2024 US Tourist Visa for Filipinos: How I Got Approved in 5 Steps

Applying for a US tourist visa for Filipinos can be done in a few steps. The process may take some time, but it will be worth it when your visa gets approved.

As for me, I applied for a US tourist visa to visit Guam. Fortunately, my visa got approved immediately after the interview, which I must say, was the most nerve-wracking part of the entire US visa application process. But don’t worry, I’ve made this guide with tips to help you get ready when it’s your turn to apply for a US visa for Filipinos.

Understand what a US Business/Tourist Visa is

Visitor visas apply to people who want to enter the US for business, travel purposes, or both. The B-1 or B-2 visas are for those traveling temporarily for business or pleasure/medical treatment.

A B-1 visa applies to travelers who need to consult with business associates, attend conferences or conventions (business, educational, professional, or scientific), negotiate contracts, or settle an estate.

On the other hand, a B-2 visa is for those who want to tour the US, visit relatives or friends, and need medical treatment.

Supporting documents

The supporting documents you bring during your interview will depend on the reason for your visit. Here are some of the general supporting documents for you to prepare:

• Proof of income, tax payments, proof of ownership of property, assets, or business
• Travel itinerary and a letter explaining your planned trip
• Employment letter with your position, salary, employment status and duration, approved vacation leaves, or business purpose

Learn more about the supporting documents required for a US tourist visa.

Steps to secure a US tourist visa for Filipinos

Step 1: Fill out the DS-160 Form

If you are going with family or friends, every applicant must complete the DS-160 Form. The barcode on your DS-160 Form confirmation page is required to book an interview. You must submit the form online and bring a printed copy of the confirmation page to your interview. Note that the US Embassy will not accept any typed or handwritten information.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Visit the US Department of State Consular Electronic Application website.
2. On the drop-down, select “PHILIPPINES, MANILA” as your location.
3. Enter the code as shown on your screen, then click the “START AN APPLICATION” button.

This is the first step to completing the US visa requirements for Filipinos. It may take about 90 minutes to complete the form or application. Check out the Guidelines to Complete a DS-160 Form.

Step 2: Pay the US visa fees

You will have to pay a specific fee depending on your visa type. Currently, a business/tourist visa will cost US$185 (₱10,400). See different US visa types and application fees.

Create a profile on the US visa online appointment system. In their system, you will need to print a payment instruction page that you must bring to the bank specified in the bank and payment options page. Once you have paid the fee, you can schedule an appointment with the US Embassy.

Tip: Once paid, wait for 24 hours before scheduling your interview. You should schedule your appointment as soon as possible, as there will be only a few slots. Typically, slots will be available 1 or 2 months after you first try to schedule an interview.

Important notes:

• The fee you pay is non-transferable and non-refundable.
• You can only reschedule four times without any penalty. If you reach the maximum attempt to reschedule and you cancel the last schedule, you can only reschedule after 90 days.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment

You are now in the middle of completing your US visa requirements in the Philippines.

Before scheduling an appointment

Below are the US tourist visa requirements for Filipinos scheduling an appointment with the Embassy. Have the following information ready:

• Passport number
• Receipt number of visa fee
• The ten-digit barcode shown on your DS-160 confirmation page

How to schedule an appointment

To schedule an appointment, follow these steps:

1. Log in back to your profile and use the same login credentials used when paying your visa fee.
2. Click on the “Schedule Appointment” button.
3. You will need to schedule two appointments:
   1. Schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Center (VAC), where you will have your photo and fingerprints taken. Schedule your VAC appointment at least one day before your interview date.
   2. Schedule your tourist visa interview at the US Embassy.
4. Follow the steps on your screen until you have successfully scheduled your appointment.

Step 4: Attend your visa interview

Before you can proceed with your interview at the US Embassy, you must go to the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Parañaque City, Metro Manila, to have your fingerprints and photo taken. You will only be accommodated on the date and time you have set your appointment.

Make sure to bring the following requirements:

• Philippine passport that is at least more than 6 months valid for your intended period of visiting the US
• DS-160 confirmation letter
• Appointment confirmation page
• One photograph that follows the US visa photo specifications

Now, you are ready to be interviewed by a consular officer at the US Embassy on the date you have set. The US Embassy is located at 1201 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, Philippines, 1000.

Helpful tips during your interview

• You cannot bring gadgets, watches, sharp objects, etc. during your interview. Check out the Embassy guidelines on your Appointment Confirmation page for more information.
• Wear business casual attire. For ladies, wear light make-up. The consular officer would like to see how you would normally look daily.
• When the officer asks you questions, provide honest, straightforward answers and be confident.

If the consular officer takes your passport after your interview, it means your US tourist visa has been approved. Otherwise, the officer will provide instructions on when to apply again.

Step 5: Wait for your passport and visa

After visa approval, you can collect your passport and visa from the pickup location you chose when you scheduled your interview. Since I am from Cebu, I opted for the door-to-door delivery service for my visa, and I received it after 15 working days.

Securing a US visa for Filipinos can be taxing and expensive. Nevertheless, getting your US visa will make everything worthwhile. If you get rejected, the consular officer will provide you with instructions when to apply again.