US State Department Bans Birth Tourism on Visitor Visas

The US Department of State has explicitly prohibited birth tourism, defined as traveling to the United States primarily to give birth and secure US citizenship for a child, under the visitor visa category. The B-1 and B-2 nonimmigrant visas are strictly for business and tourism purposes, respectively, and do not allow for travel with the intention of giving birth.

During the visa application process, consular officers evaluate applicants based on their ties to their home country, the purpose of their trip, and their ability to cover travel costs. The State Department warns of serious consequences for overstaying a visa, including automatic voiding of the visa under Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which can affect future visa eligibility.

The non-refundable application fee for a visitor visa is $185, and applicants must complete Form DS-160 and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.