Here is an excellent link from NASA about questions asked about human mission on Mars
http://www.nasa.gov/offices/marsplanning/faqs/
Q: How long will a mission to Mars last?
http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/images/common/faqplus.gif Answer:
Earth's and Mars' orbit around the sun allow for an opportunity to embark to Mars about every 26 months. There are two scenarios for going to Mars and returning to Earth. The first requires astronauts to remain on Mars for only a few weeks before returning. The second scenario will see astronauts spending over a year on the Red Planet. The overall mission duration ranges from about a year to close to three years.
Q: Is NASA planning to establish a permanent settlement on Mars?
http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/images/common/faqplus.gif Answer:
NASA has conducted several studies on the feasibility of establishing a permanent settlement on Mars. At this time, we are not looking to implement such a plan. We will be in a better position to evaluate such a plan after we have perfected the ability to go to Mars and return safely, as well as ensuring that we have the technology to create the necessary resources while on the Red Planet to survive.
Q: When will the first human mission to Mars be?
http://www.nasa.gov/templateimages/images/common/faqplus.gif Answer:
NASA currently is working to build the systems to take astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. NASA is working to meet the President's goal to send humans to Mars in the 2030s. We are developing the technology we will need and designing safety measures to protect our astronauts from the harsh environment beyond low Earth orbit.
the rest of the Q & A are on the link