Quick answer
The B1/B2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for temporary travel to the U.S. for business (B-1), tourism or medical treatment (B-2), or both [1]. It permits activities like business meetings, conferences, tourism, visiting friends or relatives, and medical treatment [2]. It does not allow ordinary employment, degree study, permanent residence, or paid performances [3]. Applicants generally need a passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and evidence of trip purpose, intent to depart, and ability to pay [4]. A visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry but does not guarantee admission; CBP decides admission [5][6]. Additional documents depend on the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply [7].
Key facts
| Visa type | Nonimmigrant visa (B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2)[1] |
| Purpose | Temporary travel for business, tourism, or medical treatment[1][2] |
| Permitted activities | Business meetings, conferences, tourism, visiting friends/relatives, medical treatment[2] |
| Prohibited activities | Employment, degree study, permanent residence, paid performances[3] |
| Admission guarantee | No; CBP decides at port of entry[5][6] |
Am I eligible?
General visitor visa (B1/B2)
- You must demonstrate that you intend to leave the United States after your temporary stay.
- You must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the United States.
- You must have a residence outside the United States and other ties that will ensure your return.
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Requirements in detail
A passport valid for travel to the United States, with validity extending beyond the intended period of stay.
Completed and submitted Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation page.
Payment of the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) where required.
Documents showing the purpose of your trip, such as an invitation letter, conference registration, or medical appointment.
Evidence that you intend to leave the U.S. after your temporary stay, such as ties to your home country.
Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during the trip.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Determine if you need a B1/B2 visa and review the official requirements[1]
- 2
Complete the DS-160 form and obtain confirmation[4]
- 3
Pay the visa fee if required[4]
- 4
Gather required documents: passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and evidence of trip purpose, intent to depart, and ability to pay[4]
- 5
Check the specific U.S. embassy or consulate website for additional instructions and documents[7]
- 6
Attend the visa interview (if required) and submit your application
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic eligibility requirements for a B1/B2 visitor visa?
You must show that you intend to leave the U.S. after your temporary stay, have sufficient funds for your visit, and have a residence outside the U.S. and other ties that ensure your return.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Definition of visitor visas
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Permitted activities
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Prohibited activities
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
General application requirements
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Visa does not guarantee admission
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Additional documents depend on embassy
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Official source
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 16, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects United States's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United States's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.