The B-1 visa is used for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is appropriate for travel that is recreational - like tourism, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. In many instances, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.