COMMON QUESTIONS
Required documents when traveling to the U.S.A.
This section answers your questions about required
documents when traveling to the United States of America.
U.S. Customs Procedures | Bringing
Medication into the U.S. | Obtaining a Visa |
Other Necessary Documents | Online
Resources
Required Travel Documents
U.S. CUSTOMS PROCEDURES
Toward the end of your flight to the U.S., airline personnel will give
you several forms to complete for the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service and U.S. Customs. You will be asked to report the value of the
things you are bringing to the U.S. If necessary, ask the flight attendant
for assistance. It is forbidden to bring certain items such as fruits,
vegetables, drugs, or firearms into the U.S.
Present your passport and visa to the U.S. Immigration officer at the
airport. After questioning you about your plans in the United States,
the immigration officer will decide how long you are permitted to stay
during that visit. You will then be directed to the U.S.
Customs Service for inspection of your baggage. When you return home,
you will be required to go through Customs to declare any purchases and
to surrender your baggage for inspection. In addition, you must present
your passport to the U.S. Immigration officer at the airport.
NOTE: Title 19, Section 1582 of the U.S. Code authorizes
Customs officers to search, inspect, and/or examine all persons, luggage,
and merchandise arriving in the United States from a foreign destination.
Customs officials randomly select individuals for inspection to ensure
compliance with U.S. laws. You can contact the U.S.
Customs Service in Washington, D.C. at (202) 927-6724 for a detailed
brochure of Customs requirements.
BRINGING MEDICATION INTO THE U.S.
Travelers requiring medicines containing habit-forming drugs or narcotics
(e.g. cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping
pills, antidepressants, stimulants, etc.) should have all drugs, medicines
and similar products properly identified; carry only such a quantity that
would normally be used by an individual having the health problem requiring
the drugs in your possession; have a prescription or written statement
from your personal physician that the medicine is being used under a doctor's
supervision and that it is necessary for your physical well-being while
traveling; and finally, declare such drugs or medications to the Customs
officer. Click on Traveling with Medication
for more information.
OBTAINING A VISA
Citizens of foreign countries who wish to visit the U.S. must usually
apply for an entry visa. For medical treatment you will apply for a nonimmigrant
visa for temporary stay. The "B" visitor visa is a nonimmigrant visa for
persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1)
or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Your traveling companions,
including your spouse and children, must also each obtain a "B" visitor
visa. For a detailed description of other nonimmigrant visas, visit U.S.
Visa News or U.S.
State Department Visa Services.
How do I qualify for a visa?
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions
of the Immigration and Nationality Act. To put it simply, you must prove
you are not entering the U.S. intending to become a permanent resident
but that you are visiting for business, pleasure, or medical treatment
for a specific period of time. You must also prove that you have a residence
outside the U.S. as well as other verifiable ties to your home country.
ONE OF THE MOST LIKELY REASONS FOR BEING TURNED DOWN FOR
A VISA IS A LACK OF EVIDENCE OF STRONG TIES. You must prove that you
have ties such as a job, family, house or apartment, or bank account in
your country that would compel you to leave the U.S. after your temporary
stay for medical treatment. The burden of proof is on you.
Where do I apply for a visitor visa?
Apply at the American Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your
place of permanent residence. Each person desiring a visa must make an
application, even if more than one person is included in the passport.
Where do I get forms to apply for a visa?
If you are looking for a form OF-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application),
you may pick one up at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. If the form
begins with the letter "I," it is an Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS) form and you will need to call them.
What forms must I submit to attain a visitor visa?
´ An application Form OF-156, available at all U.S. consular offices
´ A passport valid for travel to the U.S. with a validity date at least
six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
´ Two photographs 1 and 1/2 inches square (37x37 mm) for each applicant,
showing full face, without head covering, against a light background
´ Persons traveling to the U.S. for medical treatment should have a statement
from a doctor or institution concerning proposed medical treatment.
Why must I provide evidence of my financial support while in the U.S.?
You must prove that you or your hosts in the U.S. have sufficient financial
means of support. As a visitor, you are unable to accept a job in the
U.S or receive any U.S. government funds.
If my passport is expired but my U.S. visitor visa is valid, may I
use this visa?
Yes. Unless previously canceled, a visa is valid until its expiration
date. (However, you will also need to have a current passport.)
How much does a visa cost?
A nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $20.00 is collected at posts that
issue machine-readable visas. However, depending on the visa you require
and the country of your citizenship, the cost can range from $20.00 to
$120.00.
Will I need a consultant in order to complete my visa forms?
No. Applicants applying for visitor visas should not find it necessary
to employ persons to assist them in preparing documents or securing access
to the U.S. consular office.
NOTE: Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful
misrepresentation of facts may result in the permanent refusal of a visa
or denial of entry into the U.S. Currently there is no way to apply for
a visitor visa online.
Are there any exceptions to the visitor visa requirement?
Travelers from certain eligible countries may also be able to visit the
U.S. without a visa on the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. Consult the consular
officer. Most of the following 23 countries may participate: Andorra,
Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands,
New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United
Kingdom. Visitors entering on this program cannot work, study or stay
longer than 90 days for tourism or business.
Does a visa guarantee entry into the U.S.?
No. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has authority
to deny admission. Also, the period for which the bearer of a visitor
visa is authorized to remain in the United States is determined by the
INS, not by the consular officer. Visitors who wish to stay beyond the
time indicated on their stamped INS Form I-94 (stamped at the time of
arrival in the U.S.) must contact the INS to request Form I-539, Application
to Extend Status. The decision to grant or refuse your request is that
of the INS.
Do I need a passport?
You must have a current, valid passport to enter the United States. This
gives proof of your identity whenever you need it. Your visa is placed
in your passport. (Canadians are not required to obtain a passport.)
OTHER NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
In addition to your passport and visa, you should bring the following
documents:
-
All medical records
-
Test results and information about your medical condition and treatment
-
Birth and marriage certificates
-
Certificates of immunizations/vaccinations (especially important
for young children)
-
Medical prescriptions (including generic and brand name), eyeglass
prescription, allergy medication
-
International driver's license if you expect to drive at any time
NOTE: When in doubt about a document, bring it. After
all, having more information than you need is always better than having
less. Obtain English translations of all important documents and have
them verified by a U.S. consulate or embassy. Retain photocopies of all
of your original documents. Originals should be kept with you at all times
in a carry on bag or purse, while copies can be stored in your luggage.
Other Online Required Documents Resources
U.S. Customs
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
The U.S. State Department
The U.S. State Department
Bureau of Consular Affairs
U.S.
State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs on Travel Publications
U.S.
State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs Visa Services
U.S. State Department Visa Services
U.S. Visa News
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