QUICK JUMPS

01. Know the Entry Requirements
02. Extend an Authentic Welcome
03. Address the Misperceptions
04. Prepare for Smooth Arrival
05. Promote the Fast Lane
06. Build a Relationship With CBP

The first question an international traveler may ask about visiting the U.S. is also the most practical: Can I actually get in?

Use this reference guide before booking. It walks through entry requirements for travelers from both Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and non-VWP countries, and links directly to official government sources. Sharing accurate information sets clear expectations and gives visitors confidence.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Countries

Visitors from VWP countries do not need a visa to enter the United States for short visits. They must apply online for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they fly. Recommend to travelers that they apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before departure.

Quick Links:

Before a VWP traveler books their trip, confirm the following:

  • The traveler is a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country.
  • The visit is for business or tourism, 90 days or less.
  • The traveler has applied for ESTA—at least 72 hours before the flight or earlier.
  • ESTA approval is confirmed before traveling.
  • The traveler has a valid passport.

Passport Validity

A passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the traveler’s intended stay in the U.S., unless they are a citizen of an exempt country. This is one of the most common documentation issues at the border. Check the exempt country list at CBP.gov and confirm passport validity at the time of booking.

ESTA Social Media Clarification

Some news reports suggest social media information is required for ESTA applications. This is not accurate. Providing social media handles is optional. If a traveler asks, the process is unchanged, and you can direct them to esta.cbp.dhs.gov for the official application.

Non-Visa Waiver Program Countries

For travelers from non-VWP countries, a visitor visa is required. Visitors should start the visa application process early. Visa interview wait times vary widely by country and time of year. Some can stretch for months or more. Travelers who discover this after booking face significant hurdles entering the U.S.

TIP: If travelers are arriving for a widely attended event, wait times may already be extended.

  • B-1 is for business visitors: meetings, conferences and consultations.
  • B-2 is for tourism, visiting family or friends, medical treatment and similar activities.

To Apply for a Visa, share the following steps:

The standard visitor visa for tourism and business travel is the B-1 or B-2. Most visitors are issued a combined B-1/B-2, which covers both purposes.

  • Complete the DS-160 form online at travel.state.gov.
  • Pay the $185 visa application fee.
  • Schedule a visa interview at a local U.S. embassy or consulate that provides visa services.
  • Attend the interview with all required documents: passport, photo and supporting materials.
  • If approved, travel with a valid visa.

Visa Fee Clarification

Travelers may ask about a reported $250 “Visa Integrity Fee.” That fee does not currently apply. The visa application fee remains $185. The $250 proposal is under discussion, and the U.S. travel industry is actively advocating against it.

Current Wait Times

There is no universal answer to “How long will it take to get a visa?” Wait times for a visa interview can range from days to two years+, depending on the country and time of year. Availability is limited around major events. Check wait times at travel.state.gov.

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