How to Apply for a US B-2 Tourist Visa from the UK

How to Apply for a US B-2 (Tourist) Visa from the UK 🇺🇸✨

By Aviva Visas • Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Planning a holiday to the United States from the UK? Whether you want to explore New York’s skyline, Orlando’s theme parks, or California’s sunny beaches, you’ll need a US B-2 Tourist Visa. This complete step-by-step guide explains how UK applicants — including non-British residents — can apply smoothly, avoid rejections, and prepare the right documents.

This guide is fully updated and aligns with current US Embassy London and US Consulate Belfast procedures.

What Is a US B-2 Tourist Visa?

The US B-2 visa allows travellers to visit the United States for tourism, family visits, medical purposes, or short recreational activities.

Typical stay: Up to 6 months.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for a US B-2 Visa from the UK

1. Complete the DS-160 Online Form

The DS-160 is your official U.S. visa application.

You will need:

Passport (6+ months validity)
Digital US-format photo
Personal details
Employment/financial details

After submitting, print the DS-160 confirmation page — it's required for your interview.

2. Pay the Visa Application Fee

The US B-2 visa fee is $185, paid via the official US visa portal.

3. Book Your US Visa Interview Appointment

Interviews are available at:

U.S. Embassy London
U.S. Consulate General Belfast

How to book a US visa appointment in the UK:

→ After DS-160 + fee payment, log in to the US Visa Appointment Service portal.

→ Choose your location, date, and time.

Interview wait times vary — book early to avoid delays.

4. Prepare Your Supporting Documents

Mandatory Documents

Passport
DS-160 confirmation
Appointment letter
MRV fee receipt
US-format photograph (2x2 inch)

5. Attend Your US Visa Interview 🇺🇸

The interview is usually short (3–5 minutes).

Common questions include:

What is the purpose of your US visit?
How long will you stay?
What is your job in the UK?
Who will fund the trip?
Have you visited the US before?

Answer clearly and honestly — consistency is important.

US Tourist Visa UK Processing Time ⏳

DS-160: 1–2 hours
Appointment availability: Varies
Post-interview processing: 3–10 working days

During busy seasons, processing may take longer.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid ❌

Incomplete or inaccurate DS-160
Mismatched details (dates, passport numbers)
Insufficient financial documentation
Not showing strong ties to the UK
Unclear travel purpose
Incorrect photo format
Relying only on verbal answers without documents

Avoiding these issues significantly increases approval chances.

USA Visa Services – Aviva Visas 📞✨

If you want a smooth, stress-free application experience, Aviva Visas can handle everything — DS-160 form filling, document preparation, booking your US visa appointment, and interview guidance.

USA Visa Services:

https://www.avivavisa.com/usa-visa

Contact Aviva Visas:

Phone: +44 20 8004 8058

Email: info@avivavisa.com

Website: https://www.avivavisa.com/

Office: London, United Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to get a US B-2 visa from the UK?

Most applicants receive a decision within 3–10 working days after the interview, but booking the interview may take longer.

2. Can non-British residents apply for a US visa in the UK?

Yes — anyone with legal residence in the UK (BRP holders, students, workers, dependents) can apply.

3. What documents do I need for the US visitor visa?

Passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, bank statements, employment proof, accommodation, and itinerary.

4. How do I book a US visa appointment in London?

Use the US Visa Appointment Service Portal after paying the MRV fee.

5. What are common US visa rejection reasons?

Weak financial proof, unclear purpose of travel, incomplete DS-160, or insufficient UK ties.

6. Do I need travel insurance?

Not required, but highly recommended, especially for medical visits.

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