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US Tourist Visa Validity

The validity and number of entries for a US tourist visa depend on your nationality. General Tourist visas are valid for six (6) months to ten (10) years. For further information regarding the validity of the US Tourist Visa, please continue reading this article.

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A US visa’s validity refers to the timeframe within which you can travel to the US. It’s independent of how long you’re allowed to stay, which US Customs and Border Protection decides when you enter. The visa can be valid for multiple entries over the years, but it allows you to reach a port of entry, not guaranteeing entry or length of stay.


The validity period of a visa is determined by the difference between the issuance date and the expiration date. For example, if a visa was issued on May 22, 2012, and expired on May 20, 2013, the validity period is one year.

The validity and number of entries allowed for a United States tourist visa are determined by your nationality. Tourist visas come with varying durations, ranging from six (6) months to ten (10) years, depending on your nationality. Additionally, the number of entries permitted can vary; some visas allow a single entry, while others permit multiple entries throughout the visa’s validity period. It’s important to note that overstaying the allowed duration can result in severe consequences, including being barred from re-entering the United States.

Visas can be issued for one entry (application) or multiple/unlimited entries, depending on your nationality.

  • If your visa is for one entry (shown as “1” under “Entries”), you can use it to enter the US only once, from the time it’s issued until it expires.
  • If your visa is for multiple entries (shown as a number like “2” or “M” under “Entries”), you can use it to enter the US multiple times, as long as it’s valid.
    • You don’t need to get a new visa if your current one is still good and you haven’t used up all the entries allowed.
    • Each use of the visa aligns with the permitted purpose of travel stated on the visa type.

Importance Of Knowing The Validity Of B1/B2 Visa:

  • Travel Planning: Allows effective planning for trips to the United States within the visa’s timeframe.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensures adherence to U.S. immigration rules, preventing travel-related issues.
  • Avoiding Overstays: Helps in avoiding legal problems by not exceeding the permitted stay duration.
  • Entry Eligibility: Determines when you can enter the U.S., preventing travel with an expired visa.
  • Extension Planning: Facilitates advance planning for visa extensions if more time is needed.
  • Avoiding Travel Disruptions: Prevents travel problems by being aware of the visa expiration date at immigration checkpoints.

If you’re looking for a straightforward visa application process, consider choosing Visas for Future. Our team of specialists will assess your application on your behalf and deliver your visa straight to your address upon approval.


What We’re Offering

If you plan to visit the United States for business, tourism, or medical treatment, you will need a B1/B2 Visa. Our processing service can assist you in obtaining your US B1/B2 Visa within 30 days and have it delivered to your mailbox.

  • The B1/B2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to travel temporarily to the United States for business purposes (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).((Travel.state.gov.(2023, December 1) Visitor Visa. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))
  • Visa validity and number of entries depends on nationality.((Travel.State.Gov. (2023, December 1). U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country.  Travel.state.gov. Retrieved Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country.html>))
  • The cost of this visa is $215.81.

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What is the United States B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa that allows individuals to visit the United States for specific purposes.((Travel State. (2024). Visitor Visa. State.gov. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html>))

  • The B1 visa (Business visa) is meant for business travel, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or professional/educational seminars. However, it is not permissible for B1 visa holders to engage in any paid employment or work for a US employer during their stay. 
  • The B2 visa (Tourist/Visit visa) is designed for individuals who are visiting the United States for tourism, pleasure, or medical treatment. Activities such as visiting friends or relatives, taking vacations, participating in social events, seeking medical treatment, or engaging in recreational activities fall under this category. Like the B1 visa, B2 visa holders are prohibited from working during their stay.

Click Here to See the Different Validity Based on Nationality

CountryEntriesValidityNotes
Afghanistanmultiple1 year
Albaniamultiple10 years
Algeriamultiple2 years
Andorramultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa, with ESTA.
Angolamultiple2 years
Antigua and Barbudamultiple10 years
Argentinamultiple10 years
Armeniamultiple10 years
Australiamultiple5 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Austriamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Azerbaijanmultiple1 year
Bahamasmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa if traveling directly from the country through airport preclearance and holding a police certificate showing no criminal record.
Bahrainmultiple10 years
Bangladeshmultiple5 years
Barbadosmultiple10 years
Belarusmultiple1 year
Belgiummultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Belizemultiple10 years
Beninmultiple3 years
Bhutan13 months
Boliviamultiple10 years
Bosnia and Herzegovinamultiple10 years
Botswanamultiple10 years
Brazilmultiple10 years
Bruneimultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Bulgariamultiple10 years
Burkina Fasomultiple5 years
Burundi13 months
Cambodia23 months
Cameroonmultiple6 months
multiple1 year
Canadamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa or ESTA.
Cape Verdemultiple5 years
Central African Republicmultiple1 year
Chad13 months
Chilemultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Chinamultiple10 yearsElectronic Visa Update System registration is required. For members of the Chinese Communist Party and their spouses and children under age 21, 1 entry and validity of 1 month.
Colombiamultiple10 years
Comoros12 months
multiple1 year
Congomultiple2 years
Costa Ricamultiple10 years
Croatiamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Cuba13 monthsFor B-2 or B-1/B-2.
16 monthsFor B-1 only.
Cyprusmultiple10 years
Czech Republicmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Democratic Republic of the Congomultiple3 months
Denmarkmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Djiboutimultiple1 year
Dominicamultiple10 years
Dominican Republicmultiple10 years
East Timor23 months
Ecuadormultiple10 years
Egyptmultiple5 years
El Salvadormultiple10 years
Equatorial Guineamultiple5 years
Eritrea13 months
Estoniamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Eswatinimultiple10 years
Ethiopiamultiple2 yearsFor holders of diplomatic or official passports, visa validity is 1 year.
Fijimultiple10 years
Finlandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Francemultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Gabonmultiple5 years
Gambiamultiple5 years
Georgiamultiple10 years
Germanymultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Ghanamultiple5 years
Greecemultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Grenadamultiple10 years
Guatemalamultiple10 years
Guineamultiple3 years
Guinea-Bissaumultiple15 months
Guyanamultiple10 years
Haitimultiple5 years
Hondurasmultiple10 years
Hong Kongmultiple10 years
Hungarymultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Icelandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Indiamultiple10 years
Indonesiamultiple5 years
Iran13 months
Iraqmultiple1 year
Irelandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Israelmultiple10 years
Italymultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Ivory Coastmultiple1 year
Jamaicamultiple10 years
Japanmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Jordanmultiple5 years
Kazakhstanmultiple10 yearsFor B-1/B-2 for a religious event, 1 entry and validity of 3 months. For B-1/B-2 for volunteer work, multiple entries and validity of 5 years.
Kenyamultiple5 years
Kiribatimultiple4 years
Kosovomultiple5 years
Kuwaitmultiple10 years
Kyrgyzstanmultiple5 years
Laos13 months
Latviamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Lebanonmultiple5 years
Lesothomultiple10 years
Liberiamultiple1 year
Libyamultiple1 year
Liechtensteinmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Lithuaniamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Luxembourgmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Macaumultiple10 yearsFor holders of a travel permit instead of a passport, visa validity is 5 years.
Madagascarmultiple3 months
Malawi13 months
multiple6 months
multiple1 year
Malaysiamultiple10 years
Maldivesmultiple10 years
Malimultiple5 years
Maltamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Marshall Islands13 monthsMay also enter without a visa or ESTA.
Mauritaniamultiple1 year
Mauritiusmultiple10 years
Mexicomultiple10 years
Micronesia23 monthsMay also enter without a visa or ESTA.
Moldovamultiple10 years
Monacomultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Mongoliamultiple10 years
Montenegromultiple3 years
Moroccomultiple10 years
Mozambique13 monthsFor B-1/B-2 only.
33 monthsFor B-1 or B-2.
multiple3 monthsFor B-1/B-2 only.
Myanmar13 monthsFor B-2 or B-1/B-2.
multiple1 yearFor B-1 only.
Namibiamultiple5 years
Naurumultiple5 yearsFor B-1 only.
13 monthsFor B-2 only.
Nepalmultiple5 years
Netherlandsmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
New Zealandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Nicaraguamultiple10 years
Nigermultiple1 year
Nigeriamultiple5 years
North Korea23 months
North Macedoniamultiple10 years
Norwaymultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Omanmultiple10 years
Pakistanmultiple5 years
Palau23 monthsMay also enter without a visa or ESTA.
Palestinemultiple5 years
Panamamultiple10 years
Papua New Guinea11 month
multiple1 year
Paraguaymultiple10 years
Perumultiple10 years
Philippinesmultiple10 years
Polandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Portugalmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Qatarmultiple10 years
Romaniamultiple10 years
Russiamultiple3 years
Rwandamultiple10 years
Saint Kitts and Nevismultiple10 years
Saint Luciamultiple10 years
Saint Vincent and the Grenadinesmultiple10 years
Samoamultiple10 years
San Marinomultiple5 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
São Tomé and Príncipemultiple6 months
Saudi Arabiamultiple10 years
Senegalmultiple10 years
Serbiamultiple10 years
Seychellesmultiple10 years
Sierra Leonemultiple3 years
Singaporemultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Slovakiamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Sloveniamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Solomon Islandsmultiple5 years
Somalia13 months
South Africamultiple10 years
South Koreamultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
South Sudan23 months
Spainmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Sri Lankamultiple5 years
Sudan13 monthsFor B-2 or B-1/B-2.
multiple1 yearFor B-1 only.
Surinamemultiple5 years
Swedenmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Switzerlandmultiple10 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Syriamultiple3 months
Taiwanmultiple5 yearsMay also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Tajikistanmultiple1 year
Tanzaniamultiple1 year
Thailandmultiple10 years
Togomultiple3 years
Tongamultiple10 years
Trinidad and Tobagomultiple10 years
Tunisiamultiple10 years
Turkeymultiple10 years
Turkmenistanmultiple3 months
multiple6 months
multiple1 year
Tuvalu11 monthFor B-1 only.
multiple25 monthsFor B-2 only.
Ugandamultiple2 years
Ukrainemultiple10 years
United Arab Emiratesmultiple10 years
United Kingdommultiple10 yearsFor British Overseas Territories citizens (BOTCs) of the Pitcairn Islands, 2 entries and validity of 3 months. BOTCs of Bermuda may also enter without a visa or ESTA. BOTCs of the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands may also enter without a visa if traveling directly from the territory and holding a police certificate showing no criminal record. British citizens may also enter without a visa with ESTA.
Uruguaymultiple10 years
Uzbekistanmultiple1 year
Vanuatumultiple5 years
Vatican Citymultiple5 years
Venezuelamultiple10 years
Vietnammultiple1 year
Yemenmultiple1 year
Zambiamultiple3 years
Zimbabwemultiple1 year
stateless23 months

How to Extend the US B1/B2 Visa?

Here are the general steps to extend your stay on a B1/B2 visa:((USCIS. (24 January 2024). Extend Your Stay. USCIS. Retrieved March 12, 2024. <https://www.uscis.gov/visit-the-united-states/extend-your-stay>))

  1. File Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status:
  • Obtain and fill out Form I-539 from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Follow the form instructions carefully and ensure that all required information is provided.
  1. Submit Application:
  • Mail the completed Form I-539 and supporting documents to the appropriate USCIS address.
  • Include a cover letter explaining the reasons for your extension and any additional information you believe is important.
  • Submit supporting documents, including proof of financial ability to support yourself during the extended stay, travel itinerary, and any other documentation relevant to your application.
  1. Biometrics Appointment (if required):
  • USCIS may require you to attend a biometrics appointment to capture fingerprints, photographs, and a signature.
  1. Decision Notification:
  • Once USCIS reviews your application, you will receive a decision notification. If approved, your B1/B2 visa will be extended.

You can request an extension of your stay if:

  • You entered the United States lawfully with a nonimmigrant visa.
  • Your nonimmigrant visa status remains valid.
  • You haven’t committed any disqualifying crimes.
  • You haven’t violated the terms of your admission.
  • Your passport is currently valid and will continue to be so throughout your extended stay.

However, you are not eligible to apply for an extension if you were admitted to the United States under the following categories:

  • Visa Waiver Program.
  • Crew member (D nonimmigrant visa).
  • In transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa).
  • In transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV).
  • Fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé(e) (K nonimmigrant visa).
  • Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S nonimmigrant visa).

How often can you visit the United States with a US B-1/B-2 Visa?

With a B1/B2 visa, you can visit the US as often as you want within the visa’s validity period of up to 10 years, depending on your nationality. How often you visit depends on your situation, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers decide this each time you enter.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Temporary and Occasional Visits: The B1/B2 visa is meant for short and occasional trips, like for business, tourism, or medical reasons. It’s not for long stays or living in the US most of the time.
  • Possible Issues: If CBP officers think you’re trying to live in the US permanently or if you don’t have strong ties to your home country, they might question why you’re visiting. This could lead to entry denial or future visa problems.
  • Follow the Rules: Although there is no set limit on visits, it’s crucial to stick to the visa’s intended purpose. If you have questions about your situation, it’s smart to get advice from an immigration expert.

How to renew a US B-1/B-2 Visa?

To extend a US B-1/B-2 Visa, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Complete Form DS-160: Go to the designated website and complete Form DS-160. It’s an online application for a nonimmigrant visa.

Step 2. Schedule and Attend a Tourist Visa Interview: Coordinate with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to schedule a tourist visa interview. Attend the interview on the appointed date.

Step 3. Upload a Digital Photo: You must submit a digital photo for your visa application. Make sure it meets the specified requirements for clarity and dimensions.

Step 4. Pay the Necessary Government Fees: Pay the required fees for the visa extension process. The payment is usually made online through the official channels.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 10-year visa for the USA?

Yes, you can obtain a 10-year validity period for the US with the B1/B2 visa, but this depends on your nationality.

How much bank balance is required for a US tourist visa?

Your statement must show a minimum budget of $6000- $10000 to obtain a B1/B2 visa for the USA.


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Rosalie Santos
Written by

Rosalie is a content writer who loves to learn and share knowledge. She has a background in education and teaching, which helps her write clear, accurate, and engaging content. She writes about travel, culture, and education topics. She also handles Turkey and India visa applications, which she learned from Lei Achumbre, the COO of Visas for Future and a visa expert. She fulfills visa orders and answers customer service questions once a quarter.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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MLA Style

Santos, Rosalie. "US Tourist Visa Validity." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-tourist-visa-validity/. Accessed on 12 March 2024.

Chicago Style

Santos, Rosalie. "US Tourist Visa Validity." Visas For Future. March 12, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/us-tourist-visa-validity/.

Published: 12 Mar 2024 11:23 UTC

Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 2:07 UTC

Reading time: 12 minutes

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