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Inspections Process at U.S. Ports of Entry
Everyone seeking entry into the United States -- whether U.S. citizen,
U.S. lawful permanent residents and other immigrants, or visitors -- must
be inspected at the point of entry.
U.S. Citizens Returning from
Canada and Mexico
U.S. citizens returning from abroad must present a valid passport for
entry into the United States unless returning from an adjacent country,
territory, or island (excluding Cuba) such as Canada and Mexico. Due
to heightened security it is strongly recommended that US citizens also
present their passports even when returning from travel only to Canada or
Mexico.
Getting a passport from the Department of State is
not too difficult nor time-consuming (expedited service can be requested
for an additional fee). If you do not have a U.S. passport, a US citizen
may be required to prove citizenship by presenting:
- a U.S. state or federal
government-issued birth certificate or record (note: hospital-issued
birth certificates are not acceptable) or baptismal record,Certificate
of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization [note: notarized
photocopies or notarized fax copies of such certificates are
acceptable, but affidavits of citizenship and voter registrations are
not), and
- a photo identification
document, like an unexpired driver's license or military ID.
Visitors to the United States
in General:
In general, a nonimmigrant visitor must have a valid nonimmigrant visa and
a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond the initial
period of stay in the United States. Even though certain individuals (see
below) may be exempt the visa and passport requirement (see below), the
burden of proof is on the applicant to establish eligibility to enter the
United States. ˇ°Burden of proofˇ± is discussed in the Immigration and
Nationality Act section 291. Under current heightened security measures in
effect at all United States ports-of-entry, including those at land border
crossing points, each person wishing to enter the U.S. is responsible for
having sufficient documentation to establish identity and citizenship as
set forth below. NOTE: This heightened security now requires that each
person present identification that has a photograph attached.
Entry into the U.S. Under the
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waver Program allows citizens of 27 countries to apply for entry
to the United States without a nonimmigrant visa if they are seeking entry
for 90 days or less as a visitor for business or pleasure. Applicants
under the VWP must have a valid, unexpired passport. Countries designated
under this program are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,
Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and
The United Kingdom.
Entry of Citizens of Canada
Citizens of Canada are exempt from the visa and passport requirement of
Immigration and Nationality Act section 212(a)(7). To enter the United
States, a Canadian citizen must be able to establish both identity and
citizenship. Documents that may establish citizenship are: birth
certificate, citizenship certificate, and passport. Although the
Immigration Inspector may accept an oral declaration of citizenship, it is
recommended that a Canadian citizen carry a document that establishes
citizenship. Under current procedures, all travelers may be required to
present photo-identification. NOTE: A Canadian citizen arriving from
outside the Western Hemisphere is required to present a passport. Canadian
citizens classified as Treaty Trader, Treaty Investor, or Fianc¨¦(e)
require a visa.
Entry of Aliens Resident in
Canada or Bermuda
Until March 17th, 2003, aliens resident in Canada or Bermuda
having a common nationality with nationals of Canada or with British
Overseas Territory Citizens in Bermuda are not required to present a
passport except when coming from outside the Western Hemisphere. A visa is
not required.
Effective March 17th, 2003, citizens of
Ireland and nationals of British Commonwealth countries resident in Canada
or Bermuda will be required to present a valid non-immigrant visa for
entry to the U.S., unless they are a national of a country designated
eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program (see entry requirements
above).
Entry of Citizens of Mexico
In general, a citizen of Mexico must have a passport and nonimmmigrant
visa or Form DSP-150 (also known as a ˇ°Laser Visaˇ±). Form DSP-150 is a
biometric, machine readable, B1-B2 visa/Border Crossing Card that may be
used to enter the U.S. from within the Western Hemisphere. If coming from
outside the Western Hemisphere, a passport is required.
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