05 October 2019

Required Documents for Travel to the United States

Required Documents for Travel to the United States

1. Valid Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
• A valid Canadian passport is sufficient for Canadian citizens traveling to the United States.

2. Valid Visas

• Valid U.S. and Canadian visas are required for foreign travelers (except for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program).

3. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program can travel without a visa for a maximum 90-day tourism or business stay, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Hold a biometric passport with an embedded chip.
• Obtain authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before departure.

Important: Without ESTA authorization, potential consequences include:

• Delays upon arrival and secondary inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
• Requirement to request a waiver and pay associated fees.
• Denial of admission to the United States.

For more details about ESTA, visit the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/

4. Tourist Visa Application

For travelers who are neither Canadian citizens nor nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries, a tourist visa is required.

For more information on U.S. visa applications, visit our page: U.S. Visa Application.

5. EVUS for Chinese Citizens

Chinese citizens with a 10-year U.S. visa must:

• Register with the EVUS system at least 72 hours before departure.
• Renew their EVUS registration every two years.

For EVUS details, visit: https://www.evus.gov/

List of Visa Waiver Program Countries

To see the list of eligible countries, visit: Visa Waiver Program

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Documents for Returning to Canada

If you hold a temporary visa for Canada, ensure you have the necessary documents to justify your return to your country of origin. This may include:

• A return flight ticket or other proof demonstrating you do not intend to stay indefinitely in Canada.

Note: Without these documents, Canadian customs agents might suspect an intention of "flagpoling" or other irregularities, which could lead to delays or complications at the border.

For additional questions, contact us at: 📞 514-866-1888.