Documents required to travel to the United States

If you are planning to travel to the USA, it is important to know what documents you need to have in order to enter the USA. In this article, we outline the formalities for entering the USA and the documents needed to enter the USA, as well as practical advice to help you prepare for your trip.

Documents for the USA: In brief

• Valid electronic or biometric passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return from the USA.
• Electronic Travel Authorisation (ESTA): The ESTA is a compulsory electronic authorisation for British nationals travelling to the United States for a maximum stay of 90 days, not for reasons of work or study.
• Return or onward ticket: You must present a return or onward ticket proving that you are leaving the United States at the end of your stay.
• Proof of solvency: You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay in the United States. This may include bank statements, credit cards, traveller's cheques or letters of sponsorship.
• Proof of accommodation: It is advisable to present proof of your accommodation during your stay in the United States, such as a hotel reservation, an Airbnb rental or an invitation from a friend or family member.

Why should you prepare your documents well before going to the USA?

It is essential that you understand the documentation requirements before travelling to the United States, as failure to do so could result in problems or delays on arrival. This page will guide you through the various steps to ensure you have everything in order for a smooth journey.

We discuss the different types of documentation required, including a valid passport, ESTA authorisation and US visa, as well as other formalities such as border control and import restrictions. We also provide practical tips for preparing for your trip, including booking flights and hotels, how to get around the US, and what you should see when you get there.

Summary of documents and papers required for travel to the USA:

For travel to the United States, the following documents are required:

• A valid passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended departure from the United States.
• ESTA authorization for travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, which allows citizens of these countries to travel to the United States without a visa for short-term tourism or business.
• A US visa for travellers who are not eligible for ESTA or who wish to stay in the US for a longer period of time or work there.

It is also important to check that all these documents are in order and valid before travelling, to avoid complications at the US border.

The passport: An essential document for travel to the USA

A passport is an international travel document that proves your identity and nationality. It is required to enter the United States and must be valid. If your passport is due to expire soon, it is advisable to renew it before travelling to the USA, as it must be valid for the duration of your stay in the USA.

In addition, the US authorities require travellers to have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months after the date of your intended departure from the US. This means that if you plan to stay in the US for 3 months, your passport must be valid for at least nine months from the date of entry into the US. This requirement applies even if your stay is less than 90 days and you have ESTA.

In addition, you should check that your passport is not damaged or altered, as this may prevent entry into the USA. The US authorities have strict standards for passports, and damaged or altered passports may be considered invalid and may prevent you from entering the US. For example, if your passport photo is torn, or pages are missing, this can be a problem.

ESTA Authorisation: A necessary document to enter the United States

The ESTA is an electronic travel authorisation that allows travellers from certain countries to visit the United States without a visa. It is valid for two years, provided you do not change your passport during this period, and allows stays of up to 90 days. The ESTA is available to citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, which allow citizens of these countries to travel to the United States without a visa for short-term tourism or business.

It is important to note that the ESTA is not a visa, but a travel authorisation. Travellers with a valid visa for the United States do not need to apply for ESTA. However, travellers who benefit from the ESTA must comply with certain conditions, such as not working in the United States and not exceeding the 90 days authorised for their stay.

The ESTA application process is done online, either on the official US government website or on a private service provider website that offers you a simplified form and online help. You need to fill in an online form with personal and travel information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, address in the US, etc. You also need to answer some questions about your travel history. It is also necessary to answer some questions about your health and possible past criminal activities. There is a fee for the ESTA application process, with a processing fee that you will have to pay directly online by credit card.

It is recommended that you apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before you leave for the USA, although the response is often quick and received within a few hours. If your ESTA application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. If it is denied, you will need to apply for a US visa to enter the US.

An ESTA authorisation also has the advantage that it can be used for two years from the date of issue. It can therefore be used for several visits to the USA.

In sum, the ESTA is a convenient and cost-effective alternative for travellers from VWP countries who wish to travel to the United States for short-term tourist or business trips without a visa. However, it is important to respect the conditions for entry into the United States and to fill in the ESTA application correctly online.

A visa is still required if you are not eligible for ESTA:

If you are not eligible for ESTA, you will need a US visa to enter the US. There are different types of visas, depending on your situation and reason for travel, such as tourist, business, student, etc.

The process of applying for a US visa may vary depending on the type of visa you wish to obtain, but in general you will need to complete an online application form, provide supporting documents and attend an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

It is recommended that you start the US visa application process as soon as possible, as it can take several weeks or months to get an appointment at the embassy or consulate and to process your application.

In conclusion, to enter the United States you need a valid passport, ESTA authorisation or a US visa. It is important to check the specific requirements depending on your country of origin and travel situation.

What health documents are required for the USA?

Officially, no specific health documents are required for British nationals entering the United States.

However, it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation and assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Medical care in the United States is very expensive, and insurance will help you avoid heavy bills in the event of a health problem.

Here are a few additional tips:

• Have an up-to-date medical file in English: This can be useful if you need medical attention.
• Take your usual medicines with you: Make sure you have enough of your medicines for the entire duration of your stay, and keep them in their original packaging with the instructions.
• Be vaccinated as recommended: It's important to make sure that your vaccinations are up to date, particularly against influenza and COVID-19.
• In case of chronic illness: If you suffer from a chronic illness, it is important to consult your doctor before your trip for advice and medical prescriptions if necessary.