Visiting the USA for tourism & business
For tourism, private visits and business appointments: the B-1/B-2 visa – and when visa-free ESTA is enough.
Most private and business short stays in the USA run on the B visa. B-2 covers tourism, family visits and medical treatment, B-1 covers business purposes such as meetings, trade fairs or contract negotiations – but it does not allow employment in the USA. Travellers from a Visa Waiver country staying up to 90 days often need no visa, only an ESTA authorisation.
Visas in this category
Which visa types belong here – and who they are intended for.
Tourist & visitor visa
Who it’s for: Holidays, visiting family and friends, medical treatment.
Business visa
Who it’s for: Meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract talks – without US employment.
Combined visitor & business visa
Who it’s for: Trips that combine private and business purposes.
Visa-free travel (Visa Waiver)
Who it’s for: Short stays up to 90 days from a Visa Waiver country.
Requirements
What you should generally meet for this category.
- A valid passport (usually valid beyond your intended stay).
- A clear purpose of travel and a realistic itinerary.
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
- Ties to your home country showing your intent to return.
- A completed DS-160 form and an appointment at the US consulate.
Bookable services
These are the services we prepare in a structured way for this category.
B-1/B-2 visa
Visitor & business visa
- Guided DS-160 preparation
- Visa fee (MRV) – advanced, billed in EUR
- Appointment booking & interview coordination
- + 3 more
B-1 visa
Business visa
- Guided DS-160 preparation
- Visa fee (MRV) – advanced, billed in EUR
- Appointment booking & interview coordination
- + 3 more
B-2 visa
Visitor visa
- Guided DS-160 preparation
- Visa fee (MRV) – advanced, billed in EUR
- Appointment booking & interview coordination
- + 3 more
If you are from a Visa Waiver country and stay no longer than 90 days, ESTA is usually sufficient. A B-2 visa makes sense for longer stays, frequent travel, or when ESTA is not possible.
No. B-1 allows business activities such as meetings or trade fairs, but no employment or paid work for a US company.
The exact duration is set by the border officer, commonly up to six months. The date stamped in your passport or the electronic I-94 is decisive.
Not sure which visa you need?
The visa check asks a few simple questions and gives you non-binding orientation – no sign-up required.
Important: we are a private service provider, not a government body. Decisions on visas and ESTA are made solely by the responsible US authorities. No one can guarantee approval.