USA Visa & Entry Requirements for Families

Overview

Planning a family trip to the United States is an exciting adventure, but navigating the visa and entry requirements can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to simplify the process for you. Whether you're eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or need to apply for a B1/B2 tourist visa, we'll walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth start to your American journey. From filling out the DS-160 form to preparing for the embassy interview, we've got you covered with practical tips and advice tailored for families traveling with children. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure your family's dream vacation to the USA becomes a reality without any hitches.

Visa Requirements by Nationality

The entry requirements for the United States largely depend on your country of citizenship. The two main pathways for tourists are the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which requires an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and the B-2 tourist visa.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

Citizens of 41 countries are eligible for the VWP, allowing them to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. To use the VWP, you must have an approved ESTA. Each member of your family, including infants, needs their own approved ESTA.

Eligible Countries:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

B-2 Tourist Visa

If your country is not on the VWP list, or if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a B-2 tourist visa. This also applies if you have been denied an ESTA or have a criminal record. The B-2 visa is intended for tourism, vacation, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatment, and participation in social events. It is crucial to be clear about the purpose of your visit during the application process.

Required Documents

For ESTA (Visa Waiver Program):

• Valid Passport: A biometric passport from a VWP country, valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
• ESTA Application: A completed online application for each family member.
• Return Ticket: Proof of a return or onward ticket.

For B-2 Tourist Visa:

• DS-160 Form: The confirmation page of the completed DS-160 online application for each applicant.
• Valid Passport: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
• Photo: One 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) photograph taken within the last six months.
• Application Fee: Receipt of the visa application fee payment.
• Interview Appointment Letter: The confirmation letter for your visa interview.
• Supporting Documents: These may include:
  • Proof of financial stability (bank statements, pay slips).
  • Ties to your home country (property ownership, employment letter).
  • A letter of invitation if you are visiting family or friends. While not mandatory, a letter of invitation can be helpful. It should be written by your host in the U.S. and include their contact information, your relationship to them, the purpose and duration of your visit, and details about accommodation.
  • Your travel itinerary.

Visa on Arrival

The United States does not offer a visa on arrival. All travelers must have either an approved ESTA or a valid visa in their passport before traveling to the U.S. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will inspect your documents and determine your admissibility.

Application Process

ESTA Application:

1. Complete the Online Application: Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Go to the official ESTA website (esta.cbp.dhs.gov). You can create a group application for your family to manage all applications together. This simplifies the process by allowing you to enter common information once and pay for all applications in a single transaction.
2. Pay the Fee: The fee is paid online with a credit card.
3. Receive Approval: Approval is usually instant, but it's recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your trip.

B-2 Visa Application:

1. Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 form online for each family member.
2. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
3. Schedule an Interview: Schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are often not required to attend the interview, but this can vary by country. Check the specific requirements of your local embassy.
4. Attend the Interview: Attend the interview with all your required documents.

Processing Times

• ESTA: Usually approved within minutes, but can take up to 72 hours.
• B-2 Visa: Processing times vary by embassy and can range from a few days to several weeks after the interview.

Tips for Families

• Apply Together: Use the group application feature for ESTA to keep your family's applications organized.
• DS-160 for Families: When filling out the DS-160, you can create a family application after completing the first form. This will pre-fill some information for other family members, saving you time. Double-check all the pre-filled information for accuracy.
• Interviews with Children: If your children are required to attend the interview, prepare them for the process. Be honest and concise in your answers.
• Plan Ahead: Start the visa application process well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Entry Requirements for Children

• Passport: All children, including infants, must have their own passport.
• Consent Letter: If a child is traveling with only one parent or without either parent, it is strongly recommended to have a signed and notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s). This letter should state that the child has permission to travel and include the contact information of the non-traveling parent(s). While not always requested, having this letter can prevent potential delays or issues at the border. A sample letter can be easily found online.

CBP Global Entry for Families

For families who travel to the U.S. frequently, Global Entry can be a great time-saver. It allows for expedited clearance upon arrival. For families who travel to the U.S. frequently, Global Entry can be a great time-saver. It allows for expedited clearance upon arrival. Each family member, including infants, must have their own Global Entry membership. The application process involves an online application, a fee, and an in-person interview. The main benefit is avoiding long lines at immigration, which can be a lifesaver when traveling with tired children. The application fee is non-refundable, so make sure you are eligible before applying.

Plan Your Trip

Now that you're equipped with the visa information, it's time to plan the fun part of your trip! Find the best deals on flights with Aviasales, book amazing family-friendly activities through Klook, and arrange for a hassle-free airport transfer with Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups. Stay connected with an eSIM from Yesim and travel with peace of mind knowing you're covered for flight disruptions with AirHelp.