A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
B1 – BUSINESS VISIT:
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
B2 – TOURISM
- Tourism
- Vacation (holiday)
- Medical treatment
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation
