Traveling to the United States means having to meet a series of immigration requirements that begin before boarding the plane. At international airports, authorities check that each passenger has a valid passport, in addition to a U.S. visa or the corresponding travel authorization.
Presenting an expired passport or not having the required documentation can prevent boarding or result in entry to the country being denied. Before traveling, it is essential to verify the requirements for entering the country to avoid delays and inconveniences.
Documents they usually check
At U.S. immigration checkpoints, agents from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) verify that each traveler has:
- Valid passport.
- Valid U.S. visa, if applicable.
- ESTA authorization, if applicable.
- Documents proving the purpose of the trip.
- Additional immigration documentation.
What documents the airports require
The international airports of:
- Fort Worth (Dallas, Texas).
- Hartsfield Jackson (Atlanta, Georgia).
- John F. Kennedy (New York).
- Newark Liberty (New Jersey).
The same federal immigration rules apply as in the rest of the United States. All international travelers must present the documentation required by immigration authorities, regardless of the airport through which they enter or leave the country.
In addition to having a valid passport:
- It must not be expired.
- It must meet the rule of having six months of validity remaining.
- It must be in good physical condition, without tears or stains.