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Visit the U.S. as a tourist
Learn about travel documents to enter the U.S., including visa waivers and non-immigrant visas.
Visa Waiver Program and ESTA application
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa.
How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa
If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.
How to check the status of your visa application
Find out how to check the status of your visa application online. And to avoid delays, learn how to update your address if you move while waiting for your visa to be approved.
What happens if your visa application is rejected
Find out what to do if your visa is denied, and learn if you are eligible for a waiver of grounds of inadmissibility.
COVID-19 international travel advisories
If you plan to visit the U.S., you do not need to be tested or vaccinated for COVID-19.
Entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda
See what travel documents you need to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda.
Form I-94 arrival-departure record for U.S. visitors
Visa Waiver Program forms I-94 and I-94W record the arrival and departure dates of U.S. visitors.
How to extend your stay in the U.S.
You may be able to extend your stay in the U.S. Learn if you qualify and how to file for an extension.
Foreign visitors: what to do if your visa or passport is lost or stolen
If you are in the U.S. and your visa or passport was lost or stolen, learn how to report it and apply for a new one.
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Visit the U.S.
Generally, if you want to visit ( and not live in ) the United States you must first obtain a visitor visa . Travelers from certain countries may be exempt from this requirement. For more information, please see the U.S. Department of State website .
If you want to travel to the United States for reasons other than business or pleasure, you must apply for a visa in the appropriate category. This includes if you want to study, work as a crew member or journalist, etc. You can get help determining which visa you need by using the Explore My Options page.
Extending Your Visit
If Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorizes your admission to the United States at the designated port of entry, you will receive a stamped Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure . If you wish to stay beyond the time indicated on the Form I-94, you may apply for an extension by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status , with USCIS.
If You Lose Form I-94
You may apply for a replacement Form I-94 by filing a Form I-102, Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record .
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US Visitor Visa Guide: Business, Pleasure, Tourist, Medical Treatment
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).
Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:
Business (B-1):
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
Business (B-2):
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- 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)
Travel Purposes Not Allowed on Visitor Visas:
- Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
- Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
- Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
- Permanent residence in the United States
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .
Complete the Online Visa Application
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .
Schedule an Interview
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
Prepare for Your Interview
- Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
- Review the instructions available on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.
Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- The purpose of your trip,
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.
Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
Attend Your Visa Interview
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing . The consular officer will inform you if this required.
After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Review the visa processing times to learn more.
Entering the United States
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .
Extending Your Stay
See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.
Change of Status
If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.
While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.
Additional Information
- An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
- There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
- A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Edited November 24, 2019 by Captain Ewok
NOTE: The above information does not address the specific requirements for any given case and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.
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The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. When you apply at a U.S embassy or consulate, a consular officer will determine based on laws, whether you are eligible to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate.
Nonimmigrant Visa Categories
The chart below contains many different purposes of temporary travel and the related nonimmigrant visa categories available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:
*What the abbreviations above mean - Before applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the following is required:
- DOL = The U.S. employer must obtain foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, prior to filing a petition with USCIS.
- USCIS = U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of a petition or application (The required petition or application depends on the visa category you plan to apply for.)
- SEVIS = Program approval entered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
- (NA) = Not Applicable - Additional approval by another U.S. government agency is not required prior to applying for a visa
Important Notes:
- About this chart – It is not a complete list of all travel purposes for the visa category. Select a visa category webpage for more information. The chart lists almost all nonimmigrant visa categories, with the exception of several not listed above. Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 402.1 for all nonimmigrant visa categories.
- Canadian NAFTA Professional workers – A visa not required; apply to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at border port of entry.
- K nonimmigrant visas – For U.S. citizen fiancé(e) and spouse for immigration related purposes. Refer to Immigrant Visa Categories .
Immigrant Visa Categories
The chart below contains different purposes for immigrating to the United States, and the related immigrant visa categories for which information is available on this website. Select a visa category below to learn more:
* K Visas – Listed with immigrant visas because they are for immigration related purposes.
About this chart - This chart is a list of many immigrant visa categories, but not every immigrant visa category.
** Refer to the Foreign Affairs Manual, 9 FAM 502.1 for a listing of all immigrant visa categories.
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The 50 best tourist attractions in the u.s..
See which American landmarks are worthy of your bucket list.
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From national parks to iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, these popular and highly regarded U.S. tourist attractions cannot be missed.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center: Huntsville, Alabama
Denali National Park and Preserve: Alaska
Grand Canyon National Park: Arizona
Hot Springs National Park: Arkansas
Golden Gate Bridge: San Francisco, California
Pikes Peak: Cascade, Colorado
(Courtesy of Mystic Aquarium) |
Mystic Aquarium: Mystic, Connecticut
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum: Fenwick Island, Delaware
(Courtesy of Walt Disney World Resort) |
Walt Disney World Resort: Orlando, Florida
(Courtesy of Coca Cola) |
World of Coca-Cola: Atlanta, Georgia
Road to Hana: Hana, Maui, Hawaii
(Courtesy of Idaho Tourism) |
Kirkham Hot Springs: Lowman, Idaho
Chicago River: Chicago, Illinois
Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Indianapolis, Indiana
The Field of Dreams: Dyersville, Iowa
(Courtesy of Oz Museum) |
Oz Museum: Wamego, Kansas
Kentucky Horse Park: Lexington, Kentucky
French Quarter: New Orleans, Louisiana
Acadia National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine
National Aquarium: Baltimore, Maryland
Freedom Trail: Boston, Massachusetts
Mackinac Island: Michigan
(Courtesy of Mall of America) |
Mall of America: Bloomington, Minnesota
(Courtesy of Elvis Presley Birthplace) |
Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum: Tupelo, Mississippi
Gateway Arch: St. Louis, Missouri
Glacier National Park: West Glacier, Montana
Chimney Rock National Historic Site: Bayard, Nebraska
Las Vegas Strip: Las Vegas, Nevada
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Mount Washington, New Hampshire
Cape May: New Jersey
White Sands National Park: Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico
Statue of Liberty: New York City, New York
Wright Brothers National Memorial: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: North Dakota
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Cleveland, Ohio
(Courtesy of First Americans Museum) |
First Americans Museum: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mount Hood: Oregon
Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Breakers: Newport, Rhode Island
Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, South Carolina
Mount Rushmore National Memorial: Keystone, South Dakota
(Courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum) |
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville, Tennessee
The Alamo: San Antonio, Texas
Zion National Park: Utah
(Courtesy of Smugglers' Notch Resort) |
Smugglers' Notch Resort: Jeffersonville, Vermont
Colonial Williamsburg: Williamsburg, Virginia
Space Needle: Seattle, Washington
White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Lambeau Field: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Yellowstone National Park: Wyoming
You might also be interested in:
- The Best National Parks in the U.S.
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Iceland for lovebirds
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6 Unforgettable riding tours in Iceland
Planning a trip to Iceland
The Reykjavík Triangle of Hot Resorts
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How to Get to Iceland
What to wear in Iceland
New destinations in 2024
Mapping the best places for food and drink in Reykjavik
How to practice your hobby in Iceland
A day-trip from Reykjavík: Discover the Whale Fjord
Key Locations for Viking History in Iceland
Iceland's Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Incredible travel experiences money can indeed buy
Sustainability travel tips
Dalvík and Around: Ride Fjords and Moutains In Every Season
Safe travel in Iceland
Around Iceland in 14 days
Arctic Coast Way
The Diamond Circle
Vatnajökull National Park
Famous film sights in Iceland
VOLCANIC ACTIVITY ON THE REYKJANES PENINSULA
Since 2021, the Reykjanes Peninsula has witnessed a surge in seismic activity, including several volcanic eruptions. Despite this, Iceland has remained a safe and open destination for travelers. For a detailed look into the recent volcanic activities and their safety implications, the Icelandic Meteorological Office offers insights through this informative video.
Embark on the journey of a lifetime in Iceland!
With our new interactive map feature, you can easily plan every step of your adventure. From cozy accommodations to unforgettable activities, the possibilities are endless. Dream big, plan smart, and chart your path with our personalized itinerary feature. Make the most of every moment in Iceland!
Take the Icelandic Pledge
Are you visiting Iceland? Be a responsible tourist and take the Icelandic pledge. Encourage your friends to do the same!
Looking for things to do?
Regions of Iceland
Iceland is typically divided into 7 different geographical regions. Each region differs slightly in respect to culture and landscapes, but are uniquely Icelandic. Find your favorite part of Iceland.
Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly.
Appreciate our towns & villages
Did you know that there are over 100 towns and villages to explore throughout Iceland? We encourage you to stop and look into these charming, beautiful, and often quirky places. History, art, nature, local cuisine, and year-round swimming pools abound. You might be surprised at what you find!
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How to apply
Additional changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements in response to the Omicron variant
There are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status.
Additional restrictions and requirements now apply to these countries:
- Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe
News release
Changes to border measures
New border measures include
- rules for re-entering Canada, if leaving for 72 hours or less
- who is considered fully vaccinated
- rules for travelling within Canada
Starting January 15, 2022, there will be new rules for who can enter Canada as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated traveller.
Learn more about the new measures
Venezuelan passport holders
You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .
If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed
If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:
- Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
- Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.
Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.
Prepare documents and apply
The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.
Why are you applying for a visitor visa?
- To visit as a tourist
- To visit for business
- To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence
What is your family member’s status in Canada?
- Canadian citizen
- Person registered under Canada’s Indian Act
- Canadian permanent resident
- Temporary resident in Canada
- For compassionate reasons
- None of the above
Do you plan to visit your children or grandchildren for more than 6 months?
You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa
A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.
Find out how to apply for a Super Visa
Step 1 Gather documents
Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.
About the documents listed
- Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
- This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
- Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
- Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
- We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.
Documents we accept:
- passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
- alien’s passport for stateless persons
- US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
- US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
- other refugee travel documents for non-citizens
Documents we don’t accept:
- any passport issued by Somalia
- non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
- temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
- provisional passports issued by Venezuela
A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada
If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of
- the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
- any pages with stamps, visas or markings
If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your
- date of birth
- document number
- citizenship or residency status
- expiry date (if applicable)
Submit this document with your visa application.
Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.
Submit the completed form with your visa application.
Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.
Submit the completed form with your visa application
Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.
You may need to show
- a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
- other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
Consult Minor children travelling to Canada .
Submit these with your visa application.
- Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.
If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.
Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.
Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:
- your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
- entry and exit stamps
- study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
- expired or valid visas
Submit this document with your visa application
Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada
Include copies of any of the following:
- flight details
- hotel reservations
- registration for an event
This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
Bank name and contact This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.
Proof it is your account Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.
Account details At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.
Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.
The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.
Business visitor
A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada
Submit this with your visa application.
A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:
- study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country
Copies of any of the following:
A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.
The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.
The letter should include the following:
- date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
- confirmation that you have a job with the employer
- your full name and date of birth
- date you started the job
- brief description of your job
- current salary
- contact information of your manager
- phone number
- email address
- employer information
- company name
- state or province
- Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.
A letter from a business or company in Canada
It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.
A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada
- The letter must be written to you from the business or company.
Consult the details to include in the letter .
Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence
Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada
This can include a copy of
- a marriage certificate
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
- a birth certificate
- an official document naming you as a parent
Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.
The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.
- other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone
Consult Minor children travelling to Canada
A letter written by your family member in Canada
A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada
- The letter must be written to you from your family member.
- current Salary
Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.
What is a common-law partner?
Proof can include
- joint bank accounts or credit cards
- joint ownership of a home
- joint residential leases
- joint rental receipts
- joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
- joint management of household expenses
- proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
- mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address
Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants
If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.
You may be eligible if you
- submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
- received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress
Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.
When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.
You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa .
Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)
Submit with visa application
Visit children or grandchildren Super visa option
Submit this with your visa or super visa application.
For super visa applicants only
Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.
A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.
Submit this with your super visa application.
Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.
Submit one of the following documents:
- If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
- a copy of the child’s or grandchild’s most recent T4 or T1
- an original letter from the child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
- a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
- proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)
A document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam (IME)
The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.
Get complete details about how to get a medical exam with a panel physician.
Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.
Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)
A letter written by your family in Canada
Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada
Visit for compassionate reasons
A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.
- Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada
A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada
A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada
- registration for an event.
Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal
Step 2 apply.
To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.
To qualify, you must show that:
- you plan to stay for less than 6 months
- you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
- your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada
Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.
If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.
Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit .
To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.
Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).
If you’re applying for the first time , you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.
Apply through the IRCC Secure account
Sign in to your IRCC secure account
Apply through the IRCC Portal
Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons
Sign in to the IRCC portal
Applying on paper for specific situations
If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:
- you can’t apply online because of a disability or
- you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen
The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
Read the guide carefully before you complete your application . We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.
Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.
Download the application package .
Pay your application fees
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.
Third-party fees
Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for
- your medical exam
- a police certificate
Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.
Submit your application
Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.
Select the country/territory you’ll be applying from to find out where to submit your application. You can choose your country of nationality or the country or territory where you have been legally admitted:
- Afghanistan
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- British Virgin Islands
- Burkina Faso
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cayman Islands
- Central African Republic
- China (People’s Republic of)
- Comoros Island
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Czech Republic
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Hong Kong SAR
- Liechtenstein
- Marshall Islands
- Micronesia (Federated States of)
- Netherlands
- New Caledonia
- New Zealand
- North Korea
- North Macedonia (Republic of)
- Palestinian Authority (Gaza)
- Palestinian Authority (West Bank)
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Puerto Rico
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- South Korea
- South Sudan
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Switzerland
- Timor-Leste (Timor oriental)
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turkmenistan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- US Virgin Islands
If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person . VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.
Credit cards and prepaid cards
We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:
- MasterCard ®
- American Express ®
- UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)
If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards .
We also accept all Visa Debit cards.
The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.
Debit cards
- be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
- be registered for online banking through your bank’s website
We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.
Page details
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- Visas and immigration
- Visit the UK
Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities.
You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example to get medical treatment.
What you need to do
Check if what you plan to do in the UK is allowed as a Standard Visitor.
Check you meet the eligibility requirements.
Check if you need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.
Apply for a Standard Visitor visa online - if you need one.
What you can and cannot do (‘permitted activities’)
You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor:
- for tourism, for example on a holiday or vacation
- to see your family or friends
- to volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity
- to pass through the UK to another country (‘in transit’)
- for certain business activities , for example attending a meeting or interview
- for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’) as an expert in your profession, for example to give lectures or perform
- to take part in a school exchange programme
- to do a recreational course of up to 30 days, for example a dance course
- to study, do a placement or take an exam
- as an academic, senior doctor or dentist
- for medical reasons
You cannot:
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event
- claim public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
Check you meet the eligibility requirements
You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay.
You must be able to show that:
- you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
- you’re able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
- you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
- you’ll not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK:
- for a permitted paid engagement
The rules on what you’ll need to enter the UK may be different if you’re travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man .
Check if you need a visa to visit the UK
Depending on your nationality, you’ll either:
- have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK
- be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months without needing a visa
You can check if you need a visa before you apply.
If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements to visit the UK. You may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and the activities you plan to do.
If you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (even if you do not need one).
If you have to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
You must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK.
A Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for up to 6 months. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.
If you visit the UK regularly, you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.
You can pass through the UK to another country on a Standard Visitor visa. If transiting is your only reason for coming to the UK, you can apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead for £64.
Related content
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Arkansas Braces for Flood of Tourists During Total Solar Eclipse
The state has miles of rugged terrain and an array of state parks, but it does not have a major professional sports team. Officials have struggled to think of an event comparable to the eclipse.
- Share full article
By Emily Cochrane
- April 8, 2024
The email landed in the inbox of Dave Parker, an Arkansas government employee, in 2021: Hey, we’ve got this eclipse coming.
“I wasn’t even aware of an eclipse coming in ’24,” Mr. Parker said.
But after the first meeting, the headlines became clear: “This could be possibly the biggest economic moment for Arkansas ever,” said Mr. Parker, who became the point eclipse spokesman for the state’s Transportation Department.
For more than two years, he and others in state and local governments have been bracing for a flood of tourists. Much of Arkansas is in the path of totality, meaning those areas will be plunged into darkness for about four minutes.
“Many people will be coming to our state for the first time,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference last month, “and we want to make sure they keep coming back.”
Arkansas has miles of rugged terrain and an array of state parks, but it does not have a major professional sports team. Officials have struggled to think of an event comparable to the April 8 eclipse. The 2004 opening of the Clinton presidential library in Little Rock? That attracted around 30,000 people. A football game at the University of Arkansas? That has topped out at about 76,000 fans.
The state is forecasting that the eclipse may attract as many as 1.5 million tourists to Arkansas, as well as hundreds of thousands of the state’s residents driving to get to a better viewing spot.
“We really don’t know what to expect,” said Ellen Coulter, a spokeswoman for the Transportation Department. “So we’re just trying to overprepare as much as possible.”
Several schools will be closed. There is a special traffic plan, crafted in part by looking at where hotels are booked and where people are expected to drive in. Several state parks are ready for an influx of guests.
For the state Emergency Management Division, planning for the eclipse was like gearing up for severe weather or a natural disaster.
The biggest surprise, said A.J. Gary, the division’s director, was that “there are that many people that are planning to come into the state to view it.”
His department and others reached out to South Dakota, Missouri and other states that were in the path of totality during the 2017 eclipse to review how they handled the influx.
On Monday, several officials plan to be downtown at their headquarters in Little Rock, the state capital, to monitor traffic and keep the public updated.
But everyone will take a few minutes around 1:51 p.m. Central time to step outside, glasses in hand, and take in the eclipse.
“After all this planning,” Ms. Coulter said, “we’re going to look at it.”
Emily Cochrane is a national reporter for The Times covering the American South, based in Nashville. More about Emily Cochrane
Travel could be a good deal this summer. Here's when plane ticket prices will peak.
Spring is springing and according to Hopper, it’s time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans.
New data from the online booking site shows some favorable trends for travelers in the next few months, including slightly lower airfares compared to 2023, and hotel and car rental prices that are more or less flat year-over-year.
Here’s what you need to know as you prepare to book, whether you’re looking to take a domestic getaway or go on an overseas adventure. It’s also not too late to take advantage of deals on some last-minute trips.
How much are spring and summer plane tickets?
According to Hopper, the best deals right now are on domestic airline tickets. Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead.
Hopper’s data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and June at $315 on average, and then will gradually fall through the summer, reaching a low of $264 on average in September.
On a call with investors discussing first-quarter earnings Wednesday, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said summer travel demand has been pushed forward in recent years due in part to schools, especially in the South, finishing their summer breaks earlier in the year.
Is airport Wi-Fi safe to use? How to keep your information safe while traveling.
Short vs. long cruises: Which one is right for you? Here's how they compare.
This summer will also be a good time to travel internationally, with Hopper data showing fares to most destinations abroad down compared to last year.
“Airfare to international destinations continues to improve following two years of bloated prices due to quickly recovering demand, high fuel prices and supply constraints. Airfare to most major regions of the world has dropped compared to last year with the exception of trips to Canada,” Hayley Berg, Hopper’s chief economist, said in the report. “International fares remain higher than pre-pandemic levels to most regions, as higher fuel prices persist and airlines continue to rebuild capacity to many regions.”
How much will a hotel room for the spring and summer cost?
Hotel prices remain more or less flat compared to the same time last year. Rooms in the U.S. are averaging $206 per night currently, with even better deals available in some trending international destinations like Osaka, Japan and Istanbul, Turkey.
According to Hopper, Las Vegas, New York and Chicago remain popular destinations in the U.S.
Will car rental prices go up this summer?
Car rental prices also haven’t gone up much since last year, averaging $42 per day currently, according to Hopper.
The report shows that most travelers rent a car for about four days and warm weather destinations like Orlando and Los Angeles remain popular pickup points.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].
Delta expects summer travel demand to produce record second-quarter revenue
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Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Chicago Additional reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru Editing by Pooja Desai, Chizu Nomiyama and Matthew Lewis
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Apple's New Jersey store workers file petition for unionization
Workers at Apple's store in Short Hills, New Jersey, have filed for union representation, a staff member who is part of the organizing committee said on Wednesday amid a push for unionization across sectors in corporate America.
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Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both ...
Visitor (tourist) visa. The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories: B-1 for business travel; B-2 for tourism and medical treatment; Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas, including:
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Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2). Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:
Glacier National Park. #1 in Best Places to Visit in the USA for 2023-2024. Glaciers are the main draw of this Montana national park, but its more than 700 lakes, two mountain ranges and multiple ...
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Explore the official tourism website for Chicago. Find guides to attractions, events, restaurants, hotels, getting around and other vacation planning help. ... The 2024 Chicago Visitors Guide is here! Start discovering the latest events, activities, and things to do in Chicago this year. Explore the free guide.
*What the abbreviations above mean - Before applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the following is required:. DOL = The U.S. employer must obtain foreign labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor, prior to filing a petition with USCIS.; USCIS = U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval of a petition or application (The required petition or application ...
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas issued to a person who wants to go to the U.S. temporarily for tourism, business, or a combination of both. The following are some of the activities allowed for those with U.S. visitor visas. B-2 Tourist Visa. Tourism; Visiting friends or family members; Medical Treatment; Vacation
More Africa & Middle East Destinations. Plan your trip with free itineraries, guides, activities and maps. Create your personal travel guide with full information on all attractions, shopping and more.
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White House and the National Mall: Washington, D.C. Built in 1800, the home of America's commander in chief is a top U.S. tourist attraction, as is the neighboring National Mall. While you can ...
SAVE Case Check. Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors: The United States supports international education and welcomes foreign students and exchange visitors. Students and exchange visitors must be accepted by their schools or program sponsors before applying for visas. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
The World Tourism rankings are compiled by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as part of their World Tourism Barometer publication, which is released up to six times per year. In the publication, destinations are ranked by the number of international visitor arrivals, by the revenue generated by inbound tourism, and by the ...
Iceland is a popular travel destination. Sometimes, certain places can be busier than others. Skip the hectic tourist traffic at the most popular destinations and plan your trip to make the most of your time in Iceland. Use our tourist counter to see peak visitor times and plan accordingly. Find the best time to visit!
A tourist is someone who is traveling for pleasure or leisure, often with the intention of visiting popular tourist destinations. A visitor, on the other hand, is someone who is visiting a place for any reason, whether it be for business, education, or personal reasons. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a subtle ...
The difference between a Schengen tourist visa and a Schengen visitor visa is the purpose of the visit. For example, you apply for a visitor visa to visit a family member or a close friend who lives in the Schengen Area, while you apply for a tourist visa for tourism or leisure purposes. Usually, a visitor visa requires an invitation letter ...
To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor. To qualify, you must show that: you plan to stay for less than 6 months. you don't plan to enter the Canadian labour market. your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada.
Locals in the Canary Islands are mobilizing to protest against excessive tourism, blaming visitors for pricing them out of their homes and causing environmental damage.. The Spanish archipelago ...
Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit ...
As many as 1.5 million tourists may be expected in Arkansas during the eclipse on Monday, including state residents trying to get to a better view. Photos by Alex Kent for The New York Times. The ...
Veteran travel 101: Applying for travel reimbursement - VA News. You may be eligible for travel reimbursement if you pay expenses to and from your appointment. Learn if you're eligible and how to file a claim.
Round-trip flights within the U.S. are averaging $290 in April, but prices are expected to rise in the months ahead. Hopper's data shows prices for domestic flights will peak between May and ...
It expects to post an operating margin of 14% to 15%, with a 5% to 7% year-on-year increase in second-quarter revenue. "We anticipate continued strong momentum for our business," CEO Ed Bastian ...
Remote work could cut hundreds of millions of tons of carbon emissions from car travel - but at the cost of billions lost in public transit revenues, according to a new study. Using the latest data on remote work and transportation behavior since the pandemic upended work arrangements, researchers at the University of Florida, the ...