United States Visa Requirements, Fees & Application Guide
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United States visa at a glance
- Government visa fee
- US$40
- Processing time
- Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing)
- Validity
- 2 years or until passport expiry, multiple entry
- Maximum stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Visa required?
- Visa Waiver Program nationals: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, UK, Ireland, EU/Schengen states, Australia, NZ, Chile, Israel, Qatar; e-passport required.
- Arrival card
- None (electronic I-94)
Do you need a visa for United States?
Travellers from Canada (no ESTA/visa for tourism). can generally enter United States without a visa. Visa Waiver Program nationals: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, UK, Ireland, EU/Schengen states, Australia, NZ, Chile, Israel, Qatar; e-passport required.
Who does NOT need a visa
Passport holders from Canada (no ESTA/visa for tourism). do not require a visa for United States for eligible short visits. Always confirm your passport type and length of stay against the official source before travelling.
Reviewed against official government sources (US Customs and Border Protection) · Last verified 19 August 2026 · HolidaySG — licensed Singapore travel agency (TA04014).
Official United States visa options
Verified from government sources · 19 Aug 2026ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)
Official fee: US$40- Validity
- 2 years or until passport expiry, multiple entry
- Max stay
- Up to 90 days per visit
- Processing time
- Usually minutes; allow up to 72 hours
- Where to apply
- esta.cbp.dhs.gov (official) at least 72 h before travel
Who needs it: Visa Waiver Program nationals: Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, UK, Ireland, EU/Schengen states, Australia, NZ, Chile, Israel, Qatar; e-passport required.
Visa-free: Canada (no ESTA/visa for tourism).
Required documents
- e-Passport from a VWP country
- Contact & employment info
- US address
- Card payment
Arrival card: None (electronic I-94)
Prior travel to Iran/Iraq/Syria/etc. or dual nationality may make you ineligible for ESTA.
Source: US Customs and Border Protection · verified 16 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa
Official fee: USD 185 (MRV application fee, non-refundable, per applicant)- Validity
- Visa validity varies by nationality/reciprocity (commonly up to 10 years multiple-entry for Indian nationals); admission period set by CBP at entry (typically up to 6 months)
- Max stay
- 180 days
- Time to verify
- N/A (in-person consular process)
- Time to approval
- Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing)
- Processing time
- Varies widely by post; interview wait times plus a few days to weeks for issuance (subject to administrative processing)
- Where to apply
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html
Who needs it: Nationals of non-VWP countries, including Indian passport holders, travelling for tourism, visiting family, or business.
Required documents
- Valid passport (valid 6 months beyond stay, unless exempt)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Interview appointment confirmation
- Photo per specifications
- Supporting documents (ties to home country, funds, travel purpose)
Arrival card: None (electronic I-94)
Extra charges: A USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee has been legislated but implementation is pending; possible visa issuance/reciprocity fee for some nationalities
Singapore residents interview at US Embassy Singapore.
Source: US Department of State · verified 19 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
Official fee: USD 40.00 (USD 40.27 as of the Jan 2026 CPI adjustment)- Validity
- 2 years or until passport expires, whichever comes first (multiple entries)
- Max stay
- 90 days
- Time to verify
- Immediate to a few minutes
- Time to approval
- Usually within 72 hours (often minutes); CBP advises applying at least 72 hours before travel
- Processing time
- Usually within 72 hours (often minutes); CBP advises applying at least 72 hours before travel
- Where to apply
- https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/
Who needs it: Citizens/nationals of the 40+ Visa Waiver Program countries (includes Singapore). NOT available to Indian passport holders. For tourism, business or transit up to 90 days.
Required documents
- Valid e-passport from a VWP country
- Payment card (credit/debit/PayPal)
- Contact and travel details
- Employment info
Source: Official government source · verified 19 Aug 2026. Government fees & rules change — we re-confirm at the time of your application.
United States visa — frequently asked questions
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