What is a Visa?
When Do You Need a Visa?
If you are from a foreign country and want to enter the United States, you usually need to get a visa, which is added to your passport.
Some international travelers might be able to visit the United States without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Notes:
- U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter their own country. However, if they travel abroad, they might need a visa from the embassy or consulate of the country they are visiting.
- The visa section of this website provides information about visas for foreign people traveling to the United States.
What Type of Visa Do You Need?
For short visits to the United States (like for tourism, business, or studies), you can fill out the online application (form DS-160). For immigrant visas, which are for people who want to live and work permanently in the United States, go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to get the right forms.
Important Note About Questions Sent to Our Customer Service Team:
- After answering the assistant’s questions, you will find specific information for your case.
- If the assistant cannot answer your question, you will get instructions on how to contact our customer service.
- We usually respond to all emails within 48 business hours.
- If your email does not follow the specific instructions and your question can be easily answered by the assistant, you will not get a response.
Need Help Figuring Out What Type of Visa You Need?
To help you with this process, the U.S. Embassy in Panama offers the Visa Virtual Assistant. This tool will guide you through a series of questions to provide you with better service.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Remember to follow the prompt instructions provided to produce your answer.
When completing the “sex” field of the DS-160 [or DS-260], please select your sex at birth: male or female. Generally, this will be the sex listed on your passport. However, if your passport lists your gender identity, does not list a sex, or lists “X”/ “unspecified” in a “sex”/ “gender” field, you must select your sex at birth.
