United States Entry Requirements

Children of all ages, including infants, need their own passport and visa/ESTA if required. Minors (under 18) traveling alone, with one parent, or with non-parents should carry: (1) notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) including contact information and travel details, (2) copy of birth certificate, (3) custody documents if applicable. CBP officers may question children to verify they're not being trafficked or abducted. Unaccompanied minors may face additional screening. If traveling with children who have a different surname, bring documentation showing relationship (birth certificate, adoption papers). Parents should carry contact information for both parents.

Dogs and cats can enter the U.S. with proper documentation. Requirements: (1) Rabies vaccination certificate (dogs only; must be at least 12 weeks old and vaccinated at least 30 days before entry), (2) health certificate from veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, (3) dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries have additional requirements including CDC Dog Import Permit and quarantine. Cats have fewer restrictions but should have health documentation. Birds require import permit from USDA and quarantine. Other pets (reptiles, rodents, etc.) have varying requirements. Check CDC and USDA-APHIS websites. Some states have additional requirements. Airlines have specific pet travel policies and fees. Service animals have different rules under ADA but still need health documentation.

Tourist visas (B-2) and VWP visits cannot be extended beyond initial authorization in most cases. For longer stays: (1) Student visa (F-1) for academic study at approved institutions - requires acceptance letter, SEVIS fee, proof of financial support; (2) Exchange visitor visa (J-1) for approved exchange programs; (3) Work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.) require employer sponsorship and petition approval; (4) Extensions of B-1/B-2 status may be possible in limited circumstances by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before current status expires. Do not overstay your authorized period - overstays can result in bans from future entry (3-10 years depending on overstay length) and complicate future visa applications. VWP visitors cannot extend stay or change status while in the U.S.

Travelers transiting through U.S. airports to third countries must clear U.S. immigration and customs even if not leaving the airport. There is no international transit area - you must enter the U.S. VWP travelers need ESTA for transit. Others need transit visa (C-1) or valid visitor visa (B-1/B-2). Allow minimum 2-3 hours for international connections. Collect checked baggage, clear customs, then re-check bags for connecting flight. Some airports have special transit procedures for certain airlines. Keep all boarding passes and travel documents accessible. If you have a long layover and want to leave the airport, ensure you have proper authorization and enough time to return through security.

U.S. citizens (including dual nationals) must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport, regardless of other citizenships held. This is a legal requirement. Dual citizens should: (1) present U.S. passport to U.S. immigration, (2) may use other passport for travel to third countries, (3) inform airlines of citizenship status. Non-U.S. dual citizens can choose which passport to use but should use the same passport for ESTA/visa application and entry. Some travelers use one passport for visa-free countries and another for countries requiring visas. Ensure passport used for ESTA/visa is the one presented at U.S. entry. Israeli passport holders should be aware that some Arab countries deny entry to those with Israeli stamps; consider using second passport for Middle East travel.

Previous overstays, visa denials, deportations, or criminal convictions can affect admissibility to the U.S. Even minor offenses or very old convictions may cause issues. VWP travelers with certain criminal histories are ineligible and must apply for a visa. During visa application, you must disclose criminal history, previous visa denials, and immigration violations. Lying on applications can result in permanent inadmissibility. Some grounds of inadmissibility can be waived with proper application and documentation. If you have any of these issues: (1) Do not attempt to enter on VWP/ESTA, (2) Apply for appropriate visa and disclose all issues, (3) Consult an immigration attorney if needed, (4) Gather supporting documents (court records, rehabilitation evidence), (5) Allow extra processing time. CBP has access to extensive databases including criminal records from many countries.

B-1 business visitors and VWP travelers can engage in limited business activities: attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, consultations with business associates. CANNOT: work for U.S. employer, receive salary from U.S. source, engage in productive employment, perform services, or establish a business. Gray areas include: giving paid presentations (may be allowed if incidental), training employees (depends on circumstances), installing equipment (may require work visa). When entering, be honest about purpose but don't over-explain. Say 'business meetings' rather than 'work.' Bring supporting documents: meeting schedules, conference registration, invitation letters. If activities are borderline, consult immigration attorney and consider proper work visa. Violations can result in deportation and future entry bans.