US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) in 2026: complete step-by-step guide

The United States B1/B2 visitor visa is the single most-searched tourist visa in the world, and 2026 is the first year since the pandemic that interview wait times in India, Nigeria, the Philippines and Mexico have fully normalised. This guide walks through every step of the 2026 application — the DS-160, MRV fee, interview booking, document checklist, what officers actually ask, and exactly how to recover if you receive a 214(b) refusal.

B1 vs B2: which one do you need?

B1 is the business visitor category (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations). B2 covers tourism, family visits and medical treatment. Most embassies issue a combined B1/B2 stamp valid for 10 years, so you almost never need to choose — the consular officer decides based on your stated purpose.

Step 1 — Pay the MRV fee

The non-refundable MRV (machine-readable visa) fee is USD 185 in 2026. Pay through the official US Visa Information Service portal for your country. Keep the receipt number — you'll need it to book the interview.

Step 2 — Fill the DS-160

The DS-160 is a single online form covering personal, travel, employment and security questions. Save your application ID after every screen — the session times out in 20 minutes. Upload a 2x2 inch white-background photo taken in the last six months. Print the confirmation page with the barcode; the consulate scans it at check-in.

Step 3 — Book the interview

Interview wait times in mid-2026 (per the US State Department):

• Mumbai: 45 days · Delhi: 38 days · Hyderabad: 62 days
• Lagos: 28 days · Abuja: 21 days
• Manila: 14 days · Mexico City: 9 days
• London, Toronto, Sydney: under 5 days

If your local consulate is booked out, you can apply at any US embassy worldwide — many Indian applicants now interview in Bangkok, Colombo or Frankfurt to skip the queue.

Document checklist

• Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel
• DS-160 confirmation page
• MRV fee receipt
• Interview appointment letter
• Recent bank statements (6 months)
• Income tax returns (last 2 years)
• Employment letter or business registration
• Property documents, family ties evidence
• Travel itinerary (optional but useful)

What the interview is really about

The consular officer has about 90 seconds to decide. They're not testing your English or your itinerary — they're applying Section 214(b), which presumes every applicant is an intending immigrant until proven otherwise. Your job is to demonstrate strong ties to your home country: job, family, property, ongoing business. Answer briefly, look up, don't volunteer extra information.

If you're refused under 214(b)

A 214(b) refusal is not permanent. You can reapply the next day. But reapplying with the same profile produces the same result — wait until you have a material change: a promotion, a new business, a marriage, property purchase, or a strong travel history to other Schengen/UK/Canada destinations.

Processing time after approval

Once approved, passports are returned in 5–10 working days via VFS or embassy courier. Plan to apply at least 3 months before travel.