While planning your visit to the US as a Sri Lankan citizen, you might be curious about other visa types and requirements. If you’re considering exploring the US as a usual tourist spot, this comprehensive guide on US Tourist visas offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of Sri Lanka. There are basic two types; immigrant visas which are for permanent visits and nonimmigrants for short-term visits.

Sri Lankan citizens must obtain a US B1/B2 visa before traveling. With this tourist visa, you can stay for a maximum of the period of 180 days and this visa usually expires in up to 10 years. For the whole application procedure for a tourist visa in the United States, the applicant is required to be present. The complete information about the requirements and application procedure is given in this blog. Read it carefully before the application procedure.

Read more about: Requirements for US Tourist Visa for Citizens of Italy

Increase Your Chance to Get the US Tourist Visa

Here are some tips for you on how you can obtain a tourist visa for the United States. Let’s have a look;

• There is specifically a need to describe your reason for visit. Every B-1/B-2 applicant is considered as he has the attention to stay permanent. Complete clarification of your purpose can enhance more chances to get a visa.
• The first step of visa application is to fill out the DS-160 form. Provide all details carefully, any small mistake can be a reason for rejection.
• Pay all the required fees and take a print of your paid fee slip
• The interview is the second major step after your successful application. Contact the consultant and book your interview.
• During your interview, some documents are required such as; an appointment letter, a recently taken picture, a DS-160 confirmation page, current and old passports, original visa fee payment receipt. Without all these mentioned documents the application will be declined.
• In some countries citizens there is no need for an appointment procedure, you can check all these details online through a website or the US embassy in your country.

US Tourist Visa Requirements for Sri Lankan Citizens

The main documents required for applying for a US tourist visa from Sri Lanka include a passport, an application form, and other supporting documents. check out the given list to get a complete understanding of the requirements of visa application;

1. Visa Application Form
   Get the Visa Application Form online through the website and carefully fill out all required information.
2. Passport Size Photo
    It should not be older than 6 months try to use newly two passport-size photos.
3. Appoint Booking for Interview
   After completing the visa application procedure appoint a booking confirmation with the consultant.
4. Original Passport
   With at least 6 months remaining validity of the original passport is required. It must have 2 visa pages clear of any markings.
5. Previous Visa Details
   Provide all the details of the previous visas if available.
6. Mandatory Details
   1. Employed:
      • If you are employed then a letter from the company will be required with the reasons that the leave of absence has been granted, the purpose and duration of the trip, and the time duration of your return to your current job.
      • At latest 6 months current bank statement
      • Income Tax Return (ITR) 
      • Original pay slips Self Employed
      • A copy of your business license 
      • If you are retired submit proof of your retirement fund
   2. Student:
      • Income Tax Return (ITR) Student
      • Submit an official letter from your school that showcases that you are registered in the upcoming semester and a good-standing student
      • No Object certificate from School or University.
   3. Travel itinerary
      It is a travel reservation in your name to and from your country. The embassy always recommends that you should not buy hotel and flight tickets until your visa is approved. Don’t waste your money time and effort by buying actual tickets.
7. Records of Funds
   Give proof of enough money for your stay and to leave your destination such as;
   1. personal bank statements
   2. Pay slips from employer
   3. Tax records
8. Proof of Return
   A proof document is also required that mentions the reasons for return to your country such as;
   1. A letter from your company about returning to the job
   2. Proof that you study in your homeland
   3. Proof through marriage certificate and pics that you have immediate family members in your home country
   4. Proof that you can return home
9. Cover Letter
   A cover letter with the details of travel and other members traveling with you.
10. Financial documents
    Any financial documents like NSC, PPF, Property papers, FD, Shares, Mutual Funds, or any other financial documents in the country.

Application Procedure

The US tourist visa application process for citizens of Sri Lanka is very easy and quick as long as all compulsory documents and information are provided correctly.  Sri Lankan citizens can ensure a smooth process in obtaining a US tourist visa by following these given steps.

1. Documents
   Collect all the necessary documents required for a US tourist Visa.
2. Original Passport
   Check that your passport is valid for at least six months.
3. Application Procedure
   Fill out the application form for the US.
4. Interview Appointment
   Schedule an appointment for an interview with the US embassy or consulate.
5. Submit documents
   After filling out, making the payment, providing the required documents with your passport, and submitting the visa application at the embassy of the US.
6. Visa processing
   After submission, your US visa application will be reviewed by an immigration officer.
7. Receive visa
   If the application process is accepted then the applicant will receive the US passport and can collect the passport from the US embassy or consulate.