ENTERING THE USA / US VISA REQUIREMENTS

Updated information on entering the USA, Tourist and Visitor VISA requirements, US Customs, US Border Control and US Border Security.

TOURIST VISA (NON-IMMIGRANT VISA)

Nationals from the following countries holding a valid machine-readable passport of that country are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and in most cases, if certain requirements are met, may enter the USA without a visa: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom.

Make sure you check this information, your eligibility and if you meet the proper requirements, yourself by contacting the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate-General, BEFORE your travel to the USA. Look them up here. Read more about the Visa Waiver Program including latest news here.When these or other links about Visa Information do not work, please check the Official website of the U.S. Department of State.

As of January 12, 2009, Visa Waiver Travellers need to obtain additional clearance prior to boarding a plane or boat heading towards the USA. More information can be obtained about this program called ESTA at the Department of Homeland Security

Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers (citizens of other countries) coming to the U.S. temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S.A. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.

Apply for your Visa well in advance of your travel! Here are important steps to remember:
1- Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa.
2- Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide available on the website at Visa Wait Time. Visit the embassy or consular section website in the country where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.
3- Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.

Check for the latest developments in regards to visa regulations, changes and requirements here.

Sources: U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

ENHANCED AIRPORT SECURITY MEASURES TO USA
Due to enhanced security measures most liquids, gels, lotions and other items of similar consistency will not be permitted in carry-on baggage. These types of items must be packed in your checked baggage.

TSA Adjusts Latest Ban Without Compromising Security

From the Transportation Security Administration Press Office

SECURITY LEVEL REMAINS THE SAME, TSA REFINES AND CLARIFIES BAN

• Small doses of liquid medications permitted
• Shoes removal required
• Low blood sugar treatments including glucose gel for diabetics permitted
• Clarifications include: aerosols prohibited, solid lipstick and baby food permitted.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced it will permit small doses of non-prescription liquid medications through the security checkpoint and onboard airplanes, a refinement from the original ban, which was implemented on August 10. TSA will also now require all passengers to remove their shoes so they may be X-rayed with their carry-on bags to enhance efficiency in the screening process and eliminate confusion for travelers.

The most significant changes to the security measures include mandatory shoe screening for all travelers and the admission of up to 4 oz. of non-prescription medicine. This refinement affords the same level of security that has been in place since last Thursday, but is intended to minimize the impact on travelers.

Travelers will continue to see an increase in visibility and use of canine detection teams. Random gate inspections and bag searches will continue. More information and further clarification on the ban will be offered via updated airport signs and in "Our Travelers " section.

TSA first implemented the ban on all liquids, gels and lotions as a precautionary measure, following the overseas arrests of a number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States.

The nation’s threat level remains at Severe, or Red, for commercial flights originating in the United Kingdom bound for the United States. All other flights operating in or destined for the U.S. remain at High, or Orange.

TSA and the Department of Homeland Security will continue to evaluate the current security measures and will further adjust as necessary to assure our aviation system remains secure.

Travelers are reminded to contact their individual airlines for information on airport arrival times.

About the US-VISIT program
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security

US-VISIT: How It Works
In many cases, US-VISIT begins overseas, at the U.S. consular offices issuing visas, where visitors’ biometrics (digital fingerscans and photographs) are collected and checked against a database of known criminals and suspected terrorists. When the visitor arrives at the port of entry, we use the same biometrics – digital fingerscans – to verify the person at our port is the same person who received the visa.

What can I expect when I arrive in the U.S.?
Once at the port of entry you will find that many of the procedures remain unchanged and are familiar to you. For example, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer still reviews your travel documents, such as a visa and passport. The officer still asks you questions about your stay in the U.S. What’s new under US-VISIT is that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer now uses the inkless, digital fingerscanner to capture two of your fingerscans. You first place your left index finger and then your right index finger on the scanner. The officer also takes your digital photograph. These procedures add only seconds to the overall processing time.

Why do we collect this information?
The biographic and biometric data are used to match your identity against the data captured by the State Department at the time the visa was issued to ensure that you are the same person who received the visa. In addition, your digital picture that was taken at the visa-issuing point is displayed to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer for visual comparison and confirmation. Using all these tools, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will then either admit you or conduct additional inquiries based on the verification results. These procedures reduce fraud, identity theft, and the risk that terrorists and criminals will enter the U.S. undetected or by using stolen or fraudulent documents.

OTHER (NON-TOURIST) VISA / LIVING AND WORKING IN THE USA

More information on other visa (non-tourist-visa or immigrant-visa) and information on working/business visa, the “Green Card” and the Diversity Visa Lottery Program (or “Greencard Lottery”) we would like to refer to the the Official Government website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).