Applying for a U.S. Tourist Visa Can Take More Than a Year in Several Countries

International travelers seeking entry into the United States under business or tourism visas (B1 and B2) continue to face long wait times for their first consular interview, according to data published by the U.S. Department of State.

According to the latest update, travelers from Bogotá, Colombia, face an average wait time of 10.5 months for an initial interview, with the next available appointment 9 months away. In Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, applicants may wait up to 5 months for the interview itself, but the earliest available appointment is 11.5 months.

In Guadalajara, Mexico, the average wait time for an interview is 6 months, even though the next available appointment is approximately 3 months away.

The agency updates average wait times monthly on its Travel.State.Gov portal, reflecting how long applicants waited for interviews the previous month. The table also includes an estimate for the next available appointment date.

Reducing these wait times remains one of the U.S. Travel Association's primary concerns, as delays limit international travelers' ability to visit U.S. jurisdictions, including Puerto Rico. However, this situation does not apply to travelers holding passports from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. Under this initiative, eligible travelers may enter the United States by completing an entry authorization form and paying a fee.

B1/B2 nonimmigrant visas allow temporary entry into the United States. The B1 visa is issued for professional and business purposes, while the B2 visa covers tourism and medical treatment travel.

The Department of State also clarified that these wait times do not guarantee that applicants will secure an appointment within the estimated period and should only be interpreted as guidance. In addition, waiting periods are calculated in 30-day intervals, including weekends and holidays.

The agency further noted that embassies and consulates regularly release new interview appointment dates. As a result, applicants with scheduled interviews may attempt to move their appointments earlier if openings become available, following the instructions provided on the respective embassy or consulate website.

Finally, some embassies and consulates may waive the in-person interview requirement for applicants who meet certain criteria. Travelers interested in determining their eligibility for this process should consult the relevant embassy or consulate directly.