Passengers also must complete an attestation form before departure.
- nationals and residents of the USA;
- passengers younger than 2 years.
Visitor Visa or Visa Waiver Program for short visits
A foreign national traveling to the United States for tourism needs a visitor visa (B-2) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.
Tourism is a short visit for vacation, for visiting family and friends, or for medical treatment.
Visitor Visa
Overview
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).
Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:
- Business (B-1)
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Settle an estate
- Negotiate a contract
- Tourism (B-2)
- Tourism
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
Please note!
The U.S. will impose visa-free travel for Israeli citizens starting November 30, 2023.
Israel has been included in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP - Visa Waiver Program). Thanks to the simplified entry by the end of 2023, Israeli citizens will be able to stay without a visa in the U.S. up to 90 days.
The holder of an Israeli passport (darqon) will only need to register 72 hours before departure on the ESTA website (registration fee is USD 21). Electronic registration is valid for 2 years without updates and allows multiple entries into the US.
Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas
These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:
1) Study
2) Employment
3) Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
4) Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
5) Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
6) Permanent residence in the United States
7) Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).
How to Apply
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
1. Complete the Online Visa Application
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – You must:
1) complete the online visa application and
2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements
2. Schedule an Interview
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
If you are age:
13 and younger
14 - 79
80 and older
Then an interview is:
- Generally not required
- Required (some exceptions for renewals)
- Generally not required
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply.
Appointment Wait Time
Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and for checking waiting time and fee information.
3. Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
1) Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
2) Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
3) Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
4) Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate whereyou will apply.
Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- The purpose of your trip,
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
- Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.
Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
4. Attend Your Visa Interview
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this required.
After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you. Review the visa processing times to learn more.
Entering the United States
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
Extending Your Stay
See Extend Your Stay on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94.
Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being out of status. Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided (Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.
Change of Status
If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.
While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa. However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.
Additional Information
An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Important: From May 30, the U.S. will increase visa application fees
So, the fee for registration of the guest visa for business and tourism (category B1 and B2), student visa (categories F and M), as well as the visiting visa for an exchange (category J) will be 185 U.S. dollars instead of 160. For a work visa (categories H, L, O, P, Q and R) - 205 U.S. dollars, instead of 190. For an investor visa (category E) - 315 U.S. dollars, instead of 205.
Insurance
There are different types of insurance you should consider:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance covers your financial investment in your trip, such as flights, cruises, or train tickets. Carefully examine the policy to make sure that it covers what you need it to cover, including cancellation if you or a close family member gets sick. Depending on the policy, trip cancellation insurance might not cover any medical care you need overseas, so you may need a separate travel health insurance policy.
Trip cancellation insurance may allow you to make a last-minute cancellation or changes to your itinerary in the event of a disease outbreak. Be sure to check the fine print to see if your coverage includes disease outbreaks at intended travel destinations and if there are any restrictions.
Travel Health Insurance
If you need medical care in another country, you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket for any services. Even if a country has nationalized health care, it may not cover people who are not citizens. Before you go, consider your insurance options in case you need care while traveling. Travel health insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition, are traveling for more than 6 months, or doing adventure activities such as scuba diving or hang gliding.
Check if your current health care covers emergencies that happen while traveling. Ask if your policy has any exclusions, such as for preexisting conditions or adventure activities. If your health insurance coverage is not adequate, consider buying a short-term supplemental policy. Look for a policy that will make payments to hospitals directly.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are traveling to a remote destination or to a place where care is not likely to be up to U.S. standards, consider buying medical evacuation insurance. This can be bought separately or as part of your travel health insurance policy. Medical evacuation insurance covers emergency transportation from a remote area to a high-quality hospital, which could otherwise cost more than $100,000. Medical evacuation insurance may also evacuate people with certain infectious diseases whereas other evacuation companies may not have that capacity. Make sure that the policy provides a 24-hour physician support center.
For travel through the United States to another country.
Transit Visa C
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.
Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveler will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.
If you already have a
valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the
Visa Waiver Program.
Travel purposes which require a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:
1) A foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit.
2) A passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship or other vessel which is proceeding to another country, other than the United States, but during the course of the journey, the vessel makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States.
3) A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa.
4) A foreign citizen proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under provisions of the Headquarters agreement with the United Nations, requires a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa. Travel within the United States will be limited to the immediate New York City vicinity.
Travel purposes not permitted on a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:
1) A foreign citizen whose layover in the United States is for a primary purpose other than to transit, for example to visit friends or sightsee, requires a visitor (B) visa.
2)A coasting officer seeking to enter the United States generally requires a visitor (B) visa. Coasting officers are employed temporarily when an officer of a foreign ship is granted home leave while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. The coasting officer may then repeat the process with another vessel of the same foreign line.
3)A crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days is generally required to have a visitor (B) visa.
4) An officer or employee of a designated international organization assigned to the United States may pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on an International Organization (G-4) visa.
How to apply
You must take 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. Please consult the instructions available on the
embassy or consulate website where you will apply.
1) Complete the Online Visa Application
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form
DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160.
You must:
- complete the online visa application and
- print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
2) Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the
Photograph Requirements.
3) Schedule an Interview
While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:
4) Appointment Wait Time
5) Prepare for Your Interview
6) Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.
Fee information is provided below:
Application Fee: 160$
7) Gather Required Documentation
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:
- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.
For example, additional requested documents may include evidence that shows:
1. Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;
2. Your ability to pay all costs while in the United States; and/or
3. Residence in your home country and your intent to return there.
4. Proof of your onward travel arrangements and/or permission to enter another country after departing the United States may be sufficient evidence that your purpose for entering the United States is transit.
5. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may also be sufficient to show the purpose of your entry to the United States is transit only and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all costs while in the United States, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs of your trip.
8) Attend Your Visa Interview
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.
After your visa interview, your application may require further
administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.
When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the
visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.
Additional Information
We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.
Travel with dogs
The rules for bringing your dog into the United States depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.
All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. Dogs that arrive sick or injured will be required to undergo veterinary examination and testing at the importer’s expense to rule out diseases that can spread to people.
Documents Required in English
1) Written statements and any documents must be in English or have a certified English translation.
2) A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must include the name, address, and contact information of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number included. A certified translation service provider can be found online.
Dog from Countries Without High Risk of Dog Rabies
Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through any port of entry, and importers are NOT required by CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation. However, when your dog enters the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dog has only been in a country NOT at high risk for at least 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. There is no limit to the number of dogs.
Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies
Starting on June 10, 2022, options for bringing dogs from a
high-risk country for rabies in the past 6 months will depend on where the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were administered, and the number of dogs being imported.
All dogs from high-risk countries must:
- Be at least 6 months old.
- Meet the requirements of either Option A, B, or C below.
Option A:
1) A valid US-Issued rabies vaccination certificate (RVC). There is no limit to the number of dogs with valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificates. Your dog must:
a) Appear healthy on arrival
b) Be at least 6 months old
c) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate
d) Be accompanied by a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival
e) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a US-licensed veterinarian in the United States on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.
f) Booster rabies vaccines administered in the United States after 15 months of age are valid immediately.
g) Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:
Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).
Important Note: Expired US rabies vaccination certificates will NOT be accepted. If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, you must enter using Option B or C (see below).
Option B: Apply for and obtain a
valid CDC Dog Import Permit before arrival. CDC will only issue permits for 2 dogs per person during the suspension.
You must apply online for a CDC Dog Import Permit. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before intended travel.
Before beginning the process, your dog must:
- Be at least 6 months old
- Have a microchip
- Have a valid foreign rabies vaccination certificate
- Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:
Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).
Important Note: Permits will not be issued at ports of entry. Appeals are not permitted.
Option C: For dogs without a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit.
Please note: This is the only option for persons importing 3 or more dogs into the United States.
1) Appear healthy on arrival
2) Be at least 6 months old
3) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate
4) Be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival
a) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.
b) Booster rabies vaccines administered after 15 months of age are valid immediately.
6) The CDC-approved animal care facility will determine if the dog has a valid foreign-issued RVC and serology titer.
a) If invalid foreign-issued RVC: dog will be denied entry.
b) If valid foreign-issued RVC: CDC-approved facility will determine if the dog has a valid rabies serology titer
c) If valid titer: Each dog must be examined and re-vaccinated with a US-licensed rabies vaccine by a USDA-accredited veterinarian at a CDC-approved animal care facility upon arrival at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.
d) If invalid titer or no titer: Each dog must have a reservation to quarantine at a CDC-approved animal care facility for 28 days after the exam and re-vaccination at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.
Travel with cats
Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry.
A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.
Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.
What cannot be imported into the United States?
Anyone can familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited goods on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection Service.
Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to import:
- absinthe (due to its content of the narcotic substance thujone, banned in the USA);
- narcotic and potent drugs (including over-the-counter medicines);
- pornographic materials (magazines available for free sale are not taken into account);
- lottery tickets;
- soil;
- materials (in printed and electronic form) of extremist content;
- objects that may pose a danger (fireworks, dangerous toys, toxic or poisonous substances);
- weapons or ammunition - automatic, semi-automatic, assault weapons, special equipment (silencers, night vision devices), grenades, explosives;
- spring knives;
- some goods from countries subject to sanctions (Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea);
- a number of animals: primates, most species of parrots and turtles;
- meat of wild animals, eggs, feathers, skins, fangs of wild animals;
- some plants, cuttings and seeds are not prohibited, but require special permission from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
What can't be carried in hand luggage?
You cannot take with you on board:
- dangerous as well as safe razors (with a separate blade);
- any weapon, any means of self-defense;
- tools: any knives, scissors, axes, nippers, any tools longer than 7 inches (17.5 cm);
- sports equipment: bats, sticks, arrows, darts, skates, rollers, ski poles, rackets, fishing rods;
- combustible and explosive substances: fireworks, firecrackers, firecrackers, pistons, cartridges, gunpowder;
- acids, radioactive, toxic, flammable liquids and gels - paints, varnishes, solvents, cylinders for lighters;
- aerosols, fire extinguishers, other explosive containers under pressure;
- objects with a strong magnetic field.
even during the flight at any of the US international airports, flight attendants issue a customs declaration to passengers, in which the imported items, including money, should be indicated. This form should be given to the border guard after landing.
Restrictions on transportation of goods
Certain goods are restricted by US customs regulations, such as:
1) Alcohol and tobacco products. From the age of 21, up to 1 liter of alcohol and no more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of smoking tobacco can be imported into the United States. You will have to pay a tax for "excess".
2) Presents. Without paying tax, you can import gifts worth no more than $100 per person, no more than once every 6 months and provided that you stay in the country for at least 72 hours.
3) Animals To bring a pet to the United States, the owner must provide an international veterinary certificate.
4) Food. All of them must be indicated in the declaration, otherwise there is a risk of a fine.
5) Medicine. Medicines in liquid form are allowed in hand luggage of about 100 g. There is no need to place medically necessary liquids in a ziplock bag. However, such medications should be reported to the officer. Medically necessary liquids will be subject to additional screening, which may include a request to open the container.
6) Weapon. US customs regulations allow the importation of only hunting weapons and their ammunition.
7)Books and digital media. Books and CDs can be imported almost without hindrance, as long as they are not pirated copies.
8) Money. Customs regulations do not limit the total amount of imported funds, but if the amount exceeds $10,000, then a special form must be filled out. Cash includes bills and coins of the United States and other countries, traveler's checks, postal orders, and securities.
What is forbidden to export from the USA?
- All objects of national, cultural or historical value should be transported across the border only with the appropriate permission from the authorities.
- Printed photos, paintings and any other graphic materials whose authorship is unknown cannot be exported. Negatives and photographic film, and goods infringing copyright cannot be transported across the border.
