Palo Alto Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA. Children under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including contact information and trip details. CBP officers may ask questions about custody and may request to see birth certificates. Adopted children should travel with adoption papers. Unaccompanied minors may face additional scrutiny and should have complete contact information for parents/guardians and hosts in the U.S.

Dogs: Must have current rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry for dogs over 3 months old). Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional restrictions and may require CDC import permit. Cats: No federal requirements but must appear healthy; rabies vaccination recommended. All pets: Must appear healthy upon arrival. Some states and localities have additional requirements. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Birds require import permits and quarantine. Exotic pets may be prohibited or require special permits. Contact CDC and USDA-APHIS well in advance (at least 6 months) for specific requirements. Airlines have separate pet travel policies.

Tourist visitors (B-2 or VWP/ESTA) cannot extend VWP stays beyond 90 days under any circumstances. B-2 visa holders may apply to extend stay using Form I-539 before current authorization expires (file at least 45 days before expiration). Extensions are not guaranteed. Working or studying on tourist status is prohibited. To work, you need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) sponsored by employer. To study, you need F-1 or M-1 student visa and acceptance at SEVP-certified school. Changing from tourist to student/work status while in the U.S. is possible but complex; consult immigration attorney. Overstaying authorized period can result in visa cancellation, ban from future entry (3-10 years), and deportation. Check I-94 record online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov to verify authorized stay period.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP/ESTA can attend meetings, conferences, consultations, and negotiations but CANNOT engage in productive employment or receive U.S. source salary. Acceptable activities: attending business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, consulting with business associates, taking orders for goods manufactured abroad. NOT acceptable: performing services, receiving payment from U.S. source, productive employment. Bring documentation: invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, business cards, return ticket. If performing work or receiving U.S. compensation, you need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.).

Students must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa and Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school. Exchange visitors need J-1 visa and Form DS-2019 from program sponsor. Cannot enter more than 30 days before program start date on I-20/DS-2019. Must maintain full-time enrollment and make normal academic progress. Employment severely restricted: on-campus work limited, off-campus requires authorization (CPT/OPT for F-1). Report to school within specified timeframe after arrival. Maintain SEVIS registration. Scholars on J-1 may be subject to two-year home residency requirement before eligible for certain visas or permanent residence.

Previous visa denials, overstays, deportations, or removals can affect future entry eligibility. Criminal history, including DUI convictions, may render you inadmissible. ESTA applications ask about criminal history and previous immigration violations - answer truthfully. False statements can result in permanent ban. If you have previous immigration violations or criminal history, consult with immigration attorney before applying for visa or ESTA. Some issues may be waivable with proper application and documentation. Certain crimes (drug trafficking, crimes of moral turpitude, multiple criminal convictions) can result in permanent inadmissibility.

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport. If you are a dual citizen of the U.S. and a VWP country, you must use your U.S. passport to enter the U.S. Non-U.S. dual citizens should use the same passport for ESTA/visa application and travel. If you have passports from both VWP and non-VWP countries, choose wisely as this affects whether you need ESTA or visa. Inform CBP officer if asked about dual citizenship.

Travelers transiting through U.S. airports to another country generally need either valid visa or ESTA, even if not leaving the airport. VWP nationals can use ESTA for transit. Non-VWP nationals typically need C-1 transit visa or valid B-1/B-2 visa. Some foreign airline crew members may qualify for different transit provisions. Canadian citizens generally do not need visa for transit. Always verify with airline and check CBP requirements, as you will go through U.S. immigration even for transit-only stops.