Tower, 170 Ngoc Khanh, Giang Vo, Ba Dinh

In Ho Chi Minh City: Ho Chi Minh City: U.S. Consulate General

No. 4 Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Guide to Scheduling a U.S. Tourist Visa (B-2) Interview

Go City – New York Explorer Pass

Step 1: Create an account on the system

Visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/vn/ and select “Login” → “New User” to create an account. Enter your email address, password, and required personal information.

Step 2: Enter personal information

Once logged in, you need to enter details such as:

• Passport number
• DS-160 form barcode number (10 characters)
• Address for passport delivery after the interview
• Visa type: select B1/B2 – Tourism and short-term business

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

Select the payment method for the $185 USD fee (payable in VND). You can choose:

• Bank payment (print the deposit slip and pay at the counter)
• Online payment (via supported cards or internet banking)
• Keep the payment receipt to enter the information in the next step.

Step 4: Schedule the interview appointment

After the system confirms payment, you can select the interview date and location at:

• The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, or
• The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City

Appointment slots can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so check regularly to select a suitable time.

Step 5: Print the appointment confirmation letter

After successfully scheduling the appointment, the system will generate a confirmation letter. Print this letter and bring it—along with the necessary documents—to your interview.

Required Documents for a U.S. Tourist Visa Application

When applying for a U.S. tourist visa, supporting documents are only one part of the review process. The consular officer will conduct a comprehensive assessment covering the purpose of your trip, your financial situation, and the strength of your ties to Vietnam. Below are the documents you should prepare to strengthen your application:

Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank page, containing full details and your signature.

US visa-compliant photo (5×5 cm), taken within the last 6 months, with a white background.

• Digital file: for uploading to the DS-160 form.
• Printed photo: to bring to the interview.

Proof of financial means: bank statements, savings books, property ownership documents, and housing lease or purchase contracts (if applicable).

Proposed itinerary: clearly stating departure and return dates, places to visit, details of any sponsor (if applicable), or hotel reservation confirmations.

Boston CityPASS

Employment documents:

• Employees: employment verification letter stating your position, salary, tenure, and approved leave dates.
• Business owners: business registration certificate, tax payment receipts, transaction invoices, etc.

Documents related to previous stays in the US (if applicable): e.g., old visas, immigration records, or proof of past legal residency status.

(*) Note: Absolutely do not use forged documents or provide dishonest information. Any fraudulent activity can result in a permanent visa ban under US immigration law.

Detailed Guide to US Tourist Visa Application Procedures

You can certainly apply for a US visa yourself without using an intermediary service; simply prepare thoroughly and follow the steps below:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 form

• Visit ceac.state.gov/ceac to fill out the DS-160 form online.
• All answers must be in English. This is an interactive form; questions will appear based on your previous answers.

Step 2: Submit and print the DS-160 confirmation page

Once completed, submit the form and print the confirmation page containing the barcode.
If you modify any information later, you must generate a new barcode and print the page again.
The confirmation page must not be handwritten, crossed out, or soiled—please keep it in good condition.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

• The non-immigrant visa processing fee is 185 USD; payment is made in VND based on the exchange rate updated in the system.
• You will receive a payment receipt to use during the appointment scheduling step.

Step 4: Schedule your interview appointment

• Create an account and log in at ustraveldocs.com/vn.
• When scheduling the appointment, you will need to provide: Passport number, payment receipt number, and DS-160 barcode (10 digits).

Step 5: Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

On the day of your appointment, you must bring:

• DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
• Interview appointment letter
• 5x5cm photo (taken within the last 6 months)
• Current passport and all previous passports in your possession

(*) Important note: If any of the above documents are missing, you may be denied entry for the interview.

New York CityPASS®

Sample 7-Day U.S. Travel Itinerary – Recommended for Your U.S. Visa Application

When applying for a U.S. tourist visa (B-2), including a clear, logical, and realistic itinerary can help make a positive impression on the consular officer. The itinerary does not need to be overly detailed, but it should clearly outline the purpose of the trip, destinations, duration of stay, and how you plan to travel between cities. Here is a suggested 7-day itinerary from Living Nomads —ideal for a first-time trip to the U.S.—which you can customize to suit your personal preferences!

Day 1: Flight from Vietnam – Arrival in Los Angeles

• Depart from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi
• Arrive at LAX International Airport (Los Angeles)
• Complete immigration procedures, collect luggage, and transfer to the hotel
• Rest and adjust to the time zone

Day 2: Exploring Los Angeles

• Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Photo opportunities at the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre
• Afternoon: Visit Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive
• Evening: Stroll through Santa Monica or enjoy local cuisine

Day 3: Universal Studios Hollywood

• Spend the full day at Universal Studios
• Experience the studio tour, 3D rides, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Evening: Return to the hotel to rest

Day 4: Flight to San Francisco

• Travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco (domestic flight, approx. 1.5 hours)
• Check in at the hotel and rest
• Afternoon: City stroll and sunset viewing at the Golden Gate Bridge

Day 5: San Francisco City Tour

• Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Lombard Street
• Optional: Visit Alcatraz Prison or take a San Francisco Bay cruise
• Evening: Dinner in the famous Chinatown district

Day 6: Shopping & Relaxation

• Shop at Westfield San Francisco Centre or Union Square
• Free time to relax and pack luggage

Day 7: Flight back to Vietnam

• Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport
• Complete tax refund procedures (if applicable)
• Fly back to Vietnam; end of the journey

Tip for submitting your US travel itinerary:

• You do not need to book flights or hotels before your visa is approved, but noting your intended bookings via platforms like Klook, Booking, or Expedia can enhance the credibility of your application.
• Clearly indicate your departure date from the U.S. to demonstrate that your trip is short-term and that you intend to return home.
• Ensure your itinerary aligns with your financial situation and the documents you have submitted—for example, avoid listing too many cities if your financial capacity to cover such a trip is not clearly established.

How Long Does It Take to Get U.S. Tourist Visa Results?

Yosemite National Park Guided Tour

Typically, you will learn the outcome of your visa application immediately after the interview. The consular officer will inform you directly whether your visa has been approved. If approved:

• Your passport will be retained to affix the visa and for subsequent delivery.
• You will receive your passport with the visa within approximately 5–10 business days, depending on your location and the time of year.
• The passport is delivered to your registered address or a designated courier pickup location, completely free of charge.

However, in some cases, your application may require “administrative processing,” which can take several additional weeks or even longer. Therefore, you should not book flights, hotels, or fixed tours before receiving your visa. Both the Consulate and the U.S. visa application system advise against this.

Tips for U.S. Visa Interviews (For Independent Travelers)

In reality, no one can guarantee a successful U.S. tourist visa application, as the final decision rests with the consular officer. However, you can apply the following tips to present a positive image and increase your chances of approval.

Appearance and Attitude

• Arrive early and dress neatly. Your appearance and demeanor create the first impression on the consular officer. If you are a student, dress simply, like a student. If you are a businessperson, reflect that in your attire.
• Maintain a relaxed and confident attitude.
• Be honest—always. Some applicants worry that telling the truth might reduce their chances of obtaining a visa. However, the outcome largely depends on your honesty and persuasiveness, as well as the rapport and trust you establish with the consular officer.
• If you are honest, even if you are rejected this time due to an imperfect application, you will have a strong chance of success in the future once your circumstances improve. Conversely, being caught lying even once could result in a permanent ban on entry.

How to Answer Questions

• Provide clear, concise answers that get straight to the point. If an explanation is required, keep it clear and direct rather than rambling or going off-topic.
• If you do not know or are unsure of an answer, be honest; do not attempt to provide information that differs from what you declared on your DS-160 form.
• Listen carefully to the question and do not interrupt the consular officer. This demonstrates respect and gives you time to analyze the question and provide a focused, relevant answer.
• If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification; absolutely do not guess or give a vague answer.

Other Important Notes

Kualoa Ranch Hollywood Movie Sites Tour

• Do not be surprised if the consular officer does not ask to see the supporting documents you brought, or even denies the visa without asking a single question; conversely, in some cases, a visa is granted after just a few simple questions. This is entirely normal.
• U.S. consular officers abroad are highly trained professionals with extensive experience. Sometimes, they can discern an applicant’s true intentions—and determine whether the information provided is genuine or fabricated—simply by observation, without needing to ask follow-up questions.

U.S. Tourist Visa Interview Questions You Should Know

1. Purpose of the trip:

• What is the purpose of your visit to the U.S.?
• What is the reason for traveling at this specific time?
• How long do you intend to stay in the U.S.?
• Why do you plan to stay for that long? Could you stay for a shorter period?

2. Finances:

• How will you pay for your trip?
• Who is sponsoring your trip?

4. Ties to your home country:

• What is your occupation in Vietnam?
• Are you married?
• Do you have children?
• Do you have pets?
• Who will look after your home, property, children, or pets while you are away? Do you plan to stay in the U.S. if the opportunity arises?
• How can you demonstrate that you will return to your home country?

5. Itinerary:

• Have you booked a round-trip ticket?
• How long do you intend to stay in the U.S.?
• Where will you be staying in the U.S.?
• Are you certain about your plans?

6. Travel history:

• Have you traveled abroad before?
• Have you visited the U.S. before? If so, when and for what purpose?

7. Ties to relatives in the U.S.:

• Do you have any relatives or friends currently in the U.S.?

8. Open-ended questions:

In addition to the questions above, the consular officer may ask open-ended questions to get to know you better, such as:

• What makes you want to visit the U.S.?
• What are your expectations for this trip?
• Can you share a memorable moment from a previous trip (if applicable)?

If your U.S. tourist visa application is successful—congratulations and welcome to the Land of the Stars and Stripes! If you aren’t successful this time, it’s not the end of the world; there are plenty of opportunities ahead! You are confident that with thorough preparation and a positive attitude, you can navigate the visa application process smoothly. Make the most of the information in this article to boost your chances of success.

Are you ready for a fun and memorable independent trip to the U.S.? Start planning your visa application and get ready for an exciting journey to the Land of the Stars and Stripes!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to New York you can refer to

• Klook Pass New York City
• Aladdin Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• Summit One Vanderbilt Ticket
• LEGOLAND® New York Ticket
• The Lion King Broadway Show Ticket in New York
• 60 Minute Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Cruise in New York
• Empire State Building Ticket in New York
• New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top)
• The Edge Observation Deck Ticket in New York
• Top of the Rock Ticket in New York
• The Museum of Modern Art Ticket in New York
• One World Observatory Ticket in New York
• The National 9/11 Memorial Museum Ticket in New York
• Go City – New York Explorer Pass
• American Museum of Natural History Ticket in New York
• Spyscape Spy Museum Ticket in New York

Check out more US guide here.