The following information pertains to international travel, including travel to/from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Costa Rica. When planning international travel, please be sure that you are in possession of all required documents for both outbound and return flights. Remember to allow ample time for acquiring official travel documents.
Passports
In compliance with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, all passengers traveling by air to or from the United States are required to hold a valid passport. This requirement applies to all passengers, including U.S. citizens, traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
For complete information on obtaining, renewing and replacing a U.S. passport, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Documentation and visas
Documentation requirements vary based on the countries you are planning to visit. Some countries require you to have a visa for entry and may also require proof of onward travel (such as itinerary/receipt), sufficient funds for the length of your stay and/or a confirmation from your hotel. Please note that many countries no longer accept hospital-issued birth certificates as acceptable documentation.
U.S. citizens may visit the U.S. Department of State website to see the entry requirements for any country. Non-U.S.citizens travelling to the U.S should contact their nearest United States Embassy or Consulate for the most current information on what documentation is needed for entry into the U.S.
For further information regarding documentation and visas, all travelers are advised to contact the consulate or embassy of any country for which they will traveling through or visiting. Also, please note that minors traveling outside of their country of residence without both parents/guardians may require additional documents.
Requirements for U.S. visitors
The I-94 or I-94W must be completed by all travelers entering the U.S. except:
- U.S. citizens
- Returning resident aliens
- Canadian citizens
The I-94W must be completed by all travelers entering the U.S. who qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For further information or requirements on VWP, please visit travel.state.gov.
Please note that effective January 12, 2009, all VWP travelers will also be required to obtain an authorization via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before traveling to the United States. Learn more about ESTA on the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
The I-94 or I-94W will be collected by the airline when you exit the U.S. If your I-94 or I-94W was not collected when you exited the U.S. and you need to turn it in, please visit help.customs.gov.
