B-1/B-2 Travel Visa

Understanding the B visas for U.S. business and tourism

Take our 5-minute quiz to check your eligibility.

Start Quiz

What Is a B-1 / B-2 visa?

The B-1/B-2 visa lets you visit the U.S. temporarily for business, tourism, or both. It’s one of the most common visas for short trips, giving you the flexibility to explore opportunities, attend meetings, or simply enjoy your time in the States. Typically valid for up to 10 years, this visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit, with the option to return after that period. Whether you’re here for work, leisure, or a mix of both, the B-1/B-2 visa makes traveling to the U.S. easier and more convenient.

Different Between B-1 / B-2 Visa

  • B1 Visa
  • B2 Visa
  • B1/B2
  • Duration
  • Employment
  • Business-related activities
  • Tourism, leisure, visiting family
  • Medical and tourism
  • Typically up to 6 months
  • Not allowed

Visa fees

The visa fee for a B-1/B-2 visa, as of February 21, 2025, is $185 USD. This is the standard Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee charged by the U.S. Department of State. The $185 fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is denied, and applies to each applicant regardless of age.

How long can you stay in the U.S. on a B-1 / B-2 Visa?

Maximum Stay: Up to 6 months per visit, with possible extensions in qualifying cases.

Multiple Entries: You can enter the U.S. multiple times using the same visa.

No Fixed Annual Limit: The number of visits per year depends on your circumstances and the discretion of CBP officers.

Temporary Use Only: This visa is for short visits—business, tourism, or medical treatment—not for long-term stays or residency.

B Visa Requirements

The B-1/B-2 visa lets you visit the U.S. temporarily for business, tourism, or both. It’s one of the most common visas for short trips, giving you the flexibility to explore opportunities, attend meetings, or simply enjoy your time in the States. Typically valid for up to 10 years, this visa allows stays of up to 180 days per visit, with the option to return after that period. Whether you’re here for work, leisure, or a mix of both, the B-1/B-2 visa makes traveling to the U.S. easier and more convenient.

Required Documents for a Travel Visa

  • A passport valid for at least six months beyond
  • A recent digital photo that meets U.S. government guidelines
  • Records of your last five trips to the U.S. (if applicable)
  • Proof you can afford your trip (travel, stay, and expenses)
  • Evidence of strong ties to your home country
  • Tourism and Sightseeing: Visiting popular destinations, landmarks, or natural attractions (e.g., national parks, cities like New York or Los Angeles).
  • Visiting Family or Friends: Spending time with relatives or friends residing in the U.S.
  • Medical Treatment: Seeking medical care or procedures unavailable or more affordable in the U.S., provided proper documentation is presented.
  • Participation in Social Events: Attending events like weddings, reunions, or conventions hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations.
  • Short Recreational Courses: Enrolling in non-credit courses, such as a cooking class or dance workshop, purely for personal enjoyment (not for academic credit or employment purposes).
  • Vacation or Holiday: Taking a break or leisure trip to relax and explore the U.S.

The common reasons permitted under a B2 visa:

What you cannot do while in the U.S. under this visa.

 
  • Work or Employment
  • Study as a Full-Time Student
  • Permanent Residency
  • Perform as a Paid Professional
  • Engage in Activities Requiring a Different Visa
  • Overstay or Violate Visa Terms
  • Illegal Activities

B-1 / B-2 Visa FAQs

Got Any Questions?

Connect With Paul Hoff

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Morbi consectetur augue a finibus sodales. Ut non nisi turpis.

Sed tellus odio, iaculis nec erat sit amet, ornare facilisis orci. Maecenas elementum quam eu neque sagittis porttitor.

I'm Interested

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Subscription Form