Travel to the USA: Entry Requirements, Passport and ESTA

Planning a trip to the United States? Check how long your passport must remain valid and find out how to obtain an ESTA travel authorisation or a standard visa. With the right information, you can complete all the required formalities quickly and with confidence.

Make sure you have the right travel documents before your trip to the United States. Use the tool below to check the latest entry requirements and visa rules in seconds, and apply for an ESTA travel authorisation.

Travellers visiting the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days, whose countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), may enter the country on the basis of an ESTA travel authorisation. Please note that travelling under the ESTA programme requires a valid biometric passport and a return or onward ticket to a destination outside the United States.

If you plan to stay longer, study, work, or do not meet the conditions of the Visa Waiver Program, you must obtain a standard visa from a US diplomatic mission (for example, a B1/B2 tourist visa).

Your passport must remain valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in the United States.

Important: Immigration and customs regulations may change. The passenger is solely responsible for ensuring that they hold all required and valid entry documents. We always recommend checking the latest requirements before departure using the tool above or directly through official US government websites and US diplomatic missions.

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_{Information valid as of 21 August 2026. For the most up-to-date requirements and guidance, please refer to official US government websites.}