USA

1. Passport Requirements

• Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the United States.
• Many countries follow the “Six-Month Club” rule: passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from the US (exceptions apply — check the latest CBP list).
• It must be a machine-readable passport or e-passport (with electronic chip) for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers.
• At least one blank page for entry stamps is recommended.
• Passport cards or other IDs are not sufficient for air travel — full passport required.

2. ESTA or Visa – What You Need Depends on Your Nationality

The United States divides travelers into main groups for tourism/business visits:

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries/territories – ESTA required
  → You need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) if arriving by air or sea, or even transiting through a US airport.
  → Apply online at the official site: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
  → Valid for multiple entries, up to 90 days per visit (VWP rules).
  
  VWP countries/territories (full list): Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
• Canada & Bermuda – visa-exempt (special rules)
  → Canada (citizens): generally no nonimmigrant visa required for tourism/business (some specific purposes require visas).
  → Canada (permanent residents / landed immigrants): must have a U.S. nonimmigrant visa (in most cases).
  → Bermuda (citizens): generally no nonimmigrant visa required for travel up to 180 days (exceptions apply).
  
  Countries/territories covered: Canada, Bermuda.
• Countries requiring a visitor visa (B-1/B-2)
  → You must apply for a nonimmigrant visitor visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate before travel.
  → Processing can take weeks or months — book interview early.
  → Allows stays usually up to 6 months (decided by CBP officer at entry).
  
  Countries covered: All other nationalities worldwide not listed above under VWP and not covered by the Canada/Bermuda visa-exempt rules.
• US citizens, permanent residents & certain others
  → No ESTA or visa required (use US passport or Green Card).

Quick check: Use the official Visa Wizard → travel.state.gov Visa Wizard

3. Length of Stay

• VWP/ESTA: maximum 90 days — no extensions under VWP (must leave before expiry or risk future bans).
• B-1/B-2 visa: usually up to 6 months (exact time set by CBP officer at entry; extensions possible via USCIS if justified).
• You cannot work or study full-time without separate visas/permits.

4. Other Important Requirements

• Proof of onward/return travel (ticket) — very often checked at check-in or entry.
• Proof of sufficient funds and ties to home country (e.g., job, family) — may be asked to show you won’t overstay.
• Accommodation details or address in the US (helpful if questioned).
• No COVID-19 vaccination/testing/quarantine required (rules lifted since 2022).
• Customs: Declare goods over USD 10,000 cash, restricted items (food, plants, medicines, weapons, etc.). Complete customs declaration form on arrival.

5. Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel — ideally much earlier (especially if first time or planning major events like FIFA World Cup 2026).
• Check the latest rules directly on official sites:
  → ESTA: esta.cbp.dhs.gov
  → Visa Waiver Program & entry info: travel.state.gov VWP
  → US State Department: travel.state.gov
• Rules can change quickly — always verify before booking flights.
• Admission is at the discretion of CBP officers at the port of entry — answer questions honestly.

Safe travels to the USA — whether you're heading to New York, California, Florida, the Grand Canyon or anywhere else!