Apply for your tourist visa
Confirm where to apply based on your passport and legal residence, then prepare your documents.
Prepare your application
Complete Form DS-160 and bring its confirmation page. Follow the local U.S. post instructions for your interview; applicants should use a post in their country of nationality or residence, or a designated processing post. Interview waits vary by location.
Submit through the official channel
Use a U.S. B visitor visa. Check the current instructions and total government charges before paying.
Review the decision before departure
Check the passport details, dates and entry conditions on the permission you receive.
Check your stay and passport validity
Enter your arrival and departure dates to count your stay and check how long your passport must stay valid.
Travel preparation checklist
Check each item’s requirement level and the conditions that apply.
Your circumstances may require additional documents. Ticks track preparation, not eligibility or admission.
Fees
Check the government charges that apply to your trip.
What it costs
Amounts are published separately. If more than one charge applies to your trip, add them; if they are versions of the same permission, only the one you apply for is charged.
- B-1/B-2 application processing fee
- USD 185
- Visa Integrity Fee (FY2026 statutory amount)
- USD 256
The State Department lists a non-refundable USD 185 B-1/B-2 application fee, and a nationality-dependent reciprocal issuance fee may also apply. Federal law separately requires a Visa Integrity Fee when a nonimmigrant visa is issued; its calculated FY2026 amount is USD 256. The State Department's published fee page still lists the USD 185 application fee but does not explain how or when the separate fee is collected. Confirm current payment instructions with your U.S. post before paying. The law allows reimbursement only after the visa expires and only if its conditions are met.
Read the official fee guidancePublished government charges. Check the official service for the final total before you pay.
Entry conditions and exceptions
Check whether these rules affect your eligibility, application, or arrival.
Your admission date controls how long you may stay
A visitor visa's validity does not set the length of an individual stay. USCIS says B-1/B-2 visitors are normally admitted for no more than six months, but CBP determines the authorized stay for each visit. Follow the admit-until date on your electronic I-94 or admission stamp, not the visa expiration date.
Official guidanceChoose the correct U.S. interview post
Applicants should schedule at a U.S. post in their country of nationality or residence. If routine services are not offered there, use the designated processing post. Applying elsewhere can make qualification harder, and fees are not transferable.
Official guidanceUnited States travel essentials
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Currency
- USD
- Calling code
- +1
United States entry questions
Do Sri Lankan citizens need a visa for the United States?
For tourism in the United States, ordinary passport holders from Sri Lanka need a visa before travel. B-1/B-2 visitors are normally admitted for no more than six months. CBP sets your actual stay; follow your I-94, not your visa expiry date.
How much passport validity do I need?
Valid for your entire stay.
How much is the government fee?
B-1/B-2 application processing fee: USD 185 per person. Visa Integrity Fee (FY2026 statutory amount): USD 256 per person.
How long can I stay in the United States?
A visitor visa's validity does not set the length of an individual stay. USCIS says B-1/B-2 visitors are normally admitted for no more than six months, but CBP determines the authorized stay for each visit. Follow the admit-until date on your electronic I-94 or admission stamp, not the visa expiration date.
What fees apply for a United States visitor visa?
The State Department lists a non-refundable USD 185 B-1/B-2 application fee, and a nationality-dependent reciprocal issuance fee may also apply. Federal law separately requires a Visa Integrity Fee when a nonimmigrant visa is issued; its calculated FY2026 amount is USD 256. The State Department's published fee page still lists the USD 185 application fee but does not explain how or when the separate fee is collected. Confirm current payment instructions with your U.S. post before paying. The law allows reimbursement only after the visa expires and only if its conditions are met.
What if I’m going to work, study or stay longer?
This guide is for a short tourist visit on an ordinary passport. It does not establish eligibility for employment, study or residence. Use the destination’s official guidance for your actual purpose.
Does my country of residence change the answer?
Passport nationality and legal residence are different. This page starts with your passport. Residence can change where you apply and which application channel is available; an existing visa or residence permit may also create an exception. Check the official eligibility guidance for your circumstances.
Official visa and entry guidance
Confirm United States’s requirements directly with government authorities.
Open a U.S. B visitor visa
Complete Form DS-160 and bring its confirmation page. Follow the local U.S. post instructions for your interview; applicants should use a post in their country of nationality or residence, or a designated processing post. Interview waits vary by location.
Check U.S. visitor visa guidance
Visitor visa categories, application steps and links to the Visa Waiver Program.
Check U.S. visa interview wait times
Interview appointments vary by location and the estimate is not a guaranteed appointment date.
Read the Visa Integrity Fee law
The statute covers the fee due when a nonimmigrant visa is issued and the conditions for reimbursement.
Check the State Department fee schedule
The public schedule lists the B visitor visa application and possible reciprocity fees. Confirm your payment instructions with the U.S. post handling your case.
Who this guide covers
Short tourist visits to United States with an ordinary Sri Lanka passport. Residence, travel documents, and purpose can affect the rules. Confirm the official guidance before travel; border authorities decide admission and your permitted stay.
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