US Tourist Visa: What To Prepare For When Applying From Nigeria.

By Oluwamayowa

17 November 2019

There are a lot of people who visit the US from Nigeria every year. About 170,000 non-immigrant visas were issued to Nigerians in 2017 and there was an increase of about 40% in 2018. There are also a lot more Nigerians who apply to visit the country per year. With this volume, it is important to know what it takes to apply for the US tourist visa and the necessary documents for application.

The US tourist visa is a B-2 Visa for pleasure. It is the visa assigned to recreational travel purposes such as tourism, sight-seeing, visits to family and friends and attending social events.

When applying for a US tourist visa, the first thing to consider is what kind of visa you are applying for. The US tourist visa is categorized under the Non-Immigrant visa type which is the category assigned for short stays. This visa category guarantees a maximum stay of 180 days and has a visa validity of up to 5 years. It is very important that this option is chosen online when you are applying.

Have an interest in knowing about other US visa types? Click here to see more.

Statue Of Liberty

Another thing to note is the time involved in applying for a US visa. It takes technically two months to get an appointment for an interview at the embassy and another 5-15 days to get the application processed. You should consider this when applying and make sure you do so early enough to avoid delays in travel.

How To Prepare

  • Get all the required documents available

There is a list of documents that are highly important for the application and you will get to read about in this article. Please note that you are expected to have all your documents intact for the application process.

  • Fill Information Online.

The DS-160 form is to be filled online and printed out after filling. All information given must be genuine and relevant to the application. You are to print out the confirmation page of the visa application which would move you to the next stage. Note that you would be expected to pay the non-refundable visa application fee before the interview.

  • Go for an interview at the embassy

This is the next stage after filling the form. A date would be selected for your interview during the online application. Other necessary documents for the interview would have also been stated during the application. You are to take note of the set period for your interview as this is very vital to the application process. An interview is generally not required for applicants within the ages of 1-13 and 80-older so it is required for those between the ages of 14-79.

  • Await approval

After all the necessary steps have been taken, you would need to give the embassy time to process the visa. If your visa is approved, you would be notified by the embassy.

Click on this to know about the US medical visa

A tourist admiring the sight near the Empire State Building, New York.

Documents Necessary for Application

  • A DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application) form which has been duly completed and signed by the visa applicant.
  • A Nigerian passport that is valid for travel to the United States of America.
  • One passport-sized photograph (5cmx5cm) taken within the last 6 months prior to the visa application.
  • Two blank passport pages for visa stamps.
  • Original copy of bank statement from the past three months prior to the period of visa application.
  • Proof of accommodation for the period you will be staying in the country.
  • Proof of civil status in Nigeria.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for stay and return.
  • Travel insurance which has sufficient medical coverage. The insurance should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country.
  • A police report showing the traveler does not have a criminal record.
  • Documentation confirming the purpose of travel.
  • Copy of travel itinerary.
  • Copy of return flight ticket to Nigeria.

Embassy Address

Lagos

U.S. Consulate General in Lagos, Nigeria. 2, Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Abuja
U.S Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. Plot 1075, Diplomatic Drive, Central District, Abuja, Nigeria.

Interested in applying for a US Tourist visa? Click here to discuss with our agents.

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