United States: Passport and Visa

PASSPORT AND VISA Summary of Requirements PASSPORT Citizens of Canada may enter with a valid passport, enhanced driver’s license, enhanced identification card, NEXUS card, or a FAST/Expres card A passport is required for citizens of all countries other than Canada VISA Not required for citizens of countries listed in A. Visa-Exemptbelow, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom Required for citizens of countries not listed in A. Visa-Exempt below RETURN TICKET Not specifically required, but travelers may be asked to prove their intention to depart the United States ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS An approved travel authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for all travelers to the United States; visit www.cbp.gov/esta to apply A photograph and fingerprints are collected from all travelers upon entry All non-immigrant travelers must prove their visit is temporary All travelers must provide proof of sufficient funds for their stay in the United States Passport Citizens of Canada may enter with a valid passport, enhanced driver’s license, enhanced identification card, NEXUS card, or a FAST/Expres card. A passport valid for six months past the expected stay in the United States is required for all other travelers. Visa Citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are not required to obtain a visa to enter the United States. A. VISA-EXEMPT Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter the United States for business or tourist purposes for up to 90 days:Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom. Citizens of Canada do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying. Citizens of Mexico who live on the border (and hold a Border Crossing Card) and citizens of Bermuda (with British Overseas Territories passports) do not require advance visas for entry into the United States. Please note that even visa-free travelers must apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval. Visit the website for US Customs and Border Patrol’s ESTA system for more information: www.cbp.gov/esta. B. VISA REQUIRED Citizens of countries not listed in section A. Visa-Exempt are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States. C. VISA REQUIREMENTS The following are required to obtain a visa:  Valid passport Passport-size photograph Completed online visa application Documentation showing reason for visit Personal interview Please note that additional documents may be required in some cases. D. VISA TYPES The United States issues the following types of visas: A and G: Representatives of foreign governments A-3 and G-5: Personal/domestic employee of representatives of foreign governments B-1: For personal/domestic employees of B, E, F, H, I, J, L, O, P, and Q visa holders and US citizens temporarily assigned to the United States B-1: For general business purposes (e.g., meetings, short-term training) B-2: For tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or medical treatment B-1/B-2: For business travel in the Priority Interview Program (PIP) C-1: People transiting through the US C-1/D: Crewmembers E-1: Treaty traders E-2: Investors F: Students in academic or language programs H: Temporary workers and trainees, including H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, and H-4 I: Journalists and members of the media J: Exchange visitors K-1: Fiancé(e) of a US citizen K-2: Spouse of a US citizen/legal permanent resident L: Intra-company transferees M: Students in vocational or other non-academic programs O: Temporary workers of extraordinary ability P: Athletes and entertainers Q: Cultural exchange visitors R: Religious workers More Information Please note that passport and visa information is subject to change. Also, requirements for specialty visas can be complex. Travelers are advised to obtain the most current information from the primary source. For more information about visas, residence, and immigration, as well as application forms and fee information, please visit the website for the US Department of State at travel.state.gov/visa, the website for Discover America: The Official Travel and Tourism Website of the United Statesat www.discoveramerica.com, or the website for US Customs and Border Patrol atwww.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel, or contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate General of the United States of America. Sources: US Department of State US Customs and Border Patrol Embassy of the United States in Manila Discover America: The Official Travel and Tourism Website of the United States