How Long Can I Stay in the US on a Tourist Visa?

180 Days (6 Months) Stay in the U.S. on a Tourist Visa

You can stay in the US on a tourist visa (B-2 visa) for up to 180 days (6 months) per visit. Even if the visa is valid for multiple years, each visit is limited to this time span. It's important to maintain a follow-up of your days and respect the entry requirements to avoid any immigration issues.

Traveling to the US in 2025 could be exciting if you keep yourself updated with some rules. The most important thing is to understand how long you can stay. Whether you’re visiting to explore cities, meet family, or on vacation, knowing the duration of your visa helps you plan well and enjoy a smooth trip.

What is the US Tourist Visa Duration?

While talking about the US tourist visa, we generally mean the B1/B2 visa. This visa is extremely admired and permits travelers to stay in the US for up to 180 days per visit. However, even if your visa is valid for 10 years, you can’t stay for that long in one go.

The exact number of days you can stay is calculated by the immigration officer when you reach the US. Accordingly, it’s essential to carry the proper documents.

What You Need to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

There’s an interview involved. Well, you don’t have to do it all alone. Services like eVisas can make the process smooth and guide you at every step. Wondering what all you need? Read on to know more.

• A valid passport (with at least 6 months beyond your stay)
• Passport-size photo
• Proof that you’ll return to your home country (like a job letter, family documents)
• Bank statements or other proof of money
• Your travel plan or itinerary
• Any extra documents the embassy asks for

Planning a trip to the United States is exciting. There is so much to see and do across the country’s vast landscape. However, if you’re visiting as a tourist, knowledge of the 90-day rule for staying under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is important to avoid complications with your travel plans. This blog breaks down the details of the 90-day rule, which include who it applies to, the costs involved, and the best tips to ensure a stress-free travel experience in the U.S.

What is the 90-Day Rule?

The 90-day rule is a directive under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) that permits tourists from certain countries to visit the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. It’s planned for short stays, including business, tourism, and certain family visits.

Eligible travelers to use this choice must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows travel under the VWP. ESTA approval permits travelers to enter the U.S. multiple times within two years, if each visit is less than 90 days.

How to Calculate Your 90-Day Stay in the U.S.?

To stay within the rules, properly counting your 90-day period is important. Each calendar day from the date of entry counts toward your total. Consider including partial days, too.

1. Count Each Calendar Day: The day of your arrival is counted as Day 1, and every subsequent day (including weekends and holidays) is part of your 90 days.
2. Plan to Leave on or Before Day 90: Departing by midnight on the 90th day will help you evade overstaying.
3. Use Countdown Apps or Set Reminders: Online countdowns can help track “90 days from today” based on your arrival date to avoid any issues.

What Happens If You Overstay the 90-Day Limit?

The U.S. takes visa regulations critically, and overstaying the 90-day limit under the VWP can result in multiple fines:

1. Deportation: Staying beyond the set timeframe by even a few days can lead to deportation.
2. Travel Bans: An overstay can lead to a 3- or 10-year ban on re-entering the U.S. This depends on the length of the breach.
3. Future Visa Complications: Overstays are documented and may make obtaining future visas or ESTA approval difficult.

Key Tips for Following the 90-Day Rule

Here are some final tips to make the most of your U.S. visit without running into visa issues;

1. Keep a record of Your Days: Keep a track of your entry and exit dates. You may use apps to track “90 days from today.”
2. Prepare for Re-entry: If you intend to re-enter the U.S., space out your visits and bring supporting documents that establish you intend to come back home.
3. Double-Check Your Plans: Make sure you won’t serendipitously go over your 90-day limit by leaving a few days ahead of Day 90.
4. Check ESTA Validity: Keep in mind that ESTA is valid for two years, so you won’t need to reapply unless your passport expires.

Can You Extend a US Tourist Visa Stay?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for an extension of stay (Form I-539) through USCIS.

Key Conditions to Extend a US Tourist visa

1. Apply at least 45 days before your stay expires.
2. Provide valid reasons, such as medical issues or family needs.
3. Show proof of sufficient funds.
4. Maintain a clean immigration history.

Once it is approved, the stay can be extended for another 6 months. However, this is discretionary and not guaranteed.

Choose IRA Immigration as your Consultants?

Visas are a crucial aspect of all your overseas journeys. If you're an Indian citizen planning to visit the United States, you'll need a visa. Luckily, there are many visa agents offering assistance to help you. Well, IRA is one of the most dependable names when it comes to choosing a visa agent. Read on to have an overview of the types of USA visas, the visa application procedures, and why IRA is the best US visa consultant.

Why Choose IRA as Your US Visa Consultant?

IRA is one of the best USA visa agencies, and there are multiple reasons why you should consider them for your visa needs. Here are just a few:

1. Expertise and Experience: At IRA, we have consultants with years of experience in helping Indian citizens obtain visas for travel to the United States. Our team of experts understands the visa application process and can help you follow it successfully.
2. Personalized Service: At IRA, we provide personalized service to each of our clients. We understand that every client is unique and has different needs, so we work to provide customized solutions to each of our clients.
3. Timely Processing: IRA experts understand that time is of the essence when it comes to visa applications. Our team works to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.
4. Transparent Pricing: We provide transparent pricing for our services. We don't have any hidden fees or charges. We work to provide affordable solutions for our clients.

IRA is a popular US visa consultant in Delhi that provides US visa services for Indian citizens. We offer a range of visa services, including visa application assistance, document preparation, visa interview preparation, and post-visa services. Our team of knowledgeable visa consultants offers personalized services and guarantees that our clients have all the relevant information and support to obtain a US visa. Contact us today to learn more about how long you can stay in the US on a Tourist Visa.