How to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa From the Philippines

Philippine citizens must apply for a tourist visa before they are permitted to enter the Unites States. This is applicable for any length of stay, since the Philippines does not participate in the United States' Visa Waiver Program. To apply for a visa, schedule an interview bring the requested materials and fee to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The B-2 visa covers travel for the recreational purposes, including family visits, medical treatment and vacation. Students, temporary workers and journalists do not fall under this category, and must apply for different types of visas. To be eligible for a tourist visa, applicants must prove their intent to visit the United States is recreational and that they plan to stay only for a specific, limited period of time. They also must prove they have enough money to cover their expenses once they get here and that they have social and economic ties to their native country. They must show they have a home outside of the United States, and that other important ties that will prevent them from trying to overstay their visa.

To apply for a B-2 visa, Filipinos must submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160. They also need a Philippines passport that won't expire until at least six months after the last projected day visiting the United States. The B-2 visa requires one 2-inch-by-2-inch photo, as well as a visa application processing fee. As of the date of publication, the B-2 visa fee was $160. Other documentation required to apply for a visa includes evidence that shows the purpose of the trip, documentation that shows booked departure travel from the United States and evidence of arrangements to cover the cost of the trip.

To apply for a B-2 visa, visit the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Though you are permitted to apply at any U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, the State Department warns that it will likely be easier to qualify for a visitor visa by applying from the country of residence. Make an appointment to visit the embassy or consulate for an interview in advance, and pay the visa application processing fee online when making that appointment. During the appointment, prospective visitors are interviewed about trip plans, and they will have their fingerprints scanned. Schedule an interview online at www.ustraveldocs.com/ph, or by calling (02) 902-8930 or (02) 982-5555.

Visa applications are reviewed in great detail, so apply well in advance of the intended travel departure date. People below the age of 14 or older than 79 typically are not required to go to the consulate for an interview, unless specifically requested to do so. The State Department cautions not to finalize travel plans -- or purchase nonrefundable tickets -- until a visa has been issued. Those granted a visitor visa are not allowed to accept a job in the United States during the trip.