Anyone traveling to the U.S. for tourism or business must have a passport with six months of validity remaining upon their return, a visa if their country of residency does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, a return trip ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay.
Travelers in the U.S. for less than 90 days for tourism or business purposes may be eligible to visit without a visa. The Visa Waiver Program is valid in 35 countries and has an automated system, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), that can be utilized to determine eligibility.
Visa Waiver Passengers must present a machine-readable passport or the equivalent and may have other passport-related restrictions, as indicated by country of residency.
Applicants must be visiting for pleasure, business or medical purposes. They should have proof of residency, compelling economic and social ties abroad and funds to cover the specific, limited period of their visit.
Applications for a U.S. visa should be made at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant's place of permanent residence. The application, passport, photo and appropriate fees must be submitted.
