Travel to the USA
How to make an application for a US Tourist Visa (B-2)
If you wish to apply for a visa to visit the USA as a tourist then here is some of the basic information you will require. For further information you should visit the US Embassy in London website.
You should bear in mid that it can be quite difficult to prove you have sufficient ties to the UK to be granted a US tourist visa. Applicants are asked to provide evidence that they have good reason to return to the UK, and in some cases the US government has not accepted that being a student in the UK is a good enough reason. You are advised to think carefully about this as your visa fee will not be refunded if your visa is refused.
How do I apply for a B-2 (tourist) visa?
There is a detailed guide to the application process on the US Embassy in London website.
How do I schedule a visa interview?
Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to schedule a visa interview with a U.S consular officer. Information on how to schedule an interview is available from the US Embassy in London website.
How do I pay the application fee?
Applicants will be required to pay the non-immigrant MRV application fee of $160.00 to the Operator Assisted Information Service at the time they schedule their visa interview. Further information is available here.
Where is the US Embassy in London?
The Embassy is located at 24 Grosvenor Square, London, W1A 2LQ.
A map and directions please are available here.
What happens when I go for my interview?
Do not arrive more than 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time
Only applicants with appointments will be admitted into the Embassy unless they are under 18, require an interpreter or are disabled. The local authority will not permit anyone to wait outside the Embassy, so please do not take anyone else with you.
During your interview your fingerprints will be electronically scanned.
More information is available here.
Important security information is available here.
How long will my application take to process?
Routine visa applications take approximately 1 working day to process. For up to date information on waiting times in London go to the US Department of State website.
How will my passport be returned to me?
All passports are returned to the applicant by a private courier company, operating under the brand-name DX Secure. Applicants who attend the Embassy in person for an interview with a consular officer will have their passports returned to them by DX Secure; there is no other method of delivery available. The service can be purchased from a DX Secure representative at the Embassy on the day of the interview. Fees for this service begin at £14:50, payable by debit or credit card only. Next workday delivery is available for most areas of the United Kingdom once the passport has been released to the courier company. Further information will be available from the DX Secure representative on the day of your interview.