Americas
Interview wait times have shortened in several regions, but appointment rules tightened: applicants are increasingly expected to apply in their country of residence.
Pick your passport to see what applies.
Passport validity
6 months beyond stay for most nationalities
Return or onward ticket
Required
Proof of funds
Evidence of funds and ties to home country at interview
At the airport
Facial comparison is standard at entry and exit. Global Entry and Mobile Passport Control shorten queues.
Health requirements
No general vaccination requirement for visitors.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new authorisation.
From 3 November 2026, passengers flying to or transiting through the US must complete and sign a form before boarding, declaring whether they have been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the previous 21 days.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose authorisation does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new ESTA.
The US has introduced temporary entry restrictions for travellers recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. Affected travellers should consult their airline before travelling.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose authorisation lacks the required photograph may need to apply for a new ESTA.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose authorisation does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new ESTA.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA does not contain the required photograph may need to apply for a new authorisation.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA lacks the required photograph may need to submit a new application.
US Customs and Border Protection now requires a selfie photograph for ESTA. Travellers whose ESTA lacks the required photograph may need to apply for a new authorisation.
The US has introduced temporary entry restrictions for travellers recently in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda or South Sudan. Affected travellers should consult their airline before travelling.
Booking an interview in a third country to beat waiting times is now much harder, and non-resident applicants face lower priority.
