U.S. Visas Worldwide Caution: The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution. Americans in the Middle East: Americans in the Middle East should follow the latest guidance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and can contact the U.S. Department of State to receive information or assistance. 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What is a U.S. Visa? A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to travel to the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa. Visas are placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship. Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The visa section of this website contains information on U.S. visas for foreign citizens seeking to travel to the United States. (Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the country they wish to visit. When planning travel abroad, learn about visa requirements by country, on the country information page of the International Travel Section of this website). More Information about Visas Find out what visa type is appropriate for you The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel. Please visit our Visa Wizard to find out what visa type is appropriate for you.  We have a complete list of Visa Categories on this website along with a helpful glossary of terms used in the application process. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions or find information about the Visa Waiver Program Where to Apply for a U.S. Visa Effective November 1, 2025 , all immigrant visa applicants will be scheduled for their interview in the consular district designated for their country of residence or alternatively, may apply in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions. Effective September 6, 2025 , all nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality. Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that processes visas in your country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere. Please see the list of Designated Nonimmigrant Visa Locations and Designated Immigrant Visa Locations for visa processing. Global Visa Wait Times Travel to the United States Tourism & Visit Study & Exchange Business Immigrate Employment Other Visa Categories Forms & Fees DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application All Forms Fees/Reciprocity Rights & Protections for Temporary Workers Fraud Protection Glossary, A-Z Index, & FAQs Electronic System for Travel Authorization Application Rights & Protections for Foreign-Citizen Fiancé(e)(s) Check the Visa Bulletin Need Help Getting Started? Many non-U.S. citizens need a visa to enter the United States to visit, work, and live. Why do you want to travel to the United States? Please try our Visa Wizard. VISA WIZARD FAQs: About Visas - The Basics U.S. Visas News Mar 25, 2026 Announcement of Expanded Screening and Vetting for Visa Applicants Mar 18, 2026 Countries Subject to Visa Bonds Feb 27, 2026 Limited Visa Services Available at the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Branch Office in Tel Aviv Feb 26, 2026 Preventing Public Benefits Reliance Feb 25, 2026 Limited Services Available at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon MORE NEWS >> Visa Photo Requirements Photo Requirements Photo Examples Digital Image Requirements Photo - Frequently Asked Questions Photo Composition Template Law and Policy Your Rights and Protections Visa Bulletin Visa Statistics Laws and Regulations IV Scheduling Status Tool External Link You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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