# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Tourist Visa

How to Obtain a USA Tourist Visa

In general, all foreign citizens traveling to the United States are required to have a visa in addition to a passport. Exceptions to this rule are Canadians, who need only a passport, and citizens of the 35 countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The list can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries.

Passport with validity date of at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.
Application form DS-156
Application form DS-157 (select applicants)
One 2x2 photo
Fees
Documentary evidence of the purpose of your trip, sustainable income, intent to return

Instructions

Application
- 1
  Complete form DS-156. If you are a male aged 16-45 or of any gender but reside in a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, complete form DS-157. A link for both visas is provided in Resources.
- 2
  Produce documents that demonstrate the purpose of your trip is tourism, you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses, the length of your trip (such as a return airline ticket), social and economic ties abroad (such as family and a job), a residence abroad.
- 3
  Schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your jurisdiction if you are between 14 and 79 years old.
- 4
  Pay the $131 visa fee, as of October 2009, made out to the Department of Homeland Security, at the interview. This is an application fee only. A visa issuance fee may be charged if your country of origin charges U.S. citizens a fee. A link is provided in Resources to determine if you will be charged a reciprocity fee in addition to the application fee.