Somalia passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Somalia

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa

Citizens of Somalia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B1/B2 Visitor Visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required

How to apply

1
Complete DS-160 form online
Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application and print the confirmation page.
2
Pay visa application fee
Pay the nonrefundable MRV fee (currently $185) as instructed on the payment portal.
3
Schedule interview appointment
Book an appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction.
4
Gather required documents
Collect passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, fee receipt, and supporting documents.
5
Attend visa interview
Appear in person at the embassy on the scheduled date for biometrics and interview.
6
Wait for processing
Processing time varies; you may be asked to submit additional documents.
7
Collect passport with visa
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa affixed.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
DS-160 confirmation page
Online nonimmigrant visa application form.
Photo
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.

Travel

Travel itinerary
Optional
Details of planned travel and accommodation.

Financial

Visa application fee receipt
Proof of payment of the MRV fee.
Bank statements
Optional
To demonstrate sufficient funds for travel.

Employment

Employment letter
Optional
Shows job status and salary.

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Shows date and time of interview.
Proof of ties to home country
Optional
E.g., property deeds, family certificates.
Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
Copies of any prior U.S. visas.

Good to know

Effective June 9, 2025, U.S. visas will no longer be issued to citizens of 12 countries, with certain exemptions. Verify your eligibility before applying.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, or property in Somalia.

Incomplete or incorrect application

Double-check all entries on DS-160 and ensure documents are complete.

Criminal record or previous visa violations

Disclose all relevant history truthfully; consult an attorney if needed.

FAQ

Do citizens of Somalia need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Somalia need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa.

How long can citizens of Somalia stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Somalia?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of Somalia need for the United States?

Valid passport; DS-160 confirmation page; Photo; Visa application fee receipt; Appointment confirmation letter; Bank statements; and 4 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/

Sources

ustraveldocs.com

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