To travel to the United States, the required USA entry documents vary depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay. Here’s an overview:
USA entry documents for All Visitors
- Valid Passport: Every traveler to the U.S. must have a valid passport, regardless of nationality.
- Visa or ESTA: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a U.S. visa or qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows you to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
Citizens of 40 countries can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business purposes without a visa, but they must obtain an ESTA approval. The stay is limited to 90 days.
Countries eligible for ESTA include:
- European Union countries (most of them)
- United Kingdom
- Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, Taiwan\
- Singapore
- Chile
- Iceland, Norway, Switzerland
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Full list of VWP countries is available on the U.S. Department of State website.
Note: Even with ESTA, you must have a return or onward ticket, and ESTA must be approved before boarding your flight.
Visa Requirements
If you are not from a Visa Waiver Program country, you will need to apply for a U.S. visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Types of visas include:
- B-1 Visa: For business travelers
- B-2 Visa: For tourism or medical treatment
- F or M Visa: For students
- J Visa: For exchange visitors
Countries that require a visa include:
- Most countries in Africa (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya)
- India, China
- Russia, Brazil, most Latin American countries
- Most Middle Eastern countries (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran)
Other Documentation
- Proof of financial means: You might be asked to show that you can afford your stay.
- Travel itinerary: Some visitors may need to present this at immigration.
- Vaccination records: Depending on the current travel guidelines (like during the COVID-19 pandemic), vaccination proof or a negative test might be required.
If you need a visa, the process can take several weeks, so it’s advised to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
