Welcome to the United States A Guide for International Travelers by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and - HTML preview

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Preparing for Your Trip

Before You Go Checklist

__ Get a passport. See page 3 for more information on passports.

__ Make a copy of your passport and put it in a separate place. Carry your passport—do not pack it in your checked luggage. You must present it to the Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

__ Get an ESTA. Prior Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval is required once every two years for all travelers fromVisa Waiver Program countries to the United States. See page 9 for more information on ESTA.

OR

__Get a visa. Make a copy and put it in a separate place. Carry your visa with you—do not pack it in your checked luggage. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/

__ Plan your travel. When planning connecting flights in the United States, allow at least two hours between flights. CBP processing must be completed at your first port of entry, so allow adequate time.

__ Carry only medication needed for the trip in its original container. Do not pack it.

__ Carry only the jewelry needed for the trip. Do not pack it.

__ If bringing a dog, have a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccinations from a veterinarian in your country of residence. Prior to your trip, check with your airline for its rules on transporting animals– many airlines require a health certificate.

__ Carry documents for traveling with minor children. See page 3 for more information on traveling with children.