Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco,
the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United
Kingdom. Citizens of Czech Republic,
Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta,
Republic of Korea, and Slovakia are soon to
be admitted to the VWP. (
Note:
This list
was accurate at press time; for the most up-
to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult
http://travel.state.gov/visa.) Even though a
visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S.
officials check travelers against terrorist
watch-lists before they arrive at U.S. bor-
ders, visitors from VWP countries must
register online through the Electronic Sys-
tem for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before
boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Trav-
elers will complete an electronic application
providing basic personal and travel-eligibil-
ity information. The Department of Home-
land Security recommends filling out the
form at least 3 days before traveling. Autho-
rizations will be valid for up to 2 years or
until the traveler's passport expires, which-
ever comes first. Currently, there is no fee
for the online application.
Note:
Any pass-
port issued on or after October 26, 2006, by
a VWP country must be an
e-Passport
for
VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the
U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations
also need to present a round-trip air or
cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports con-
tain computer chips capable of storing bio-
metric information, such as the required
digital photograph of the holder. If your
passport doesn't have this feature, you can
still travel without a visa if it is a valid pass-
port issued before October 26, 2005, and
includes a machine-readable zone, or
between October 26, 2005, and October
25, 2006, and includes a digital photo-
graph. For more information, go to
http://
travel.state.gov/visa
. Canadian citizens
may enter the United States without visas;
they will need to show passports (if traveling
by air) and proof of residence, however.
Citizens of all other countries must have
(1) a valid passport that expires at least 6
months later than the scheduled end of their
visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa.
CUSTOMS
What You Can Bring into
the U.S.
Every visitor at least 21 years of age may
bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1
liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 ciga-
rettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or
3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3)
$100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are
offered to travelers who spend at least 72
hours in the United States and who have
not claimed them within the preceding 6
months. It is forbidden to bring into the
country almost any meat products (includ-
ing canned, fresh, and dried meat products
such as buillion, soup mixes, and so forth).
Generally, condiments including vinegars,
oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses
and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice
products, as rice can often harbor insects.
Bringing fruits and vegetables is not
advised, though not prohibited. Customs
will allow produce depending on where
you got it and where you're going after you
arrive in the U.S. International visitors
may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S.
or foreign currency with no formalities;
larger sums must be declared to U.S. Cus-
toms on entering or leaving, which
includes filing form CM 4790. For details
regarding U.S. Customs and Border Pro-
tection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate or
U.S. Customs
(www.
customs.gov).
What You Can Take Home
from Orlando:
For information on what you're allowed to
bring home, contact one of the following
agencies:
Canadian Citizens:
Canada Border Serv-
ices Agency
(
&
800/461-9999
in Canada,
or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).
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