Travel documents for the USA

You already have your plane or boat tickets to go to the USA? This is a good thing done, especially if you have thought about applying for your ESTA or VISA. However, you should know that before entering Uncle Sam’s country, you will have to gather a certain number of administrative documents. Our experts explain everything in detail and remind you that there are also rules for entering the USA by land.

Travel United States necessary documents

When preparing your trip to the United States, you should know that all travelers must have certain mandatory documents (including children and babies: the ESTA is mandatory for minors). Your entry into the United States can only take place if all your documents are up to date, so be extremely vigilant.

Documents to be presented to immigration officials include:

• a valid electronic or biometric passport for the duration of the stay.
• One of the following residence permits:
  • the green card: it allows you to live and work in the United States but is difficult to obtain.
  • the visa: it allows travelers to stay in the United States for several months. The process to obtain it is relatively long, especially during school vacations.
  • Is theESTA a visa for the United States? An inexpensive and easy-to-obtain document, the ESTA is the ideal solution for any traveler going to the United States for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. You make your request on the Internet and you receive your document the same day or at the latest 72 hours after sending the form.

Also note that the ESTA is mandatory when transiting the United States.

Travel to the United States optional documents

People on a work visa who wish to stay in the United States for several months are well advised to register for U.S. health insurance and social security. This second document will facilitate a large number of procedures, such as: opening a bank account, renting an apartment, obtaining a driver’s license.

For other travelers, it is strongly advised to take out travel insurance. In case of accident or illness, you can ask to be repatriated to your country of origin.