United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Venezuela citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Venezuelan citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 tourist visa application: required documents, the $185 application fee, processing times of 3-8 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. With an approval rate around 55% for Venezuelan applicants, thorough preparation is essential.
USA Tourist Visa for Venezuelan Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Venezuela citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the consular electronic application center website
Your current Venezuelan passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the US
Recent photograph meeting US visa specifications
Evidence showing you can financially support your trip to the United States
Strong evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Venezuela after your visit
In-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
Recommended (Optional)
Details of your intended trip including accommodation and activities
Application Process
The US tourist visa application requires completing an online form and attending an in-person interview.1 Follow these steps carefully:
1. Complete Form DS-160
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) at ceac.state.gov.1 This comprehensive form collects personal information, travel history, employment details, and security questions. Upload a qualifying digital photo and print the confirmation page with barcode.1
2. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the visa decision. Keep your payment receipt as you will need the number to schedule your interview.
3. Schedule Your Interview
Create a profile on the US Travel Docs website and schedule your interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate.2 Due to high demand, interview wait times can be several weeks to months. Schedule as early as possible.
4. Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all required documents including your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting evidence of ties to Venezuela and financial capability.1
5. Attend Your Interview
Arrive at the embassy at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.2 The consular officer will review your documents and ask questions about your travel plans, employment, and ties to Venezuela. Be prepared to answer in English or Spanish.
6. Wait for Processing
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned within 3-8 weeks.1 Some applications require additional administrative processing which may extend this timeline.
Fees
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 Visa Application (MRV Fee) | $185 | Non-refundable |
| Visa Issuance Fee | $0 | No reciprocity fee for Venezuelans |
The application fee must be paid before scheduling your interview. Payment can be made online or at designated banks.
What You Need to Prove
To overcome Section 214(b), Venezuelan applicants must demonstrate:1
- Strong ties to Venezuela: Employment, property, family, business interests that will compel you to return
- Genuine travel purpose: Clear, legitimate reason for visiting the US
- Financial capability: Funds to cover all expenses without working illegally
- Intent to depart: Evidence that you will leave before your authorized stay expires
The burden of proof is on you to show you qualify as a legitimate visitor.1
Processing Times
Current processing times for Venezuelan applicants:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| DS-160 Completion | 1-2 hours |
| Interview Wait Time | Varies by location |
| Post-Interview Processing | 3-8 weeks |
| Administrative Processing (if required) | Several weeks to months |
Check current interview wait times on the US Embassy website.2 Times vary significantly based on demand and location.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Important points to remember:
- Visa validity (10 years maximum) is different from permitted stay (6 months maximum)
- At the port of entry, CBP officers determine your actual length of stay
- Keep your I-94 arrival/departure record
- Do not overstay your authorized period under any circumstances
If Your Visa is Refused
Most Venezuelan visa refusals cite Section 214(b), meaning the officer was not convinced you would return to Venezuela.1 If refused:
- Review the refusal letter for specific reasons
- Strengthen weak areas in your application
- Gather additional evidence of ties to Venezuela
- Reapply when ready with improved documentation
There is no waiting period to reapply, but submitting the same application without improvements will likely result in another refusal.1
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Weak Ties to Venezuela
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Venezuela after the visit. This is the primary reason for refusals under Section 214(b).
How to avoid: Show stable employment of 1+ years, property ownership, family dependents, or ongoing business commitments. The stronger your roots in Venezuela, the better your chances.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns such as recent large deposits.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of consistent statements with regular income. Your balance should comfortably cover all trip expenses plus demonstrate financial stability.
Unclear Travel Purpose
The stated reason for visiting does not seem credible or consistent with the applicant's profile.
How to avoid: Have a clear, specific reason for your trip. If visiting family, know their details. If tourism, have a reasonable itinerary planned.
Poor Interview Performance
Nervous, inconsistent, or evasive answers during the consular interview raise doubts about intentions.
How to avoid: Practice answering common questions. Be honest, direct, and confident. Contradicting your application or providing vague answers is a red flag.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or immigration violations in the US or other countries.
How to avoid: Be completely honest about previous issues. Provide evidence that your circumstances have changed and explain what is different now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 tourist visa?
The visa validity and length of stay are different. While a B1/B2 visa may be valid for up to 10 years, each visit is typically limited to 6 months. The actual duration is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry and stamped on your I-94.
What is the current US visa approval rate for Venezuelans?
The approval rate for Venezuelan B1/B2 visa applicants is approximately 55%, meaning about 45% of applications are refused. This is primarily due to Section 214(b) denials where applicants cannot demonstrate sufficient ties to Venezuela.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Even unpaid work or internships are not allowed. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B or L-1.
How long does it take to get a US visa from Venezuela?
After your interview, standard processing takes 3-8 weeks. However, wait times for interview appointments can vary significantly. Administrative processing may extend the timeline further. Check current wait times on the US Embassy website.
Do I need to book flights before applying for a US visa?
No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. You may present a tentative itinerary at your interview, but the consular officer understands that plans may change.
What happens if my US visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reason, usually Section 214(b). You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the issues raised. There is no waiting period, but reapplying without improved documentation will likely result in the same outcome.
Can I appeal a US visa refusal?
There is no formal appeal process for visa refusals. However, you can reapply and present additional evidence. If refused under Section 221(g), you may need to provide additional documents or wait for administrative processing to complete.
What questions will they ask at the US visa interview?
Common questions include: Why do you want to visit the US? Where will you stay? How long will you be there? What do you do for work? Have you visited the US before? Who will pay for your trip? When do you plan to return to Venezuela?