Travel Documents

Travelling to the US

For the most up-to-date information regarding U.S. entry and visa policy, please refer to the following resources provided by the U.S. government as you make your travel arrangements and prior to embarking on a trip to the USA.

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: CBP.gov
• U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov
• Nearest U.S. embassy or consulate: www.USEmbassy.gov

As measures implemented to protect and welcome visitors may vary, all travelers should check with their airline for the latest security updates and recommended arrival times in advance of their flight to the USA. The latest aviation security policy information is available at https://www.dhs.gov/aviation-security.

Visa Policy

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less, when they meet all requirements. Travellers must be eligible to use the VWP and have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. 

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets. 

If you are not a citizen of a participating VWP country, you must apply for a visa. There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Details about obtaining a visa and visa application forms can be found here. 

Still have questions about the admissions process for entering the United States? 

Find out everything you need to know from the Department of Homeland Security’s USA travel guide.