Tourist VISA - Hawaii

Visa Requirement: South African citizens do require a visa to enter the U.S.

General Application Steps for a U.S. Tourist Visa (B-2):

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160.

2. Pay the Visa Fee: The application fee is typically around $185 USD.

3. Schedule an Interview: Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

4. Prepare Documentation: Gather required documents, including a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, and any additional documents specified by the embassy.

5. Attend the Interview: Go to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa interview.​

For more detailed information and to start your application, visit the official U.S. visa website:

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html.​

When applying for a tourist visa, the required documentation may vary depending on the country you're visiting, but here’s a general list of documents that most consulates require:

1. Valid Passport

   • Must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay.

   • Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stamps.

2. Completed Visa Application Form

   • Filled out and signed.

3. Recent Passport-Sized Photos

   • Usually two color photos, white background, size depends on the consulate's requirements.

4. Travel Itinerary/Flight Booking

   • Proof of round-trip flight reservation (not the actual ticket, just reservation).

5. Proof of Accommodation

   • Hotel booking or invitation letter from a host.

6. Travel Insurance

   • Must cover medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation.

   • Minimum coverage of $50,000 USD (varies by country).

7. Bank Statements/Proof of Sufficient Funds

   • Last 3-6 months’ bank statements.

   • Proof of ability to fund your trip and expenses.

8. Proof of Employment or Business Ownership

   • Employment letter, payslips, or company registration documents (if self-employed).

9. Invitation Letter (if applicable)

   • From a friend, relative, or business contact.

Additional Supporting Documents:

10. Visa Fee Payment Receipt

11. Travel History (Previous Visas)

12. Cover Letter Explaining Purpose of Travel

13. Proof of Ties to Home Country (to show you will return)

• Property ownership

• Family ties

• Job confirmation letter

Here is a sample sponsor invitation letter template for a U.S. B-2 Tourist Visa application:

Sample Sponsor Invitation Letter for U.S. B-2 Tourist Visa

[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]

U.S. Consulate General
[Insert City – e.g., U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg]
[Consulate Address]

Subject: Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name] – Tourist Visa Application

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Your Full Name], currently residing at [Your Full Address in the U.S.], am a [U.S. citizen / lawful permanent resident] and I am writing to invite my [relationship, e.g., friend/sister/father], [Visitor’s Full Name], residing at [Visitor’s Address in South Africa], to visit me in the United States for a short vacation and to spend time with me and my family.

[Visitor’s Full Name] intends to visit the U.S. from [proposed start date] to [proposed end date], and will be staying at my residence for the duration of the trip. I will ensure all accommodation, transportation, and general expenses are covered during the visit, and I confirm that [Visitor's Name] will return to South Africa upon the completion of the visit.

Attached to this letter are copies of:

• My proof of legal status in the United States (e.g., U.S. passport/green card)

• Recent utility bill or lease agreement (proof of address)

• Proof of financial support (bank statement/pay stub/tax return)

• [Optional: Visitor's proposed itinerary or reason for visit]

Should you require any additional information, feel free to contact me.

Thank you for considering this application.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]

Visa Application Process Summary:

1. Complete the DS-160 form online:

   https://ceac.state.gov/ceac

2. Create a profile and pay the visa fee on the appointment website:

   https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za

3. Schedule your appointment for fingerprinting and the interview.

4. Attend the interview at the consulate of your choice.

Tap this link for Consulate Contact Details

Where to Bring Documents

On the day of your interview, bring all original documents and one set of copies to the U.S. Consulate (Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban).

Where to Apply for a U.S. Tourist Visa in South Africa

🏢 U.S. Consulate General – Johannesburg

Location: 1 Sandton Drive, Sandhurst, Johannesburg, 2196

• Phone: +27 11 290 3000

• Visa Appointments & Info:
  https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za

🏢 U.S. Consulate General – Cape Town

Location: 2 Reddam Avenue, Westlake 7945

• Phone: +27 21 702 7300

• Visa Info:
  https://za.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/cape-town/

U.S. Consulate General – Durban

• Location: 303 Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban 4001

• Phone: +27 31 305 7600

• Visa Info:
  https://za.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/durban/

Please tap on link below to inquire/apply

EKTA TRAVELER HEALTH INSURANCE

Typical U.S. Tourist Visa Interview Questions

Personal Background

1. What is your name and age?

2. What do you do for a living?

3. Are you married? Do you have children?

Purpose of Travel

1. Why do you want to travel to the United States?

2. How long will you stay in the U.S.?

3. Which cities or places do you plan to visit?

4. Do you have friends or relatives in the U.S.?

5. Have you ever been to the U.S. before?

   Financial & Employment Status

   • Who is paying for your trip?

   • How much do you earn per month?

   • Can you show proof of your income?

   • Do you own property or assets in South Africa?

   Travel Plans

   • When do you plan to travel?

   • Where will you stay in the U.S.?

   • When do you plan to return to South Africa?

Ties to South Africa / Return Intentions

What guarantees that you will return to South Africa?

• Do you have any obligations (job, family, property) that require you to come back

Tips for Interview:

• Be honest and confident.

• Answer clearly and directly.

• Dress neatly and bring all relevant documents in order.