The US B1/B2 visa is the most common route into the United States for Portuguese-resident travellers who cannot use ESTA. This 2026 guide walks through the full process — eligibility, DS-160, the Lisbon consulate interview, documents, fees, and typical timelines.

Who needs a B1/B2 in 2026

Portuguese passport holders usually travel to the US with ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. You need a B1/B2 visa if:

  • You hold a passport from a country not on the Visa Waiver list.
  • You have been refused ESTA in the past.
  • You plan to stay longer than 90 days.
  • You need a route for frequent, longer-term visits.

Timeline overview

The full US B1/B2 process from first form to passport-in-hand typically runs 3 to 8 weeks in 2026. The biggest variable is the interview wait at the US Embassy in Lisbon, which has ranged between 10 and 35 days over the past six months.

Step 1: DS-160

The DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application. It is long — around 120 fields covering personal, travel, work, and security history. The form must be completed in one session (save frequently) and cannot be meaningfully corrected after submission without starting again.

Common pitfalls:

  • Prior refusals must be disclosed honestly — consular officers already have them.
  • Social-media handles asked in the "Address and Phone" section must match your active accounts.
  • The photo upload has strict specs; most applicants are better off printing a compliant photo separately.

Step 2: Pay the MRV fee

The non-immigrant visa application fee (MRV) is US $185 in 2026. Pay it before scheduling the interview; the receipt number links the payment to your DS-160.

Step 3: Book the Lisbon interview

Schedule the interview at the US Embassy in Lisbon. Bring the DS-160 confirmation page, MRV receipt, passport, and the documents below.

What to bring to the interview

  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel.
  • DS-160 confirmation printout.
  • MRV fee receipt.
  • One US-spec photo (5×5 cm, white background).
  • Proof of ties to Portugal: employment letter, property deed, family documents.
  • Financial evidence: bank statements, payslips.
  • Travel itinerary, hotel bookings (if arranged).

The interview itself

Expect a short, structured conversation (5–10 minutes). Most officers decide within the first minute. They are looking for two things: plausible travel purpose and strong ties to Portugal. Over-preparing a speech is counter-productive; short, direct answers work best.

If approved

Passports with the visa attached are returned by courier in 5–10 business days.

If refused

Most refusals are under 214(b) — insufficient demonstration of ties to Portugal. A second application with better documentation and a clearer travel story frequently succeeds. If your refusal is within our scope of work, our refusal protection applies.