Before You Fly to the US — Essential Checklist

1. Entry documents: ESTA or visa

If your country is in the Visa Waiver Program and your trip is 90 days or less for tourism or business: apply for an ESTA at the official site esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Most approvals are faster, but not all.

If your country is not in the Visa Waiver Program, or you're studying, working, or staying longer: apply for the appropriate visa through a US embassy or consulate. Start early — interview wait times vary.

Not sure which applies to you? Read our ESTA vs US Visa guide to confirm, and check the Visa Waiver Program country list.

2. Valid passport (and the six-month rule)

Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. Many countries benefit from the US "six-month club" waiver, which effectively extends validity by six months — but this doesn't apply to every nationality. Confirm your passport is valid well past your trip dates, and check it's an e-passport with a chip if you're travelling visa-free on an ESTA.

3. Proof of your plans

An approved ESTA or valid visa lets you travel to a US port of entry and request admission — a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer makes the final decision when you land. Have these ready:

• Return or onward ticket — proof you're leaving within the allowed period.
• Accommodation details — hotel bookings or your host's address.
• Proof of funds — bank statements, credit cards, or evidence you can support yourself during your stay.

CBP officers are looking for genuine short-term visitors. Be ready to answer questions about why you're visiting, for how long, where you're staying, and how you'll support yourself. See our guide What to Expect at the US Port of Entry.

4. Travel insurance

US healthcare is notoriously expensive, and your home country's public health coverage typically doesn't work in the US. Travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more.

It's not required by law to enter the US, but skipping it is a risky way to save money. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars.

5. Phone and data: eSIM or local SIM

You'll need mobile data for maps, rideshares, accommodation check-ins, and staying in touch. Your options:

• eSIM — the easiest route. Buy a US data plan online before you fly and activate it when you land. No physical SIM card needed, and you keep your home number for two-factor authentication.
• Local SIM card — available at airport kiosks and phone shops. Cheaper for long stays, but you lose your home number unless your phone supports dual SIM.
• International roaming — convenient but often expensive. Check your carrier's rates before you rely on it.

6. Money and cards

The US is heavily card-based, but you'll still need some cash for tips, parking meters, and places that don't take cards.

• Credit/debit cards — bring at least two in case one is declined or lost. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Let your bank know you're travelling to avoid fraud blocks.
• Cash — carry a small amount of US dollars for immediate expenses on arrival. You can exchange more at ATMs once you're in.
• Foreign transaction fees — check if your card charges fees for overseas use. Some travel cards waive them.

7. Driving in the US: car rental and international license

Planning to drive? The US is built for road trips, but there are a few things to sort before you pick up the keys.

• International Driving Permit (IDP) — many US states accept foreign licenses for short visits, but an IDP is cheap insurance and avoids confusion at rental counters and traffic stops. Get one before you leave home.
• Car rental — book ahead for better rates and availability. You'll need a credit card in the driver's name for the deposit. Drivers under 25 usually pay a surcharge.
• Insurance — rental companies offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Liability Insurance. Check if your travel insurance or credit card already covers rental cars to avoid paying twice.

Use our sister site Roam States to plan your route and compare car rental options.

8. At the port of entry: what happens when you land

After you land you'll proceed to CBP primary inspection. The officer will scan your passport, may take your fingerprints and photo, and ask a few questions: the purpose of your trip, how long you'll stay, where you're staying, and sometimes your occupation or funds.

Answer clearly and honestly. If the officer needs more information, you may be sent to "secondary inspection" — a normal additional check, not an accusation.

Once admitted, check your I-94 record online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within a day or two. The "admit until" date on your I-94 is your legal deadline to leave — not the expiry of your ESTA or visa. See our guide What Is the I-94?