US Entry & Visa Guides
Can you enter the US — and how? The entry rules, in plain English.
ESTA, the Visa Waiver Program, visitor visas, the I-94 and what really happens at the border — turned into plain English from the official ‘travel.state.gov’, CBP and USCIS sources, and stamped with the date we last checked them.
Rules come straight from travel.state.gov, CBP and USCIS — linked on every guide.
Entry rules and fees change; every guide shows when we last checked it.
We explain the rules clearly. We’re a travel-info site, not a law firm or a government agency.
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All guides →ESTA vs US Visa: Which One Do You Need?
The single question that decides it: is your country in the Visa Waiver Program, and is your trip 90 days or less for tourism or business? If yes, you use an ESTA. If no — or if you’re studying, working, or staying longer — you need a visa.
ReferenceVisa Waiver Program Countries (2026) — Full List & Rules
If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) list, you travel on an ESTA, not a visa, for short trips. The list is maintained by the US government and updated over time, so always confirm your country on the official page before relying on it.
How-toHow to Apply for an ESTA: Step-by-Step (and Common Mistakes)
Applying for an ESTA takes about 10–20 minutes on the official CBP site. The biggest risks aren’t the form itself — they’re using a look-alike third-party site that charges extra, and leaving it too late.
ReferenceWhat Is the I-94? Your US Admission Record, Explained
Your authorised length of stay isn’t set by your visa’s expiry or a flat “90 days” — it’s the “admit until” date on your I-94. Most travellers never look at it, and that’s exactly how accidental overstays happen.
At the borderWhat to Expect at the US Port of Entry
Arriving with an ESTA or visa gets you to the inspection booth, not through it. Knowing what CBP asks — and having simple proof of your plans — makes the process quick and calm.
ReferenceHow Much Does It Cost to Enter the US on ESTA? 2026 Fees, Explained
What you actually pay to enter the US on the Visa Waiver Program, what changed in 2025–2026, and why the widely-reported $250 Visa Integrity Fee does not apply to ESTA travellers — in plain English, checked against the official CBP and State Department sources.
ReferenceWho Can’t Use ESTA? Visa Waiver Restrictions Explained
Even citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries can be ineligible for ESTA because of dual nationality or past travel to specific countries. This guide explains the restriction in plain English, who it affects, the narrow exceptions, and what to do instead — checked against the official CBP and State Department sources.
ReferenceDo You Need a US Visa Just to Change Planes? Airport Transit Explained
One of the most expensive travel surprises is discovering at check-in that you cannot board because you have no US authorisation — for a flight that never even leaves the airport. Unlike many countries, the US requires travellers to clear immigration to make a connection. This guide explains why, who needs what, and how to avoid being turned away, checked against the official State Department and CBP sources.
Cleared to enter? Now the fun part.
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This site provides general travel information, not legal or immigration advice, and is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Entry rules change and are enforced at the officer’s discretion. Always confirm current requirements on the official sources we link before you travel or apply.