A United States flag flying in front of a government building.

USA Entry Regulations

Learn about entry regulations for the United States in advance. Check whether you meet the requirements for visa-free entry; otherwise, a visa will be required. You can find more information here.

Important: Mandatory attestation required for all travelers to the U.S.

Effective November 4th, 2026, each traveler to the United States (including U.S. citizens, children, and infants) must complete an attestation confirming that they have not visited or transited through the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within 21 days before arrival.

  • If you check in online, you will be asked to provide this confirmation digitally as part of the self-service check-in process.
  • If you check in at the airport, please download, print, complete, and sign the attestation form before arriving at the airport of departure. Present the completed form at check-in.
Download attestation form The link will be opened in a new browser tab

Requirements For Visa-Free Entry into the USA

  • You are a citizen of a country participating in the USA’s Visa Waiver Program, and you are not affected by any of the exceptions.
  • Your passport meets the USA ​criteriaThe link will be opened in a new browser tab
  • You possess an ESTA travel permit and are not affected by any of the exceptions.

Visa Waiver Program Member States

The countries mentioned below belong to the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Citizens of these countries can enter the USA without a visa and stay there for up to 90 days.

All travelers who fall under the Visa Waiver Program must carry a biometric passport (with an E-chip) when travelling.

  • Andorra
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brunei
  • Chile
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Monaco
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan, China
  • United Kingdom

Exceptions: Travelers excluded from the Visa Waiver Program include those who:

  • Were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021
  • Were in North Korea, Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011
  • Hold dual citizenship of one of these countries.

ESTA Travel Permit

For a visa-free entry into the USA, you must show your ESTA electronic travel permit. Without this document, you will be denied entry. Apply for a travel permit online up to 72 hours before departure at the latest. It is valid for two years and several entries, provided your passport does not expire within this period.

Exceptions: Already issued ESTA travel permits lose their validity if you:

  • Were in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021
  • Were in North Korea, Iran or Syria on or after 1 March 2011
  • Hold dual citizenship of one of these countries.
Apply for ESTA travel permit or update details The link will be opened in a new browser tab
Please note that with this link you are visiting an external website that may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies.

API Data Collection

Airlines are obliged to transfer the data of all passengers to the US authorities on the day of departure. This takes place via the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). Personal details, including your name, passport number, date of birth, contact details, etc, are collected. Correct and complete information saves you any inconvenience at your destination airport. The easiest way to transfer your data is online in advance. If this is not possible, it will be collected at the check-in machine or while checking in at the counter.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Anyone travelling to the USA is obliged to give their details to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to be compared with watch lists. This includes the full name, date of birth, and gender (legal basis 49 U.S.C section 114 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and of 49 C.F.R part 1540 and 1560). Those who do not provide these details can be denied transport or access to the gate. Travelers with a redress number must provide this.

The TSA may match the details you have provided with law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, or other authorities (under its published system of records).

All information about the TSA’s data protection guidelines, its records system and privacy impact assessment can be found at ​www.tsa.govThe link will be opened in a new browser tab.

You May Also Like

A woman in a yellow coat is smiling whilst using her phone in one hand and holding a coffee cup in the other.

Online Check-in

Conveniently check in for your next flight and print your boarding pass with ease.

Go to online check-in
A passenger handing documents at an airport counter.

Destination Entry Regulations

The current regulations for your destination can be found here after entering your departure and arrival airports.

View entry regulations
Two cabin crew members standing in the aisle of an aircraft.

Help and Contact

Do you have a question about a specific topic, or want to provide feedback? Find the most frequently asked questions and our contact options.

To help and Contact