USA Tourist Visa process Procedure

1. For Indians:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: The first step is to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. This form gathers your personal information, travel details, and other relevant information. After completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
2. Create an Account and Pay the Visa Fee: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. After logging in, you'll need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee can be paid online using various methods.
3. Schedule Visa Appointment: After paying the visa fee, you can use the same account to schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. Visa interview appointments are typically in high demand, so it's advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance.
4. Gather Required Documents: You'll need to prepare a set of documents to bring with you to the visa interview. These typically include:
   • Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
   • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
   • Visa application fee receipt.
   • One recent passport-sized photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
   • Proof of ties to your home country (such as employment, property ownership, family relationships) to demonstrate your intent to return.
   • Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and details of your stay in the U.S.
   • Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your travel expenses.
5. Attend Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and other relevant details. The interview is usually relatively short.
6. Biometric Data Collection: At the interview, you might need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
7. Wait for Visa Processing: After the interview, your application will go through a review process. This can take several weeks. You can track the status of your application online.
8. Receive Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates) have a relatively straightforward process for obtaining a USA tourist visa (B-2 visa). However, visa procedures can change, and it's important to verify the most up-to-date information from the official U.S. government sources or the U.S. embassy or consulate in your GCC country. Here's a general overview of the process:

2. For GCC Citizens:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Start by completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. This form collects your personal information, travel details, and other relevant information. Once you've completed the form, you'll receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
2. Create an Account and Pay the Visa Fee: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. After logging in, you'll need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee can be paid online using various methods.
3. Schedule Visa Appointment: After paying the visa fee, use the same account to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your GCC country. Appointment availability can vary, so it's recommended to schedule your appointment well in advance.
4. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents to bring with you to the visa interview. These typically include:
   • Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
   • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
   • Visa application fee receipt.
   • One recent passport-sized photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
   • Proof of ties to your home country and intention to return after your visit (employment, property ownership, family relationships, etc.).
   • Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and details of your stay in the U.S.
   • Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your travel expenses.
5. Attend Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Expect to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and other relevant details. The interview is usually relatively brief.
6. Biometric Data Collection: You might be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and a photograph during the interview.
7. Wait for Visa Processing: Your application will undergo a review process after the interview. This processing period can take several weeks. You can track your application status online.
8. Receive Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

3. For UK Citizens:

1. Apply for ESTA: Before you travel to the U.S., you need to apply for an ESTA online. The ESTA is an automated system that screens travelers before they are allowed to board a carrier bound for the United States. You can apply for ESTA on the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
2. Provide Required Information: You'll need to provide personal information, passport details, your travel itinerary, and answer questions related to eligibility. It's important to ensure that the information you provide is accurate and matches your passport details.
3. Receive ESTA Approval: In most cases, you'll receive an immediate response regarding your ESTA application. If approved, your ESTA will be valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to the U.S. multiple times within this period, as long as each visit is no longer than 90 days.
4. Travel to the U.S.: Once your ESTA is approved, you can travel to the United States for your intended purpose, whether it's tourism, business, medical treatment, etc. Remember that the maximum stay allowed under the VWP is 90 days.
5. Entry into the U.S.: When you arrive in the U.S., you'll go through the standard immigration and customs process. You might be asked questions about the purpose of your visit and your intended stay duration. It's important to have your passport, ESTA confirmation, and any necessary supporting documents ready.
6. Exit the U.S. within 90 Days: It's crucial to adhere to the 90-day limit for your stay in the U.S. under the VWP. If you overstay, you could face serious consequences for future travel to the U.S.

4. For China Citizens:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Start by completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. This form collects personal information, travel details, and other relevant information. After completing the form, you'll receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
2. Create an Account and Pay the Visa Fee: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Once logged in, pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee can usually be paid online using various methods.
3. Schedule Visa Appointment: After paying the visa fee, use the same account to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China. Appointment availability can vary, so it's recommended to schedule your appointment well in advance.
4. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents to bring with you to the visa interview. These typically include:
   • Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
   • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
   • Visa application fee receipt.
   • One recent passport-sized photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
   • Proof of ties to China and intention to return after your visit (employment, property ownership, family relationships, etc.).
   • Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and details of your stay in the U.S.
   • Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your travel expenses.
5. Attend Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in China. Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to China, and other relevant details. The interview is usually relatively brief.
6. Biometric Data Collection: During the interview, you might be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
7. Wait for Visa Processing: After the interview, your application will undergo a review process. This processing period can take several weeks. You can track your application status online.
8. Receive Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

5. For European Citizens:
For European Citizens Requiring a B-1/B-2 Visa:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Begin by completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160. This form collects personal information, travel details, and other relevant information. After completing the form, you'll receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
2. Create an Account and Pay the Visa Fee: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website. Once logged in, pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The fee can usually be paid online using various methods.
3. Schedule Visa Appointment: After paying the visa fee, use the same account to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your European country. Appointment availability can vary, so it's recommended to schedule your appointment well in advance.
4. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents to bring with you to the visa interview. These typically include:
   • Valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
   • DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
   • Visa application fee receipt.
   • One recent passport-sized photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirements.
   • Proof of ties to your home country and intention to return after your visit (employment, property ownership, family relationships, etc.).
   • Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and details of your stay in the U.S.
   • Bank statements or other financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover your travel expenses.
5. Attend Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your European country. Expect questions about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and other relevant details. The interview is usually relatively brief.
6. Biometric Data Collection: During the interview, you might be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph.
7. Wait for Visa Processing: After the interview, your application will undergo a review process. This processing period can take several weeks. You can track your application status online.
8. Receive Visa Decision: Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your visa application. If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

For European Citizens Eligible for ESTA (Visa Waiver Program):

1. Apply for ESTA: If you're from a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, you need to apply for an ESTA online before your travel. The ESTA is an automated system that screens travelers before they're allowed to board a carrier bound for the United States. You can apply for ESTA on the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
2. Provide Required Information: You'll need to provide personal information, passport details, your travel itinerary, and answer questions related to eligibility. Ensure that the information you provide matches your passport details.
3. Receive ESTA Approval: In most cases, you'll receive an immediate response regarding your ESTA application. If approved, your ESTA will be valid for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to the U.S. multiple times within this period, as long as each visit is no longer than 90 days.
4. Travel to the U.S.: Once your ESTA is approved, you can travel to the United States for your intended purpose, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, etc. Remember that the maximum stay allowed under the VWP is 90 days.
5. Entry into the U.S.: When you arrive in the U.S., you'll go through the standard immigration and customs process. Be ready to answer questions about the purpose of your visit and your intended stay duration. Have your passport, ESTA confirmation, and any necessary supporting documents ready.
6. Exit the U.S. within 90 Days: Adhere to the 90-day limit for your stay in the U.S. under the VWP. Overstaying could lead to serious consequences for future travel to the U.S.