Entering the United States - Customs and Immigration
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Foreign citizens who wish to stay in the United States temporarily, whether for
tourism, business, study or medical purposes, must generally have a visa issued
by the U.S. Department of State. To obtain a visa or more information on this
topic, contact the American Embassy or American Consulate in your country of residence.
Canadian Citizens may travel between the U.S. and Canada with at least two of
the following documents:
- Canadian passport
- Canadian government-issued birth certificate with government- issued photo
ID
- Canadian Certificate of Naturalization, Canadian Certificate of Citizenship
(laminated card) or Canadian driver's license only when traveling from the
U.S. to Canada on return portion of roundtrip ticket.
- Canadian Landed Immigrants (Resident Aliens) having common nationality
status of Canada may travel between the U.S. and Canada without a U.S. visa
Some countries enjoy a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with the United States. For
a list of these countries, visit the US
Customs website. Other nationalities not specified must have a national
passport valid for six months beyond the date of entry as well as a valid U.S.
visa.
By January 1, 2008, all visitors traveling to and from the United States via
the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada will be required to present
a valid passport or other secure, accepted travel document. Travelers should
be aware that the implementation of this amendment will also affect the countries
with current VWP agreements with the United States.
Children under age 18 must also have proof of citizenship. Although it is recommended,
minors are not required to have photo ID. Parents traveling with children under
18 should have proof that the child is theirs, such as a birth certificate indicating
at least the mother's name. Adults with infants too young to have received a
birth certificate must have a notarized letter from the pediatrician or hospital
of birth identifying the traveling adult by name to the infant.
Mexican Citizens Residing in Mexico and visiting the U.S. must have the following:
- Valid Mexican passport and non-immigrant visa or Form DSP-150.
Click Here
for more information regarding International Visitors to the U.S.
Click Here
for a list detailing the wait times at key northern and southern land border ports
of entry. The list is posted twice daily.
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