United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Guatemala citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Guatemalan citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, processing times of 3-8 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With a 69% approval rate for Guatemalan applicants, thorough preparation is essential.
USA Tourist Visa for Guatemalan Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Guatemala citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States
Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online
Recent photograph meeting US visa photo requirements
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip and demonstrate financial stability
Documentation proving your employment status and income in Guatemala
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Guatemala after your visit
In-person interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your planned activities and accommodation in the US
Application Process
All US visa applications from Guatemala require an in-person interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City.1 The process involves four main steps:
1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
Fill out the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online.2 You will need to provide information about your travel plans, employment, finances, and background. Save the confirmation page with barcode for your interview.
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee online.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your appointment.
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
Book your interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City through the visa appointment system.2 Wait times vary throughout the year, so schedule as early as possible. Bring all required documents and your DS-160 confirmation.
4. Attend Interview
At your interview, a consular officer will review your application and ask questions about your travel plans, ties to Guatemala, and purpose of visit.1 Fingerprints are collected during the appointment. If approved, your passport with visa will be returned within a few days.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visitor Visa (MRV fee) | $185 |
| Courier/Delivery Service | Varies |
The visa fee must be paid before scheduling your interview appointment.1 Payment can be made online or at designated bank branches. The fee is non-refundable.
What You Need to Prove
To qualify for a B1/B2 visa, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you:5
- Have a legitimate purpose for visiting the United States (tourism, visiting family, medical treatment)
- Intend to stay temporarily and will depart when your authorized stay ends
- Have strong ties to Guatemala that will compel you to return (employment, family, property)
- Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during your stay without working
- Are admissible under US immigration law with no disqualifying criminal or immigration history
Processing Times
Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy in Guatemala City vary based on demand.3 After your interview:
- If approved: Your passport with visa will be ready for pickup or delivery within 3-5 business days
- If administrative processing required: Additional review can take several weeks to months
- If refused: You will receive immediate notification with the refusal reason
For current wait times, check the US Department of State visa appointment website.3
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your B1/B2 visa will be placed in your passport. The visa is typically valid for 10 years with multiple entries. At the US border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation in the US
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Details of your travel itinerary
- Contact information for anyone you are visiting
The Customs and Border Protection officer will determine your authorized length of stay, typically up to 180 days.
If Your Visa is Refused
Most refusals cite Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you would return to Guatemala.4 If refused:
- Review the refusal letter carefully to understand the specific concerns
- Gather stronger evidence addressing the issues raised (more ties documentation, better financial proof)
- Reapply when ready with improved documentation. There is no waiting period to reapply
- Consider professional help if you have complex circumstances
There is no appeal process for visitor visa refusals. Each new application is considered fresh, so focus on presenting a stronger case.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Guatemala
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to Guatemala after the visit. This is cited under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment (1+ years), property ownership, family dependents, or business commitments in Guatemala. Multiple types of ties strengthen your case.
Weak Financial Documentation
Bank statements do not show sufficient funds or demonstrate unstable financial patterns such as large unexplained deposits or irregular income.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with consistent balance and regular income. Your funds should comfortably cover all trip expenses plus a reasonable buffer.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The stated reason for visiting does not seem genuine or the itinerary is vague or implausible for the visa duration requested.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, specific travel plan. If visiting family, include an invitation letter with their contact information and immigration status in the US.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents or information that does not match across different documents submitted.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents before your interview. Ensure salary figures match between employment letter and bank statements.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances and explain how your situation has improved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa?
The B1/B2 visa allows stays of up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry. You cannot live in the US through frequent visits.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any paid employment in the United States. This includes freelance work, even for clients outside the US. The B1 component allows limited business activities like meetings and conferences, but not actual work.
How long does US visa processing take from Guatemala?
Standard processing takes 3-8 weeks after your interview at the US Embassy in Guatemala City. Wait times for interview appointments vary throughout the year. Check the embassy website for current appointment availability.
What is the US tourist visa fee for Guatemalans in 2025?
The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee is $185. This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your visa is approved. Payment is made online before scheduling your interview appointment.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. You can mention your intended travel dates in your application without having confirmed bookings.
What is the approval rate for US visas from Guatemala?
The approval rate for US B1/B2 visas from Guatemala is approximately 69%. This means about 31% of applications are refused, most commonly under Section 214(b) due to insufficient ties to Guatemala.
How long is the US tourist visa valid?
The B1/B2 visa for Guatemalan citizens is typically issued for 10 years with multiple entry privileges. However, this does not mean you can stay for 10 years. Each visit is limited to the duration granted at entry, usually up to 180 days.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter citing the reason, typically Section 214(b) for immigrant intent concerns. You can reapply immediately with stronger documentation addressing the issues raised. There is no appeal process for visitor visas.