B1/B2 visa requirements: Everything you need to know

Planning a trip to the US for business or tourism? You'll likely need a B1/B2 visa. It's a temporary visitor visa for short-term stays, both leisure and work-related.

Whether you're attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visiting family, going to a conference, or just exploring, it's important to understand the B1/B2 visa requirements.

If you're wondering how much the visa costs, what documents you need, or how long you can stay, here's everything you need to know about getting your B1/B2 visa approved.

We'll also introduce Wise — your international money transfer alternative. Use Wise to send stress-free transfers to over 140 countries - all at the standard mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents
What is the B1/B2 visa, and who is it for? B1/B2 visa requirements For how long can you stay with a B1/B2 visa in the US? B1/ B2 visa document checklist B1/B2 visa cost How to apply for B1/B2 visa: step-by-step Common reasons for B1/B2 visa denial

What is the B1/B2 visa, and who is it for?

The B1/B2 visa is a temporary visitor visa that lets you enter the US for short stays.

It combines two visas into one: the B1 is for business activities, and the B2 is for tourism and personal visits. Most people get a combined B1/B2 visa, which gives them flexibility to travel for either purpose.

Common reasons for B1/B2 travel include:

• Visiting family members or friends
• Attending major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Going to business meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations
• Getting medical treatment
• Participating in social events like weddings or amateur competitions
• Touring cities and popular landmarks

You can't use a B1/B2 visa to:

• Work for a US employer or receive payment from US companies
• Study full-time
• Stay permanently in the US

Most B1/B2 visas stay valid for up to 10 years from when they're issued, but this ultimately depends on your nationality. You can typically stay for up to 6 months per visit, and it's common to visit multiple times as long as you still have a valid visa.¹

B1/B2 visa requirements

To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, you need to prove that your visit is temporary and that you'll return home after your trip. US consular officers want to see strong ties to your home country, like a job or family members who depend on you.

Other things you'll need to demonstrate include:

• You can afford your trip without working illegally in the US
• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay²
• You have a clear purpose for your visit
• You have a place to live outside the US

The main point is showing that you're applying with honest intentions and that you'll come back home when your trip ends. During your visa interview, a consular officer will ask about your travel plans and review your documents.

💡 For example, if you're traveling to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you'd show your match tickets and hotel reservations as proof of your purpose. You'd also need to have enough savings to cover your expenses.

For how long can you stay with a B1/B2 visa in the US?

You can usually stay for up to 6 months per entry.¹

However, Customs and Border Protection officers decide your exact length of stay when you arrive. They might give you less time depending on why you're visiting.

Your admission stamp or Form I-94 shows the date you need to leave by.

You can apply to extend your stay through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services if you need more time, but you must file before your authorized period ends. Also, extensions aren't guaranteed.

B1/ B2 visa document checklist

You'll need the following documents to apply for your B1/B2 visa:

• Your passport, which must be valid for 6 months after your planned return date²
• The DS-160 confirmation page, which you'll receive after completing the online application form
• A recent photograph that meets State Department specifications (you'll upload this during the DS-160 process)
• Proof that you can pay for your trip, such as bank statements
• Evidence of ties to your home country, such as your job, property, or family
• Your visa application fee receipt
• Documentation supporting your travel purpose

You may also bring additional documents to your visa interview to strengthen your application. For example, if you're visiting family, bring proof of your relationship. If you're attending the World Cup, bring your match tickets, hotel reservations, and travel itinerary.

Past US travel history can also help show that you've followed visa rules in the past.

B1/B2 visa cost

The standard B1/B2 visa application fee is 185 USD.²

This covers the cost of processing your application and attending the interview, and it's non-refundable even if your visa is denied.

Some nationalities also pay a visa issuance fee if their application is approved. This varies by country and reciprocity agreements with the US. You can check whether you'll owe an issuance fee by selecting your nationality on the State Department's fee information page.²

Starting in 2026, most B1/B2 applicants must also pay an additional 250 USD visa integrity fee. This fee is separate from the application fee and can't be waived. However, you may get a refund under very specific conditions after your visa expires.³

This is a developing new rule, so check if this fee is active when you apply.

How to apply for B1/B2 visa: step-by-step

1. Complete Form DS-160 online

The DS-160 is the official non-immigrant visa application form.

You'll fill it out on the State Department website and answer questions about your background, travel plans, and purpose for visiting the US.

Once you submit it, print the confirmation page with the barcode—you'll need this for your interview.

2. Pay the visa application fee

The standard B1/B2 application fee is 185 USD.²

Payment methods vary by country, so check your local US embassy or consulate website for instructions. Once you make the payment, keep your receipt because you'll need it to schedule your visa interview.

3. Schedule your visa interview

Most applicants need to attend an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.

In most cases, you'll need to schedule your appointment online. Wait times vary widely—from as little as 7 days to more than 2 years, depending on the city and time of year.¹

You can check the State Department's wait time tool to see current estimates for your location.

Apply early, especially if you're planning to attend an event like the World Cup.

4. Gather your required documents

Get all your documents together before your interview date. It's usually a good idea to organize them in a folder so you can easily access what the officer asks for.

You can bring supporting documents to the interview even if they're not required. The officer may not ask to see them, but having them ready shows you're prepared and can help strengthen your case.

Possible supporting documents include:

• Employment letter stating your position and salary
• Property deeds
• Family photographs or birth certificates proving relationships with your family members
• Bank statements showing financial stability
• Previous passports with US visa stamps or entry records

Essentially, you can bring anything that shows why you want to visit the US and that you have solid reasons to come back to your home country once your trip is over.

5. Go to your visa interview

Arrive at the embassy or consulate on time and bring all your documents. Dress professionally and be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your ties to your home country.

Be honest and forthcoming in your answers.

The interview usually lasts 10-15 minutes, and if the officer needs more information, they'll tell you what additional documents to provide.

6. Wait for visa processing

After your interview, the consular officer will tell you whether or not your visa is approved. If everything is fine, you'll receive instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa stamp inside.

Most visas are processed within a few days to a few weeks, but it depends on your country.

Common reasons for B1/B2 visa denial

Visa denials usually happen when consular officers aren't convinced that you'll return home after your trip. Common red flags include:

• You don't have strong enough ties to your home country, like a steady job or family
• Your financial documents don't show that you can afford the trip
• You couldn't clearly explain the purpose of your visit during the interview
• You have a history of overstaying visas or violating immigration rules in any country
• The officer suspects you plan to stay in the US permanently or work without authorization

The best thing you can do is be honest about your plans and answer all questions clearly and confidently. For example, if you're attending the World Cup, be ready to explain which games you want to attend and why that's something you're interested in.

If you've been denied, you can reapply, but you'll need to address whatever concerns led to the denial in your new application.

FAQs

What's the difference between a B1 and a B2 visa?

The B1 visa is for business activities like attending conferences or negotiating contracts. You can't work for a US company or get paid by US employers. The B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family and friends, medical treatment, or attending social events. Most people get a combined B1/B2 visa, which lets them travel for either business or personal reasons.

Do I need anything extra to attend World Cup matches on a B1/B2 visa?

No, you don't need anything special to attend World Cup matches—just your B1/B2 tourist visa to enter the US. Just make sure your visa is valid for the dates you'll be in the US and that you have all the standard documents showing you'll return home after the tournament ends.The visa application process is the same.

Can I travel to the US multiple times on the same visa?

Yes, the B1/B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means that you can use it to enter the US as many times as you want while it's valid. Most B1/B2 visas stay valid for 10 years, but this depends on your nationality. Each time you enter, border officers will decide how long you can stay, usually up to 6 months.¹Just remember that the visa is for temporary visits, not for living in the US most of the year.

Do I need travel insurance for a B1/B2 visa?

Travel insurance isn't required to get a B1/B2 visa, but it's something that you can get if you want to. The US has expensive healthcare costs, and your home country's health insurance probably won't cover you there. If you get sick or injured during your trip, medical bills can add up quickly. Having insurance can give you peace of mind while you're away from home.

What if my visa application is denied?

If your visa is denied, you can reapply, but you'll need to pay the application fee and go through the entire process again. It's also important to address whatever concerns led to the denial. For example, you might need to show stronger evidence of your ties to your home country or more financial documents. There's no formal appeals or re-application process.

---

The B1/B2 visa lets you visit the US for business or tourism, usually for up to 6 months at a time.¹ For example, you can use this visa to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

To apply, you'll need to complete the DS-160 form online, pay your fees, schedule an interview, and gather your documents. It's important to show strong ties to your home country and prove that you can afford your trip.

When you travel to the US, you'll naturally want to minimize your costs and expenses while there. Your bank will likely charge you high fees and poor exchange rates when you use your card abroad or convert money to USD.

Even if you're only going to the US for a few days, fees and currency exchange rate markups can add hundreds of USD to your travel expenses.

Wise can help you get a better deal on currency conversion. You can convert over 40 currencies at the standard mid-market exchange rate, and we'll show you the fees upfront so you know exactly how much you're paying.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources

1. Boundless - B1/B2 Visitor Visa, Explained
2. US Department of State - Visitor Visa
3. Manifest - U.S. Introduces $250 Visa Integrity Fee for Nonimmigrant Travelers

Sources checked 03/04/2026