Travel Document Types for Entering and Exiting the U.S:
It is more complicated than just getting on and off an airplane to travel to, from, and within the United States. Specific criteria for travel papers have been established by the major U.S. government agencies, enabling travelers—both foreign nationals and citizens of the United States—to enter, exit, and move freely across the nation.
It is essential that you have the right documents while crossing state and federal borders and going through transportation hubs like bus stops, airports, and harbors if you are planning a trip to or within the United States.
What Exactly Is a Travel Document, then?
A travel document is a type of identification that permits people to traverse borders under government control. It is provided by a country or an international treaty organization. The most typical type of travel document is a passport.
Not everyone will need the same travel documents, even though everyone must have one or more while traveling. For this reason, you must familiarize yourself with the paperwork pertaining to both your country of nationality and the country from which you are leaving.
Documents Needed to Enter the United States
You must present legitimate travel documentation as part of the US immigration procedure. The documentation you will need to present may vary depending on your citizenship status and the nation you are arriving from.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which was proposed by the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security to bolster US border security, has established which papers are required for foreign visitors.
Documents Required for American Citizens to Enter the U.S.
When visiting the United States, citizens of the United States must have one of the following travel documents:
- a valid passport
- S. Identity Card
- Credential for the Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) (FAST, SENTRI, Global Entry, or NEXUS)
- License for Enhanced Drivers (EDL)
When traveling by land or water, Americans may additionally present the following forms of documentation, if relevant:
- S. Military identification card when going by sea for work
- Card for American Indians (Form I-872)
- When available, the Enhanced Tribal Card
When sailing on a closed-loop cruise (leaving and landing at the same U.S. port), Americans are required to present both a government-issued ID and proof of birth. Keep in mind that in some cases, entering the nations your ship is visiting may still need you to provide your passport. If this pertains to you, find out whatever travel papers you need to prepare by contacting your cruise operator.
documents needed for entry into the United States by lawful permanent residents.
It is mandatory for US permanent residents to carry at least one of the following travel documents:
- A Green Card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
- Additional reliable proof of permanent residency
(Permanent residents do not need a passport to enter the United States.)
Travel documents needed to enter the United States for citizens of Bermuda, Mexico, and Canada
Citizens of Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda must present one of the following forms of documentation when entering the nation by land or sea:
- A valid passport, an Enhanced Driver’s License, or a TTP Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST) are required for Canadian nationals.
- A birth certificate or other documentation proving citizenship is required for U.S. or Canadian children under 16 (or under 19 if traveling with a school, religious organization, or youth group). The birth certificate can be an original, certified copy, or photocopy.
- Citizens of Bermuda: a current passport
- Citizens of Mexico (including minors): a Border Crossing Card or a passport with a visa
Travel Documents Needed by Foreign Nationals to Enter the United States
Regardless of their country of citizenship, all foreign visitors entering the United States must have a valid passport when they cross the border.
A visa may also be required for some foreign nationals, such as long-term tourists and permanent residents; you must apply for one before your trip begins.
Who Requires a Visa to Enter the US?
Anyone who is not a citizen of the United States who plans to visit must apply for a visa before they may enter the nation. At an embassy or consulate overseas, the U.S. Department of State issues visas in the traveler’s passport.
Before departing for the United States, visitors can apply for one of two types of visas:
- Visa for nonimmigrants (visitors)
- Visa for immigrants (permanent residents)
Here is a guide to help you decide which kind of visa to apply for and if you meet the requirements to visit the United States without one.
Visas for Nonimmigrants
In the event that your visit to the US is temporary and you do not want to stay for residency, you could be required to apply for a visa before you depart from the nation.
Here are a handful of the nonimmigrant visas that are most often requested:
- Visa for business travel (B-1)
- Traveler visa (B-2) for leisure, travel, social gatherings, amateur performances and/or competitions, visiting relatives or friends, or seeking medical care
- Business professionals from Canada or Mexico may apply for the NAFTA Professional Visa (TN).
- visas for students or those pursuing vocational training
- For foreign people passing through the United States on route to another nation, a transit visa
The application procedure for a nonimmigrant visa has its own set of necessary paperwork. A visa application may be denied if necessary supporting documentation is missing, such as proof of your capacity to pay for your trip to the United States.
Is a Visa Required for Everyone? (Program for Visa Waiver)
There are situations where foreign visitors entering the US won’t need to obtain a visa in advance. Only foreign nationals from any of the 38 nations taking part in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are eligible for this exemption.
For a stay of 90 days or less, foreign people from these nations who are visiting the United States for business or pleasure may be eligible for the VWP.
In order to complete the Visa Waiver Program, you must:
- Hold citizenship in one of the 38 participating nations.
- Possess an e-Passport* (electronic passport) including a machine-readable zone, an embedded chick, and a digital picture that isn’t laminated or attached.
- Complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application to find out if a traveler is eligible for the VWP right away.
- Pay the $10 authorization fee (if authorized) and the $4 processing fee.
Visas for Immigrants
If you are currently outside the country and intend to enter it in order to get permanent residency, you must apply for an immigrant visa at one of the country’s embassies or consulates outside. This is relevant, for instance, if you want to relocate to the United States to live with your spouse or family or if a U.S. business has offered you a permanent position.
You will need to go through the immigration application procedure once a citizen of the United States has “sponsored” you and submitted an immigrant petition on your behalf. This process entails completing an application, getting a medical examination, and attending an interview to find out if you will be granted a visa.
The most typical categories of visas for immigrants are:
- Visas that are granted based on family ties to citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States
- Visas based on employment: these need an offer of employment from a U.S. employer.
Moreover, the Diversity Visa Lottery program offers visas for entrance into the United States.
You are not necessary to apply for an immigrant visa if you are currently in the country. Instead, you should file for a status change in order to apply for a Green Card (permanent resident).
Asylum & Refugees
If you are seeking protection and have fled your native country due to persecution, conflict, or fear of persecution, you are classified as a refugee.
Get in touch with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or another global charity organization if you think you need protection as a refugee. The nearest American embassy or consulate may also be contacted.
There are several federal entities involved in the refugee entry procedure into the United States. Do some study about the U.S. Refugee Admissions program before starting this application process.
You can then ask for permission to bring your spouse and/or children into the country if you do fulfill the conditions to apply for asylum in the United States as a refugee. Applying to be a permanent resident is another option.
Refusals to Enter
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts arrival inspections on all foreign nationals entering the United States. For CBP to determine if a traveler’s documents are in order, all travelers are exposed to the same search criteria.
Your pet must also fulfill specific travel criteria, such as health standards, in order to accompany you on a trip. Make sure your pet has a current health certificate before you depart. You could not be allowed access if your pet doesn’t fulfill the required health standards.
Bringing in forbidden items, such as specific foods and drugs, may also result in your denial of entrance into the United States.
Although pregnant women are not expressly forbidden from entering the nation, it is against the law to enter with the intention of giving birth. Expectant passengers should be aware that the CBP evaluation takes pregnancy into account.
Travel Documents Needed to Enter the United States
All visitors to the United States, citizens and noncitizens alike, are required by TSA regulations to carry specific identity documents with them at all times.
Documentation Needed to Leave the U.S.
Every tourist departing the United States must also meet certain standards regarding travel documents. The documents needed for entrance are not the same as these documents.