What Is a Burroughs Visa? (Is It a Real U.S. Visa?)

If you’ve heard the term “Burroughs Visa” while researching U.S. travel or immigration, you’re not alone. Many travelers search for this phrase, but the truth is important to understand upfront:

👉 There is no official U.S. visa called a “Burroughs Visa.”

Key Takeaway

A “Burroughs Visa” does not exist. If you’re planning to visit the United States, the correct path is almost always a B-2 tourist visa, B-1/B-2 visitor visa, or ESTA if eligible. Using the correct terminology and visa category is essential for a smooth application and entry process.

Is a Burroughs Visa a Real Visa?

No. “Burroughs Visa” is not an official visa category recognized by the United States government. You will not find it listed by the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The term is informal and incorrect, but it is commonly used due to:

• Mispronunciation
• Misinformation online
• Confusion with legitimate visa types

What Do People Usually Mean by “Burroughs Visa”?

In most cases, when someone says “Burroughs Visa,” they are referring to one of the following real U.S. visas:

1. B-2 Tourist Visa

The most common meaning.

The B-2 Visitor Visa allows travel to the U.S. for:

• Tourism
• Family visits
• Medical treatment
• Short recreational trips

Because “B-2” is often spoken quickly, it can be misheard or misremembered as “Burroughs.”

2. B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

Sometimes the term refers to the combined B-1/B-2 visa, which covers:

• B-1: Business activities (meetings, conferences)
• B-2: Tourism and personal visits

This is one of the most commonly issued U.S. nonimmigrant visas.

3. Visa Waiver Program / ESTA (Less Common)

In some cases, people mistakenly use “Burroughs Visa” to describe visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using ESTA authorization, even though ESTA is not a visa.

Why the Term “Burroughs Visa” Causes Problems

Using an incorrect visa name can lead to:

• Applying for the wrong visa
• Providing incorrect information to an embassy or travel agent
• Delays or denials due to misunderstandings
• Confusion during interviews or entry inspection

U.S. immigration decisions are made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of State based on official visa categories only.

How to Apply for the Correct U.S. Visitor Visa

To apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa, you must:

1. Complete the DS-160 application
2. Pay the visa fee
3. Schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate
4. Attend the interview with supporting documents

Visa approval is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and entry is decided by CBP officers at the port of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Burroughs Visa an official U.S. visa?

No. There is no visa officially called a Burroughs Visa. The term is informal and incorrect.

Why do people call it a Burroughs Visa?

The term usually comes from mishearing or mispronouncing “B-2 visa” or “B-1/B-2 visa.”

What visa should I apply for instead?

Most people searching for a Burroughs Visa should apply for a B-2 tourist visa or B-1/B-2 visitor visa, depending on their purpose.

Can I be denied for using the wrong visa term?

Using the wrong term itself won’t cause denial, but applying for the wrong visa type or misunderstanding eligibility can.

Does ESTA replace the Burroughs Visa?

ESTA is not a visa and does not replace a B-2 visa. It is only for travelers eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.