Why does everyone say no invitation letter?

[I love San Diego 18]

Here on the US embassy website it specifically mentions an invitation letter under item 7

http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_business.html

1. Invitation Letter: If you are invited to visit someone in the United States, provide information about who is inviting you, purpose of travel, and planned itinerary or schedule. No invitation letter is needed if you are only sightseeing in the United States.

Does that last sentence mean tourist visas (B2) do not need this letter, and it is more for B1 visas?

Thank yhou

[Pitaya 2,577]

Letter is likely not necessary. Take a look at this DOS site about nonimmigrant tourist visas: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visitor.html

[Shauneg 762]

Here on the US embassy website it specifically mentions an invitation letter under item 7

http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_business.html

• Invitation Letter: If you are invited to visit someone in the United States, provide information about who is inviting you, purpose of travel, and planned itinerary or schedule. No invitation letter is needed if you are only sightseeing in the United States.

Does that last sentence mean tourist visas (B2) do not need this letter, and it is more for B1 visas?

Thank yhou

You're reference is from the business visa section. We say no letters for tourist visas.

[KayDeeCee 4,892]

It won't really help. To quote the part pertaining to your question from the link Pitaya posted>

Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist visa. If you do choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember that it is not one of the factors that we use in determining whether to issue or deny a nonimmigrant tourist visa.

[Operator 1,925]

Here on the US embassy website it specifically mentions an invitation letter under item 7

http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/niv_business.html

1. Invitation Letter: If you are invited to visit someone in the United States, provide information about who is inviting you, purpose of travel, and planned itinerary or schedule. No invitation letter is needed if you are only sightseeing in the United States.

Does that last sentence mean tourist visas (B2) do not need this letter, and it is more for B1 visas?

Thank yhou

The embassy in Beijing does not require an invitation letter for tourist visas. As it says above they would like information about the individual who has invited you. Many people choose to provide that information in the form of an invitation letter. So while it is not required it certainly won't hurt.

My experience has been that invitation letters at both the embassies in BJ and SH appreciate an invitation letter with the information of the inviting US citizen.

[Boiler 43,760]

Generally speaking I do not see the harm, the focus should be why you want to go home.