Richmond Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including contact information and trip details. If traveling with only one parent, bring the child's birth certificate and consent letter from the other parent. Single parents should carry documentation of sole custody if applicable. Divorced parents should carry custody documents. CBP may question children separately to verify they're not being trafficked or abducted. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. These requirements help prevent international child abduction.

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. must meet CDC and USDA requirements. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival and be at least 6 months old. CDC requires dogs to have valid rabies vaccination certificates (administered at least 30 days before arrival, valid for duration stated by vaccine manufacturer). Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional requirements including microchip, rabies titer test, and advance CDC permit. Cats are not required to have rabies vaccination but must appear healthy. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Birds require USDA import permit and quarantine. Other animals (reptiles, rodents, etc.) have varying requirements. Contact CDC and USDA APHIS well in advance (at least 6 weeks) before travel. Airlines have separate pet travel policies and fees.

Tourist visitors on B-2 visas or VWP cannot extend their stay beyond the authorized period on their I-94 form. VWP visitors (ESTA) cannot extend, change status, or adjust status - they must leave before the 90-day period expires. B-2 visa holders may apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS, filed before current stay expires. Extension is not guaranteed and requires justification (medical emergency, unexpected events). Overstaying can result in visa cancellation, future entry bans, and immigration violations. For longer stays, consider appropriate visa categories: F-1 for study, H-1B for work, J-1 for exchange programs, or other categories matching your purpose. Each requires separate application process and sponsorship.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, and conduct business activities but cannot work for a U.S. employer or receive U.S.-source income (except expense reimbursement). Carry invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, or meeting documentation. If receiving payment or working, you need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.). Business travelers should be prepared to explain their activities and demonstrate ties to home country. Frequent business travel may raise questions about whether activities constitute 'work' requiring different visa.

Students must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa and Form I-20 from SEVP-approved school. Exchange visitors need J-1 visa and Form DS-2019 from sponsor. Apply for visa after receiving I-20/DS-2019. Can enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment and make satisfactory academic progress. Employment restrictions apply (on-campus work, CPT, OPT with authorization). Report changes of address and maintain valid status. Dependents (spouse/children) need F-2 or J-2 visas. Students should carry all program documentation when entering.

Passengers transiting through the U.S. to another country generally need C-1 transit visa or must qualify for VWP/ESTA. Even if not leaving the airport, you must clear U.S. immigration and customs. Ensure you have appropriate visa/authorization for transit. If connecting to another international flight, you'll need to collect checked baggage, clear customs, and re-check bags. Allow sufficient connection time (minimum 3 hours recommended for international connections). Some nationalities may transit without visa under specific programs, but most need standard authorization.

Certain criminal convictions can make travelers inadmissible to the U.S. This includes crimes involving moral turpitude, drug violations, and multiple criminal convictions. Even arrests without conviction may cause issues. VWP travelers with criminal records may be denied ESTA and need to apply for visa. During visa interview, you may need to provide court documents, police certificates, and evidence of rehabilitation. Some grounds of inadmissibility can be waived with Form I-192 (Advance Permission to Enter). Be honest on all applications - false statements result in permanent inadmissibility. Consult immigration attorney if you have criminal history.

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit the U.S. using their U.S. passport. If you're a dual citizen of a VWP country and the U.S., use your U.S. passport for U.S. entry. Dual citizens of VWP countries and Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria cannot use VWP and must apply for visa. When traveling with two passports, be consistent in documentation and be prepared to explain dual citizenship to immigration officers. Some countries prohibit dual citizenship, so verify your status.