Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
ENTERING THE REGION
A passport is required for all foreign citizens. Unless eligible under the Visa Waiver Pro-
gram, foreign travelers must also have a tourist visa. To rent or drive a car, travelers
from non-English-speaking countries should obtain an International Drivers Permit be-
fore arriving.
Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program must register with the US govern-
ment's
ESTA program
(
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
) at least three days before arriving;
earlier is better, since if denied, travelers must get a visa. Registration is valid for two
years.
Upon arriving in the US, all foreign visitors must register in the US-Visit program, which
entails having two index fingers scanned and a digital photo taken. For information on
US-Visit, see the
Department of Homeland Security
(
www.dhs.gov/us-visit
)
.
VISAS
All visitors should reconfirm entry requirements and visa guidelines before arriving. You
can get visa information through
www.usa.gov
,
but the
US State Department
(
www.travel.state.gov
)
maintains the most comprehensive visa information, with lists
of consulates and downloadable application forms.
US Citizenship & Immigration
Services
(
www.uscis.gov
)
mainly serves immigrants, not temporary visitors.
The
Visa Waiver Program
allows citizens of three dozen countries to enter the USA for
stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a US visa. See the ESTA website above
for a current list. Under this program you must have a nonrefundable return ticket and
'e-passport' with digital chip. Passports issued/renewed before October 26, 2006,
must be machine-readable.
Visitors who don't qualify for the Visa Waiver Program need a visa. Basic requirements
are a valid passport, recent photo, travel details and often proof of financial stability.
Students and adult males also must fill out supplemental travel documents. The valid-
ity period for a US visitor visa depends on your home country. The length of time you'll
be allowed to stay in the USA is determined by US officials at the port of entry.
To stay longer than the date stamped on your passport, visit a local
USCIS
(
www.uscis.gov
) office.
