Thank you in advance for the input and experiences.

When applying for the B2 US tourist visa, what is the turn around time to be issued the visa and be on the way to the US? My friend has an interview and such this Tuesday at the BKK US Embassy--and she was told that it takes 3 days, and her passport with the visa will be either mailed, or she can pick it up. For whatever reason, I was under the assumption that the visa is ready the day of the interview, assuming she successfully passed and was officially granted the visa. My question does not involve whether or not she will get it--I know she will get it. So, assumimg al of that goes well, is there indeed a 3 day period, or is all the required visa paperwork and her passport returned that day, and she can leave asap? Reason being--getting the airline tickets...we are looking at a difference of leaving to the USA on wednesday, versus Saturday or Monday, on a tight schedule. Can it be expected that one walk out of a tourist visa interview with all the required paperwork in hand and leave the next day?

Many thanks. Regards.

I don't know from experience but from the info on the embassy webpage your friend will not be able to pick-up their visa. The courier option is mandatory.

Use the check list link on this webpage for info. Also the frequently asked questions section has some info.

http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/niv_howtoapply.html

2 to 3 business days.