Passing through American Borders and Customs Passing through American Borders and Customs Este texto também está disponível em português. Para acessá-lo clique aqui: If you are going to visit the United States and you are not an American or Canadian citizen, you have to get a VISA or a ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) if your country is eligible to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), that allowed travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. To know what countries are include and know more about the program, please check here. The first thing that you need to know is that: both Visa or ESTA only allow you to travel to the States. They don’t guarantee your entry. You’ll be admitted after be inspected upon your arrival in the United States. I have four US Stamps on my passport and selected some tips to help you: 1) Be honest and tell always the true about the purpose your visit. Never fall in contradiction; if you’re going on vacations, for example, is expected that you know about some attractions; 2) Hold a Passport valid until the last day in the country, return ticket, accommodation reservation (or letter of invitation from a friend or relative). If you have attraction tickets or if you have rent a car is also good to have this printed. An extra precaution tip: if you have an expired passport it’s a good Idea having with you to show that you use to travel. Just show up these documents if the officer ask to you. 3) Have some cash and a credit or debit card. It is important to them know that you are able to pay for your visit. Show up your credit card and money if they ask you. 4) Don’t take more luggage that you need. If you’re staying for a week but have a lot of luggage, they can suspect that the purpose of your visit is not tourism or business. 5) USA doesn’t require that you have a health insurance, but I strongly recommend that you got one. A friend of mine had to visit a doctor during a trip to USA and it costed him a ton of money. 6) There are people who recommend that you use appropriate clothes, according for the climate and the purpose of your visit. I have some doubts if it is really important, once each culture has their only dress cold. I use to wear discreet clothes and just that. Remember, you’re going to pass through Customs and Border in your first step in USA. In this first Airport you have to get your luggage and check-in them again (if you are going to take a domestic flight t