The American B-1 and B2 visas are temporary visas that allow visitors from across the globe to travel to the US for business, short-term work, or simply leisure.
The government also gives travelers the opportunity to switch their visa status from B1/B2 to another type of visa, depending on their immediate needs and circumstances.
But, how would you react if I tell you that you can visit many other countries on a B1/B2 visa, apart from the USA? Great, isn’t it, since getting a B1/B2 visa itself is a huge task?
You get the maximum value for your time, money, and effort when you are allowed to visit other countries while you are in the US on a B1/B2 visa.
In this article...
Countries You are Allowed to Visit with a US Tourist Visa
Some sources have stated that you can travel to up to 33 countries “visa-free” if you have a valid US tourist visa or green card. Many of these countries will need the B1/B2 visa to be a multi-entry one that has been used at least once to travel to the US.
According to US Customs and Border Protection, a non-immigrant can visit Canada or Mexico for up to 30 days and re-enter during their visit to the US. The date till which one can re-enter America is provided on Form I-94. However, the traveler may need to contact officials in Canada or Mexico, since their rules for entry with a B1/B2 visa may vary.
Moreover, you’ll have to depart from the US before the departure date mentioned on the visa, to avoid overstaying.
Overstaying in the US can have serious consequences, including the person being barred from entering the USA for the next 3 to 10 years, depending on the time for which the individual has overstayed in the US.
Also read: Best travel insurance for parents visiting USA
Below is the complete list of countries you can visit with a B1/B2 visa.
Central America
- Belize
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- El Salvador
- Nicaragua
North America
- United States of America, including Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa
- Mexico
Caribbean
- Dominican Republic
- Aruba
- Curaçao
- Saint Maarten
- Antigua and Barbuda
Europe
- Montenegro
- Serbia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Turkey
- Georgia
- Albania
- United Kingdom
South America
- Peru
- Chile
- Colombia
The Middle East
- United Arab Emirates
- Oman
- Qatar
Africa
- São Tomé and Príncipe
Asia
- Certain parts of Taiwan
- South Korea
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Malaysia
The time period for which you can visit these countries may vary. Moreover, some nations have restrictions on the entry of people of certain nationalities.
Also read: How to Check USCIS Case Status Online
US officials strictly monitor the time period for which you are issued the visa since they want to make sure that your intention is to return to your home country before your visa expires.
When you return to the US, after having visited any of the above-mentioned countries, and if your current US visa has expired but your I-20 is still valid, you won’t need to obtain a new visa in order to re-enter the US.
Important Note: According to CBP, after returning from countries like England or Costa Rica, your re-entry to the US will be considered a new admission, after which you’ll have to undergo a tedious inspection process.
hello and last year i got transit in uk heathrow london while going to USA ….. Now is it easy for me to apply uk tourist visa without sponser
i have us multiple visa i have visited twice a time but i got refusal from canada in spite of i have us visa now i want to reapply for canada. what is the best option apply from india or again from USA.
The list of countries that can be visited under the B1/B2 visa is for someone people of a specific nationalities. For example if we would like to our home country (Portugal) and come back within that 6 months period is still possible?
Please read the information above.
Hi, many thanks. I have multiple entry USA B1\B2 visa valid till 2027 but have never visited USA. How many countries i can visit with this B1\B2 visa ? Kindly advise.
BR,
BM
bijendermishra@gmail.com
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts (like passport/citizenship) will determine what type of visa is required. I’d suggest you contact the embassy directly.
Hello…
Karthik, I’m Dilawar from India, I have B1B2 visa valid up to 4 years, I want to visit Malta, can I get visa on arrival for Malta or need to apply for Schengen visa.
Thank you.
Hello I am from Pakistan and I have B1B2. I just want to know that how many days can I stay in Philippine? On visit.
Please reply me soon
Hello there,
I am from Haiti and I was wondering if I could travel to Honduras using my U.S. tourist visa? Is it possible or am I obligated to apply for a Hondurian Visa? Thank you for the article and your time! 🙂
Hello there,
I am a South African citizen living in China. I want to visit Taiwan. Can I do so on my b1/b2 visa?
Best,
Celeste
Thanks, Mani.
I’ve heard both cases as well Jeeva. Being asked transit visa and otherwise. As I understand, things change and it’s better if you’d check with the airlines closer to your travel date. As for Columbia, I’m sure you need a visit visa, but based on your citizenship/passport status you might be able to get a visa on arrival.
Hi Mani, I have a valid B1/B2 VISA and I am travelling to Columbia via London and Miami. I wanted to know if I need a transit visa for London and also if I need to apply for a visa to Columbia. BA told me I don’t need one but I have heard some people having trouble and the US and UK have really not been helpful.
Yes you can visit the US by just booking a hotel and flight, however you will have to prove to the officers at immigration your purpose of visit.
Hi! Mr.Mani,
Glad to come across your post.
I have B1/B2 Visa which is valid for another 8years.I would like to know that by just booking a Hotel and Flight , I can visit anywhere in US right?
Also if I can travel to CANADA on this visa or need to apply for Canadian visa?
By the way,I’m from Mumbai.
Thanks in advance.
Best Regards,
Naseer
Hello Mani, I have a question, I am Anita and I have my B/B2 visa approval and I am going to attend the conference in March. I need to change the status to F1 or H1 could you kindly assit me. Thank you Sir.
Best Regards Anita
Hi, Mani I have a question, I am a Filipino and I want to go to St. Maarten can I enter the Island just by using my b1 b2 US Visa??
Hi Jenny, I don’t think you can. B1B2 is valid for US and if course.. if you have a UK tourist visa you can.
Hi Mani,
I am curious to know with a B1/B2 visa can you travel to the United Kingdom. I assumed one needed a UK tourist visa. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Jenny