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Spain Tourist Visa: Who Needs One & How to Get It

Would you like to enter and visit Spain? Then most likely you will need a tourist visa . In this article we will explore everything you need to know about Schengen visas: if you actually need to apply for one, how to do it step by step, requirements and more!

What is a tourist visa in Spain?

A tourist visa is the term that foreigners usually use to refer to a Schengen visa ; that is, the visa that allows citizens from outside the EU to travel, enter and visit this region.

If you want to visit Spain for a maximum of 90 days, you must apply for a Schengen tourist visa .

Nevertheless, this document or permission is not granted for any specific country: you apply for a visa that allows you to enter all the 25 countries that share a common border policy within the European Union .

Also, bear in mind that according to your country of origin, it is possible that you are not required to get this tourist or Schengen visa . As long as your country and Spain have a double treaty agreement, you can enter the country without one ( but still meeting the requirements ).

Where and how can I apply for it?

The Schengen visa allows you to travel within the whole area without problems.

But if you are just visiting one specific country, then you will have to attend its embassy or consulate in your country of origin to apply for your Schengen tourist visa .

But what happens if I am visiting more than one country within those 90 days?

Then you must apply at the consulte or embassy of the country you will spend more nights at (or of that which constitutes the first point of entry if you are spending equal nights in all your destinations).

You will basically need to make an appointment with the consulate to register your biometric data and to submit all the required documents, which we explore below.

Main requirements

On the day of the appointment at the consulate or embassy, you must bring and submit:

• Your visa application form , properly completed. You can download a model here .
• Valid passport (which can’t expire beyond 3 months after leaving the Schengen Area).
• Airline reservation tickets (which must be round trip flights), demonstrating entry and exiting of the Schengen area.
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter .
• Proof of financial means to sustain yourself in the country during the time of your visit (via bank statement); including last tax return if you are self-employed and letter of employment if not.
• Travel insurance . Here you can find the main providers .
• Two recent ID photos .
• Visa fee , which varies according to the specific consulate (but can be around € 80).

When should you apply for your tourist visa for Spain?

You can’t apply earlier than 180 before your planned entry into the country, but that same application must be made a minimum of 3 weeks before your departure .

Despite the process being quite fast, it can take up to 15 working days to receive your visa response.

Nevertheless, in some cases the application can take longer , so our recommendation is that you start as soon as possible within those 6 months.

Who needs a Spain Tourist Visa?

Basically, non-EU citizens from those countries that do not have visa-free entry into Spain , like China, Indica, African countries, and Russia.

You can find the complete list of countries that must apply for a Schengen visa to enter the Spanish territory here.

On the other hand, there are other countries that have a visa-free agreement , like the US, Brazil, or Canada, that don’t need a visa.

This exception just applies to nationals of those countries , not to residents.

But be careful!

In 2021 the new ETIAS system will be implemented , and from then on all non-European Union citizens will have to request a visa online. Learn how here .

How long can I stay in the country with a tourist or Schengen visa?

You can stay up to a maximum of 3 months (90 days in total) in the country within a period of 180 days. 

This is called the “ 90-day rule ”, and it applies to all countries within the Schengen Area .

This means that, if you spent 90 days in Spain but wish to stay longer, you will have two options:

• You can either travel to any non-EU country and stay there for 3 extra months, then travel back to Spain
• Or apply for any of the residence permits that can be obtained directly from Spain. Find the complete list of those residencies here .

If you are going to stay for the long run, it is crucial that you understand this last point, as many residencies must be applied from your country of origin (like the non-lucrative visa).

Can I extend my Schengen visa while being within the Schengen Area?

Even though the situations in which you can do it are limited, it is indeed possible to extend the duration of your tourist visa .

In that sense, only for the following reasons will that extension be available:

• If you have a single-entry short-stay visa and have made a late entry to the Schengen area (meaning days after the visa became valid).
• Due to humanitarian reasons and if the extension will help you avoid hardship, like keep receiving any kind of medical treatment or giving support to a relative going through a harsh situation.
• If your home country is suffering any sudden situatio n (force majeure), like a conflict or war.
• Personal reasons of major importance (even though it is unlikely you will be granted the extension in this case).

You must remain in that same country after you finish your extension application.

This application can last several days (time during which you don’t need to leave the country). In case the extension gets rejected, you will have a maximum of 2 days to leave.

Types of Schengen visas

As we have mentioned, a tourist visa is in fact a Schengen visa, a document that is equally valid for the different countries within the Schengen Area.

In that sense, we can find the following Schengen visas :

Business visa

If you are visiting Spain for less than 90 days for business reasons (like attending a business event, having certain meetings with your prospective clients, etc.) you must request a business visa .

If this is the case, the documents to be submitted will vary accordingly:

• You will have to include on your application the invitation letter from the Spanish company you are meeting with.
• If, on the other hand, you are attending any kind of event or fair, you must include the entry tickets .
• A certification from your company or employer demonstrating that they allow you to embark on this business trip.

Airport transit visa (type A)

The airport transit visa will be requested if the foreigner is traveling to a different country but must stop in Spain in between (for example, to take a different plane that gets her to the final destination).

If you are from one of the following countries, you will need to get your airport transit visa in order to go through Spain : Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Djibouti, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Syria, Togo, Yemen, and Palestina.

Nevertheless, being a permanent United States resident with any of the before mentioned nationalities eliminates the need to get this visa.

Furthermore, nationals from the following countries need an airport transit visa to go through any of the Schengen countries : Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Irak, Nigeria, Pakistán, Somalia y Sri Lanka.

Student visa

In case you are enrolling in any kind of course or study in the country taking less than 3 months, you will have to get a student visa.

In that case, it will be required to include the acceptance letter from the university or school in which you are going to study.

Regular tourist visa

This is the most common type of Schengen visa, the one granted to those who want to visit the country for tourism or leisure activities .

The documentation that will be required can be found in prior sections of this article.

Other frequently asked questions

Here is a summary of the main questions foreigners wishing to visit Spain ask themselves more frequently:

What happens if my visa application gets rejected?

If that is the case, you have two different options :

• If the reason that got your application is clear and you agree with it, you can formalize a new application but solving that what caused the rejection.
• On the other hand, if you feel everything was right and no document was missing, you can initiate an appeal . But, again, follow with path only if you think there has been a mistake.

Can I work in Spain with a tourist visa?

No, in order to work in Spain you need a regular work permit .

You can just meet with your clients or do any other similar type of business activity in case you hold a business visa.

Can I join my relatives with my tourist visa?

No, you are allowed to visit them during the permitted 90 days, but once that period comes to an end you must leave the country.

So even though you have family members in the country, you can’t stay for the long run with them .

If that is your intention, you must apply for a family reunification visa or for a residence permit as an EU relative (if that is the case).

Do you have any other doubt? Get legal assistance

If you have any other doubt, you can ask our immigration lawyers directly:

Get in touch with our lawyers and let us guide you step by step:

Use my online scheduling page by vcita to schedule an appointment with me:

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How to obtain a tourist visa for Spain?

Its culture, its food, its people and sunny beaches, so many reasons to choose Spain as your perfect get away. Before setting off on your Iberian adventure, you need to make sure you have the proper documents to legally enter the country and fully enjoy your trip. Here are a few guidelines to help you apply for a Schengen tourist visa for Spain .

Who needs to apply for a Schengen tourist visa to visit Spain?

The Schengen area includes 27 countries among which Spain. Citizens from non-European countries – such as Russia, China, India and all African nations - need to apply for a Spain Tourist visa if they wish to visit Spain for less than 90 days. Some countries such as the US, Canada, Brazil, Australia and Mexico have visa-free arrangements with the European Union which means that their citizens do not need a visa to visit Spain for stays shorter than 90 days. However starting 2023, they will need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to travel.   This visa-free arrangement is only valid for citizens of these countries and not their residents. Therefore the need for a Schengen visa depends on your citizenship and not your place of residence. 

How long can you stay in Spain on a tourist visa?

A tourist visa for Spain is a category C short stay visa which is granted to visitors who are travelling to Spain for their holiday i.e. for tourism purposes. Your Schengen tourist visa for Spain allows you to stay in the country for 90 days maximum over a 180 day period (the " 90 days rule" in Spain ) . This visa will also allow you to visit other Schengen countries during that time.

How do I obtain a Tourist visa for Spain?

You need to apply at your nearest Spanish embassy, consulate or visa application center if 

• Spain is the only Schengen country you are planning to visit 
• OR the one where your stay will be the longest (most number of nights) during your Schengen adventures 
• OR the first Schengen country from which you will enter the Schengen area. 

  You will be given an appointment during which your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be taken and you will hand in your application file with all the required documents.

What are the documents required with your Tourist visa application for Spain?

For your application to be processed you will need to provide several documents. Here is a list of the basic mandatory documents (original and copy) required when applying for a Tourist Visa for Spain. Additional documents can be asked depending on your personal situation.

Spain tourist visa requirements:

• A completed and signed visa application form
• Your passport . It shouldn’t be older than 10 years, its expiration date should be minimum 3 months beyond the date when you will leave the Schengen area and it should have at least 2 blank pages. 
• At least one passport type photograph
• Proof of residence (original and copy): driver's license with current address, voter registration card, student ID, etc
• Proof of immigration status  (eg. green card in the U.S.) if necessary
• A health & travel insurance certificate proving that your insurance covers your medical costs for a minimum of 30,000€ in case of health emergencies (hospitalisation, repatriation). It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area and in all Schengen countries even if you have no plans to visit them. 
• Your confirmed roundtrip tickets : travel reservations showing dates of entry and departure from the Schengen area.
• Proof of your social and professional status : a signed letter of employment with salary, proof of self-employment or business ownership, proof of enrolment for students, unemployment document, retirement statement.
• Proof of your financial means :  recent bank statements with official bank signature or stamp, letters of sponsorship showing you have the financial means to support yourself during your entire stay.
• Your latest credit card statement
• confirmed hotel reservations for every night of your stay in Spain and the Schengen area with complete information (name, phone number, address and email). 
• if you are staying with friends or family they will have to request an official  Letter of Invitation issued by the Spanish authorities. You will need to present the original and its copy. 
• for cruise ship travellers, booking confirmation by their travel agent with complete itinerary and names of hotels where you will be staying. 
• A notarised authorisation letter for applicants under 18
• The visa fee which you will pay at the time of your appointment

How much bank balance is required for Spain visa?

In Spain, you are required to have 90€ per day of stay (10%  of the SMI, the Minimum Interprofessional Salary)

How much does the tourist visa for Spain cost?

A Spain tourist visa costs 80€ for visitors aged 12 and over, 40€ for children ages 6 to 12, free for children younger than 6 years old.  

When should you apply for your Tourist visa for Spain?

You cannot apply earlier than 180 days before your planned departure date. It is recommended that you submit your application at least 3 weeks in advance . Delays to issue the visa can vary, on average it takes about 15 working days to be issued.  

How do I apply for a student visa to Spain?

Find a detailed guide on how to apply for a  Spain student visa  here

We are doing our best to provide you the most reliable and updated information possible but rules and regulations concerning visas can be modified at all times by the consulate of your country if circumstances require it. Consequently, we can not be held accountable for these changes.  Please contact the Spanish Embassy to obtain the specific terms and conditions in effect at the moment of the submission of your visa application

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• Consular services

National visas

Third-country nationals require a national visa when they are going to stay in Spain for more than 90 days (in any 180-day period) for the purposes of work, study or establishing their residence. They also need a national visa when moving to Spain to work for a period of under 90 days. 

Citizens of the European Union or of the States of the European Economic Area or Switzerland do not need a visa to establish their residence in Spain or for long-term studies or to work. However, once in Spain, they must be entered on the Register for Citizens of the Union. Family members accompanying them, and who benefit from the right to free movement, must apply for a residence permit in Spain. If they need a stay visa because of their nationality, they must obtain a visa for family members of a citizen of the Union (see section " Visas for family members of a citizen of the Union​ "). 

The national visa allows the holder to travel to Spain and to transit through and move around the territory of any Schengen State for a maximum of 90 days. However, it does not automatically entitle them to enter the Schengen area. The border authorities can refuse entry if not all entry requirements are met (See section "Conditions for entry into Spain").

[Procedure]​​  

1. Prepare all the required documents for your visa application.

The required documents differ depending on the type of visa you apply for ( Choose a visa )

2. Schedule a Spanish visa appointment.

Please note that the link below is the only official way to book an appointment. In addition, we will not reply to any e-mail asking for an appointment for visa interview unless you have a work/residence permit. If the website does not show you any available spot, it means all the appointments are already taken. In this case, you can only make an appointment when somebody else cancels his/her appointment.

We recommend you to schedule your app​ointment at your earliest convenience once you decide to visit our Embassy. You can apply for a visa 6 months before the starting date of your study/work/research/other activities. 

After making an appointment on the website below, it is essencial to confirm your attendance,  otherwise your book will be canceled;  3 days before your appointment you will recieve a confirmation e-mail and  will have 2 days to confirm your attendance . However, if you made an appointment less than 3 days before your visa interview, your attendance will be confirmed automatically, without having to confirm it yourself. 

The applicant can only submit their documents for visa interview at their scheduled time. If you get late, we will not be able to attend you as we have other appointments booked by other applicants. Please keep it in mind. 

Book your  APPOINTMENT  here (1 passport = 1 appointment).   

3. Attend the Spanish visa interview with required documents.

The visa is requested personally  and in the case of minors, with their parents or legal guardians.

The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.  ​​

* If you were asked to submit any additional documents, you can submit it on Monday, Wednesday or Friday, without an appointment, between 10:00AM and 12:00PM. It is necessary to submit the original and photocopy with your "visa enrollment receipt". ​

4. Getting a decision on your application

When a visa application is submitted, the Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application("Visa enrollment receipt") with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link:  https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Ho​me.aspx   The legal period for reaching a decision is of 15 working days as of the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.  ​ The visa/passport/refusal certificate must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximun period of 1 months, counted as the ​day after the date on which the RESUELTO is notified. ​You may pick up your visa/ passport/ refusal certificate by   APPOINTMENT  or you may come to the Embassy, without an appointment on Monday, Wednesday or Friday from 12.00p.m. to 12.50p.m .  Please bring the proof of receipt of the application provided by the Consular Office. ​ If visa is approved, you will be given a visa sticker that goes in your passport and original documentations at the Embassy of Spain in Seoul. If a visa is refused: you will be given a visa refusal letter and your passport (the application with original and copy of documentations must be keep at the Embassy of Spain in Seoul). In addition, t he applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal. ​ ​ 

5. Inquiries: For inquiries regarding visas, please send us e-mail to the Consular Section, keeping the following format:

            [Before visa application]           

Passport number:

Type of visa:

Available contact number:

Content in detail:

            [After visa application]

Visa number(written by hand on visa enrollment receipt)

6. After visa application 

You can check the status of your visa on the following website: click here . 

When it appears "resuelto" like in the image below, you can come to check your visa result.  

[Monday, Wednesday or Friday, 12:00-12:50PM without appointment] [09:00-11:50AM with appointment]

Data protection​​ 

Persons wishing to exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Visa Information System (VIS) may do so by addressing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation: 

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación Inspección General de Servicios Postal address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1, Madrid, España Email: [email protected]​  

The following forms may be used to do so: 

Persons whose visa application has been refused because they are banned from entering the Schengen area may exercise their rights of access, rectification and erasure of their personal data in the Schengen Information System (SIS) by addressing the Ministry of the Interior. 

Complaints or suggestions​​  

Basic legislation​​ .

• Organic Law 4/2000 of 11 January, on Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and their Social Integration
• Royal Decree 557/2011 of 20 April, approving the Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000 on the Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and their Social Integration, following its amendment by Organic Law 2/2009   
• Act 14/2013 of 27 September, on Support for Entrepreneurs and their Internationalization ​​

Disclaimer: This website does not belong to, nor is it affiliated with, the EU. We aim to inform travelers about ETIAS and visiting Europe. The official website of the EU is europa.eu.

Spain Online Visas

Spain is the second most-visited country in the world and people travel there for a variety of reasons. Golden beaches , a relaxed lifestyle, fun festivals, and a vibrant nightlife are just a few draws which entice tourists by the million. Employment opportunities and world-class educational institutions also have their appeal.

There are different types of visas for Spain depending on your nationality and reason for visiting. Importantly, Spain is a part of the Schengen Area which means they share a visa policy and a common, external border with the other participating countries.

Travellers can move freely between the Schengen countries without going through passport control. A Schengen Visa gives visitors access to all the Schengen countries. Workers and Students need different types of visas.

Tourist Visa

Citizens who are not from visa-exempt countries need to obtain a Schengen Visa, which allows stays of up to 90 days from tourism and business purposes. Applications can be made at Spanish embassies and consulates.

Many nationalities enjoy visa-free access to Spain and the other Schengen countries

Visa-exempt countries include the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, and Japan. EU citizens can travel, work, and study in Spain without a visa. However, these nationalities will need an ETIAS Visa Waiver after its introduction in 2025.

Unless you are from an EU country, you need to obtain a Work Visa if you plan to live and work in Spain. There are various different types of Spanish work visas, including:

• Long-term Work Visas
• Seasonal Work Visas
• Au Pair Visas
• EU Blue Cards

Student Visa

Spain is one of the most popular countries for students to study. Unless you are an EU citizen, it is necessary to get a Student Visa for Spain and the process is simple.

First, you need to be accepted by a course or programme, then you apply for a student visa. You can work for up to 20 hours a week for the duration of your course with a student visa

Travel Information about Spain

Spain is a diverse country with a number of distinct regions. Spanish is the main language, though there are also a number of regional languages including Catalan, Basque, Valencian, and Galician. Madrid is the capital city, but Barcelona is the most-visited city in Spain.

With the third-highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world, stunning coastlines, magnificent mountains, and buzzing cities, there is an incredible amount of things to see in Spain. Travelling around Spain is very straightforward by car, train, bus or plane. The currency is the euro and the population is 46.5 million.

Spain Visas Latest News

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Apply for Visa to Spain In Los Angeles

Website Disclaimer

SPAIN HAS INCREASED ITS VISA FEES FOR 2024. FROM DECEMBER 29TH THE NEW VISA FEE MUST BE PAID. REVIEW THE NEW RATES IN THE VISA FEE SECTION ON OUR WEBSITE.

Travel Insurance is mandatory for travelling to Spain. You may get your travel insurance from any authorized insurance company/agent or you may Click here if you wish to avail it now from Europ Assistance.

All Fullbright Scholarship students applications will be taken directly at the Consulates with appointments

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective immediately, BLS Visa Application center in Los Angeles is only accepting the Consulate Visa Fee in the form of a Money Order. (Any additional and BLS Service fee can be in the form of Cash/Debit card).

Please make the money order payable to: Consulate of Spain in Los Angeles Amount: Currently $85, click here for updated fees

IMPORTANT LINKS: Visa application fees ; Appointment , Documents Checklist ; Application Form

Please download the Application Form from our website only and request Form Filling assistance if needed at the time of your appointment.

"COURIER delivery is an optional service, which is run by a third-party courier provider for applicants who choose courier delivery service. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR DISCLAIMER"

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The deadline for submitting a visa application is extended to 6 months instead of 3 months. In case of Seafarers they may be presented with a maximum advance of 9 months.

Important: - European Union apply at the BLS as BLS is processing those type of visas.

All travelers, regardless of the circumstances of their trip, are strongly recommended to keep informed before their trip about the restrictions adopted by the Ministry of the Interior on border crossing ( interior.gob.es ), as well as the sanitary measures adopted by the Ministry of Health ( mscbs.gob.es ).

BLS Employee must provide receipt for all the services availed and paid at BLS Spain Visa Application Centre. Please write to [email protected] if you have not received receipt for any payments made in the Spain Visa Application Centre.

"BLS Spain Visa Application Centre does not provide any other services apart from reception and acceptance of Spanish visa applications as authorized by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spain. The decision to grant a visa and the duration is purely a decision of the Embassy and BLS has no influence over the same”

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News & notification, important update.

A new regulation has been issued by the Spanish Ministry of Health, dealing with the health measures to be implemented and concerning the travellers arriving in Spain. In this regard, it is mandatory for prospective travellers to know about the following:

• All passengers arriving in Spain, may it by air or sea, will undergo a health check carried out by Spanish authorities before entering the country. These controls may include a temperature check as well as a documentary and a visual assessment of passengers’ condition.
• Before initiating the travel to Spain all passengers originating from any airport or port must complete a public health form. It can be done online at www.spth.gob.es or through the free application: SPAIN TRAVEL HEALTH-sp TH. Once the form is filled-in, the person concerned will receive a QR code, which you will have to show upon arrival in Spain.
• A transitional period is established, until July 31 , 2020, in which international passengers who have not been able to complete the public health form electronically may fill it and present it upon arrival in Spain in paper format.

PLEASE BE GUIDED ACCORDINGLY & ALWAYS STAY SAFE.

Importance Notice Visa fees increase from Jan, 2021 Above 12 years : 97 USD 6 to 11 years: 49 USD Children under 6 years: Free of charge Other Nationalities: 43 USD

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

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