Traveling to the USA: Visa Requirements and Guidelines

If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll have to jump through a few hoops before you can vacation in the USA. This includes filling out forms, responding to many questions, and possibly attending a visa application interview. However, do not let concerns about the visa process deter you from your travel plans.

With some advance preparation, you can be standing atop the Empire State Building or hiking into the Grand Canyon in no time. Start prepping for your trip with a step-by-step guide to navigating visa requirements for US travel. Furthermore, regulations often change, so it’s crucial to check the latest updates on the US State Department and US Customs and Border Protection websites.

Who Can Travel to the USA Visa-Free?

If you are a citizen of one of the 40 countries covered by the USA’s Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you do not need a visa to travel for business or pleasure for stays of 90 days or less. The countries covered by the Visa Waiver Program include the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most European Union member states.

Even if your visa is waived, having a valid passport and ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is mandatory. This authorization is required whether you are arriving by land, sea, or air. If you plan to travel to the US by plane or boat, ensure you secure your authorization prior to departure.

Your passport must also be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay unless exempt due to a country-specific agreement. Additionally, it must be an e-passport, containing an e-chip that enhances security and includes a machine-readable zone on the bio page.

Upon admission to the US, you may take short side trips into Mexico and Canada; however, these visits count against your 90-day stay.

Canadian citizens do not need a visa or ESTA authorization to enter the US for stays of fewer than 90 days. In contrast, Mexican citizens traveling to the US must possess a visa or Border Crossing Card.

Be mindful that if you have traveled to specific countries such as Cuba, Iran, Iraq, or Somalia as detailed under the VWP Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, you may be ineligible for visa-free travel.

ESTA Authorization – What You Need to Know

To obtain ESTA authorization, you must register online at least 72 hours prior to your arrival. Once the ESTA application is approved, it is typically valid for two years and allows for multiple visits.

The application fee is $21, payable online. To apply, you will need a valid email address, home address, phone number, and the details of an emergency contact.

Upon application submission, you will receive one of three responses: Authorization Approved (usually within minutes), Authorization Pending (check status within 72 hours), or Travel Not Authorized. If your travel is not authorized, you must apply for a visa.

Those from countries not covered by the Visa Waiver Program must apply for a tourist visa before visiting the US.

Crossing the Border from Canada or Mexico

The US has over 100 official border crossings with Canada and nearly 50 with Mexico. While it’s relatively easy to cross from the US into either neighboring country, re-entering the US can pose challenges if you lack the required documents. Some border crossings are open 24 hours, whereas most are not.

Busy entry points with Canada include borders between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario; Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario; and Blaine, Washington, and Douglas, British Columbia.

The main US-Mexico border crossings are located between San Diego, California, and Tijuana; Nogales, Arizona, and Nogales, Sonora; El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez; as well as Brownsville, Texas, and Matamoros.

US Customs and Border Protection provides current wait times for entry at border checkpoints. As always, ensure your documents are in order, be polite, and refrain from making jokes or casual conversation with border officials.

What You Need to Know About Obtaining a Visa

There are two types of visas for foreign nationals traveling to the USA: nonimmigrant visas for short stays and immigrant visas for permanent residence. Nonimmigrant visas encompass those for business (B-1), tourism (B-2), or a combination of the two (B-1/B-2).

With the exception of Canadian citizens and those entering through the Visa Waiver Program, all foreign visitors must obtain a tourist visa from a US consulate or embassy. Most applicants will need to schedule a personal interview and bring all relevant documentation.

Waiting times for interviews can vary greatly and may take several months. If your application is approved, visa issuance can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It’s prudent to check wait times for scheduling interviews at individual embassies and consulates.

Applicants must complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form and bring the confirmation page to the interview. Additionally, you need a recent photo and must pay a nonrefundable $185 processing fee. Bring your payment receipt to the interview, and in some cases, be prepared to pay an extra visa-issuance reciprocity fee.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your expected departure from the USA, although there may be exceptions depending on your country of citizenship. Visa applicants must demonstrate financial stability or evidence of support from a US resident, and present a round-trip or onward ticket and “binding obligations” to ensure their return home, such as family ties, a home, or a job.

Diligent travelers planning to visit other countries before arriving in the USA should ideally apply for a US tourist visa while still in their home country, rather than while en route.

The B-2 nonimmigrant visitor visa is often utilized for tourism or visiting friends and family and allows for multiple entries. The validity period varies based on the applicant’s nationality and application circumstances, and the specific duration of stay is determined by US immigration at the port of entry with an admission stamp or Form I-94, which outlines your arrival and departure dates.

For those traveling to the USA to work or study, a different type of visa will be necessary, and the sponsoring company or educational institution should facilitate the arrangements.

To extend your stay, a request must be made using Form I-539 before your visit concludes. Avoid overstaying without permission, as you may face deportation or be barred from returning in the future. It’s advisable to initiate the request at least 45 days prior to your planned departure date.

Immigration Officers Have the Final Say

No matter what your visa or ESTA authorization states, US immigration officers possess ultimate authority to refuse admission or impose specific conditions on entry.

They may inquire about your travel plans and whether you have adequate funds; therefore, it is advisable to prepare a detailed itinerary, show an onward or round-trip ticket, and carry at least one major credit card.

This article was first published on June 3, 2021, and updated on September 30, 2023.