For most visitors, entering the United States is straightforward, but it does involve more preparation than many other countries ask for. This guide gives a general overview of how the process works. It is not legal or immigration advice, and the rules can change at short notice. Before every trip, check the current requirements on the official US government websites, and if your situation is at all unusual, get advice from the nearest US embassy or consulate.
The two basic requirements
Almost every visitor needs two things before they travel:
- A valid passport. Check the expiry date well before you travel, and check whether your passport meets the current requirements for your nationality and type of travel.
- Permission to travel, in one of two forms: a US visa, or, for citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program who are eligible, an approved ESTA.
Citizens of Canada have their own arrangements and generally do not need a visa for short visits, but they should still check the current rules.
The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the US for tourism or business for short stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Instead, they must apply online for an ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, and have it approved before boarding a plane or ship to the US.
A few points are worth knowing:
- Apply early. Do not leave the application until the day before you fly. Most answers come quickly, but some take longer, and a refusal means you will need to apply for a visa instead.
- Use the official site only. Many unofficial websites look official and offer to submit the application for you, often at a higher cost. Find the official government site and apply there.
- Answer every question accurately. Mistakes can lead to a refusal or problems at the border.
- Not everyone from a participating country is eligible. Certain past travel, previous visa issues or other circumstances can mean you must apply for a visa even if your country is in the program.
- An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of entry. It allows you to travel; the decision to admit you is made at the border.
Visas
If your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, if you are not eligible for an ESTA, or if the purpose or length of your trip falls outside the program, you will need a visa. Visitor visas are applied for through a US embassy or consulate and usually involve an online application and an interview. Waiting times vary widely by location, so start the process as early as you can, long before you book anything you cannot cancel.
Transit counts too
If you are changing planes in the US on the way to another country, you still need either an approved ESTA or the right visa. There is generally no way to stay airside without entering the US, as there is at many other international airports.
What happens when you land
At your first US airport, you will go through immigration with US Customs and Border Protection. At some airports abroad, this happens before departure through a process called preclearance. A border officer will check your documents and may ask about the purpose of your trip, how long you are staying, where you will stay and when you are leaving. Answer clearly and honestly. Many visitors are photographed and have their fingerprints taken.
It helps to have the following easy to reach, on paper or on your phone:
- Your hotel address or the address where you are staying.
- Your return or onward travel details.
- Your ESTA approval or visa details.
After immigration, you collect checked bags and pass through customs. Declare any food, plants or animal products, and large amounts of cash above the set reporting limit. Undeclared items can lead to fines and delays even when the item itself would have been allowed. Border officers can also inspect bags and electronic devices.
After the border
Once through, plan your journey into town; our guide to airport-to-city transfers covers San Francisco and Boston. Long-haul arrivals often land tired, so our tips on beating jet lag are worth a look too. Visitors should also have travel insurance with medical cover, since healthcare in the US is expensive.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I apply for an ESTA?
As soon as your plans are firm, and well before you buy non-refundable tickets if possible. Check the official site for current guidance.
Does an approved ESTA or visa guarantee entry?
No. Both allow you to travel to the US and ask for admission. The final decision is made by the border officer when you arrive.
Where can I find the current rules?
On the official US government websites for the State Department and Customs and Border Protection, and from US embassies and consulates.