Border Crossing

USA Identification Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a service to our visitors and no guarantee is made as to its completeness or correctness. All information should be independently verified with the relevant authorities.

New identification requirements were implemented June 1, 2009 for all individuals entering the United States from Canada and other Western Hemisphere countries. These requirements apply to all Non-U.S. citizens.

BY AIR:

All international visitors regardless of country of origin must present a passport or secure document when entering the United States by air.

US-VISIT biometric procedures apply to international travelers holding a non-U.S. passport or visa with these limited exceptions. Find out how US-VISIT works.

BY LAND OR SEA:

Canadian Citizens

  • Canadian Citizens will need to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). See www.getyouhome.gov for more information.

Bermudian Citizens

  • Bermudian citizens will need to present a single document that complies with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). See www.getyouhome.gov for more information.

Mexican Citizens - Mexican citizens including children must present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or laser visa border crossing card.

  • Document requirement for most Mexican citizens, including children entering the United States, do not change under WHTI. See www.getyouhome.gov for more information.

All Others

  • Travel Document Requirements - Visitors Traveling Under the Visa Waiver Program International travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program need to present an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.

  • US-VISIT Entry and exit process for visitors requiring a visa, using biometrics such as digital fingerscans and digital photographs, to ensure the person crossing our border is the same person who received the visa.

  • ESTA Internet based Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to screen Visa Waiver Program (VWP) applicants prior to traveling to the United States.

  • e-Passports The United States requires that travelers entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program have an e-Passport if their passport was issued on or after October 26, 2006.

  • Travel For Non-U.S. Citizens (CBP) Information for visitors to the United States that are visiting for the purpose of working, studying, business travel or immigration.

More Information

For additional information and for citizens of other countries, please visit the Department of Homeland Security.

  • Local: 202-282-8000

  • Toll-free (from US): 1-800-375-5283

The above information is presented to assist you in your travels. For additional information, please visit either of the following web sites:

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

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