Fresno Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passports (included on parent's passport is not sufficient for U.S. entry). Children traveling with both parents need standard documentation. Children traveling with one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including contact information and trip details. Children traveling alone or with non-parents (relatives, friends, groups) must have notarized consent letters from both parents/legal guardians. CBP may ask detailed questions about the child's travel. Unaccompanied minors must follow airline-specific procedures. Children adopted internationally require specific documentation including adoption decree and orphan visa. Children are subject to same visa/ESTA requirements as adults.

Dogs and cats can enter the U.S. but must meet specific requirements. Dogs: Must appear healthy on arrival. CDC suspended the requirement for rabies vaccination certificates for dogs from low-risk countries (including most of Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia) but dogs from high-risk countries need CDC Dog Import Permit, valid rabies vaccination (at least 28 days before arrival), ISO-compatible microchip, and health certificate. Requirements vary by country of origin. Cats: No federal requirements but must appear healthy; some states require rabies vaccination certificates. California requires rabies vaccination for dogs and cats over 4 months. Birds: Require import permit from USDA APHIS and must undergo quarantine at USDA facility (owner's expense). Other pets: Restrictions vary by species; check CDC, USDA, and FWS regulations. Airlines have separate pet travel policies and fees. Service animals have different requirements under ADA. Visit CDC and APHIS websites for current pet import regulations as they change frequently.

Tourist visa (B1/B2) and VWP (ESTA) visits are intended for temporary stays. VWP stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days under any circumstances - you must depart the U.S. B1/B2 visa holders can apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS, filed before current status expires. Extension not guaranteed and requires justification (medical emergency, compelling reasons). Processing takes 6-10 months; you can remain in U.S. while pending if filed timely. Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, can result in visa cancellation, future entry bans (3-10 years), and immigration consequences. For longer stays, consider appropriate visa category: F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B (work), or immigrant visas. Working on tourist visa/ESTA is strictly prohibited. Changing status from tourist to another category requires USCIS application. Consult immigration attorney for complex situations.

Business visitors can enter on B-1 visa or through VWP (ESTA) for activities such as attending conferences, meetings, consultations, contract negotiations, or trade shows. Cannot engage in productive employment or receive salary from U.S. source (except expense reimbursement). Carry invitation letters, conference registration, business cards, and evidence of employer relationship. Some business activities require different visas: performing services requires H-1B or other work visa; training may require J-1; treaty traders need E-1/E-2. Border between permissible business activities and unauthorized work is nuanced - consult immigration attorney if uncertain. Business equipment and commercial samples may require special customs procedures (ATA Carnet). Professional equipment for temporary use generally exempt from duty if declared and re-exported.

Students attending U.S. schools require F-1 visa (academic) or M-1 visa (vocational). Exchange visitors need J-1 visa. Process: (1) Acceptance by SEVP-approved school, (2) School issues Form I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J-1), (3) Pay SEVIS fee, (4) Apply for visa at U.S. embassy/consulate, (5) Enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start. Must maintain full-time enrollment and valid status. F-1 students can work on-campus (limited hours) and may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after one year. J-1 visitors may be subject to two-year home residency requirement. Dependents (spouse/children) need F-2/M-2/J-2 visas. Students must report address changes to SEVIS within 10 days and maintain valid passport, I-20/DS-2019, and I-94. Leaving and re-entering U.S. requires valid visa and endorsed I-20/DS-2019.

Passengers transiting through U.S. airports to third countries generally need valid visa or ESTA, even if not leaving the airport. U.S. does not have sterile international transit zones - all passengers must clear immigration. C-1 transit visa available for those not eligible for VWP. Some crew members can use C-1/D visa. Transit without visa (TWOV) program exists for limited situations (crew members, certain foreign officials). If connecting to another international flight, you must collect checked baggage, clear customs, and re-check bags. Allow minimum 3-4 hours for international connections. Domestic connections after international arrival typically require 2-3 hours. Some airports have international-to-international connection procedures but still require immigration clearance. Verify transit requirements based on your nationality and routing.

Previous immigration violations, overstays, criminal convictions, or visa denials can affect admissibility to the U.S. Certain crimes (drug offenses, crimes of moral turpitude, multiple convictions) make individuals inadmissible. Previous deportations or removal orders create multi-year or permanent bars to entry. Even minor offenses or very old convictions can cause issues. ESTA applications ask about criminal history - answer truthfully as false statements result in permanent ban. If you have criminal record or previous immigration problems, consult immigration attorney before applying for ESTA or visa. Waivers of inadmissibility (I-601, I-212) may be available but require advance application and legal assistance. CBP has access to extensive databases and information-sharing agreements with many countries. Attempting to enter with concealed criminal or immigration history often results in permanent ban.

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit the U.S. using their U.S. passport. Using foreign passport as U.S. citizen can cause complications. Non-U.S. dual citizens should use the passport that provides best entry status (e.g., VWP-eligible passport rather than visa-required passport). However, if you have ever been a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must disclose this. ESTA and visa applications ask about other citizenships - answer truthfully. Some countries' citizenship (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, etc.) affect VWP eligibility even if you hold VWP-eligible passport. When traveling on non-U.S. passport, ensure it's valid for six months beyond stay. Airlines may require seeing valid entry documentation before boarding.