{"id":352899,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:53","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/non-immigrant-visas-for-visitors-to-the-u-s.html"},"modified":"2026-05-13T18:34:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T23:34:00","slug":"non-immigrant-visas-for-visitors-to-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/non-immigrant-visas-for-visitors-to-the-u-s.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get a U.S. \u200bTourist Visa in Your Home Country"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Get a U.S. \u200bTourist Visa in Your Home Country<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Visitor visas let foreign nationals enter the United States temporarily for tourism or short\u2011term business, but they come with clear limits on work, study, and other activities. Travelers from certain countries may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program instead, allowing short visits without a visa if they meet eligibility rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether you dream of visiting the bustling streets of New York City, the grandiosity of the Grand Canyon, or simply longing to meet friends and family members, traveling to the United States requires a visa for most foreign nationals. To do this, you will need a visitor visa. This is a nonimmigrant visa<\/a> that allows you to travel to the U.S. temporarily for tourism, business, or a combination of both.<\/p>\n

This article explains how to apply for a U.S. tourist visa in your home country. You can also talk to an immigration attorney<\/a> for legal guidance tailored to your situation and travel goals.<\/p>\n

What Activities Can You Do With U.S. Visitor Visas?<\/h2>\n

Generally, foreign nationals who want to visit the United States should get a U.S. visa first. They can get an immigrant visa if they seek permanent residence or a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stays<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The following are some of the activities allowed for those with U.S. visitor visas.<\/p>\n

B-2 Tourist Visa<\/h3>\n