Travel to San Diego
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Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) & Visa Applications
Ensure you possess the appropriate documentation before traveling to the United States. You can find more information about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the Visitor visa below.
Non-U.S. nationals intending to visit the United States for tourism, business, or both are required to obtain a visitor visa (Business B1, Tourism B2, or combined B1/B2), unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program, in which case an ESTA authorization suffices.
Visa Waiver Program—ESTA
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries (see latest list here) to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
If you cannot enter the United States on an ESTA, you must apply for a visitor visa online before you travel to the United States.
Visitor Visa
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).
- How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visitor 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. - Visa Application Steps
- Complete the online visa application (Form DS-160) here.
- Schedule an interview and attend the interview.
- Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (fee information here).
- Required Documentation
- 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.
- Non immigrant 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.
- Global Visa Wait Times
The US Department of State now provides information on the average time nonimmigrant visa applicants waited for an interview in the previous month. They also continue to provide the estimated wait time until the next available interview appointment for visitor visas. They update visa wait-time information monthly. Find out more here.
