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USEntry and visas

US entry rules

Citizens of Canada do not need to arrange a visa for the US in advance. Citizens of Israel, the EU, the UK and Australia need an electronic travel authorisation, applied for online before the trip: the stay is up to 90 days. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and Serbia need a visa from a consulate before the trip.

Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026.

Entry rules by passport

For a tourist trip. Checked on 8 October 2026 against the official sources listed below the table.

  • RussiaVisa required

    Interviews in Warsaw or Astana.

    Source: US Embassy

  • BelarusVisa required

    The embassy in Minsk is closed: apply in Vilnius or Warsaw.

    Source: US Embassy

  • UkraineVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • KazakhstanVisa required

    Interviews in Astana or Almaty.

    Source: US Embassy

  • UzbekistanVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • KyrgyzstanVisa required

    A bond of up to $20,000 after approval.

    Source: US Embassy

  • TajikistanVisa required

    A bond of up to $20,000 after approval.

    Source: US Embassy

  • TurkmenistanVisa required

    A bond of up to $20,000 after approval.

    Source: Proclamation 10998

  • ArmeniaVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • AzerbaijanVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • GeorgiaVisa required

    Since 3 August 2026 a bond of $10,000–20,000 after approval; the visa is single-entry for 3 months.

    Source: US Embassy

  • MoldovaVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • IsraelVisa-free with ESTA

    90 days. ESTA and an e-passport required.

    Source: DHS

  • EU countriesVisa-free with ESTA

    90 days. ESTA and an e-passport required. Citizens of Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania need a visa.

    Source: DHS

  • United KingdomVisa-free with ESTA

    90 days. For British citizens with the right of abode; ESTA and an e-passport required.

    Source: DHS

  • CanadaVisa-free

    Neither a visa nor ESTA is needed.

    Source: 8 CFR 212.1

  • TurkeyVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • SerbiaVisa required

    Source: US Embassy

  • AustraliaVisa-free with ESTA

    90 days. ESTA and an e-passport required.

    Source: DHS

Sources: DHS — Visa Waiver Program countries · 8 CFR 212.1 — entry documents, Canadian citizens (Cornell LII mirror) · Proclamation 10998 — entry restrictions from 1 January 2026 · US Embassy in Russia — visas · US Embassy in Belarus — visas · US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan — visas and bond · US Embassy in Georgia — visas and bond · US Embassy in Ukraine — visas · US Embassy in Kazakhstan — visas · US Embassy in Uzbekistan — visas · US Embassy in Tajikistan — visas · US Embassy in Armenia — visas · US Embassy in Azerbaijan — visas · US Embassy in Moldova — visas · US Embassy in Türkiye — visas · US Embassy in Serbia — visas

What is checked at the border

  • Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your planned stay.
  • A B1/B2 visa or an approved ESTA, depending on your passport (see the table). An ESTA requires an e-passport. An ESTA does not guarantee entry: eligibility is checked at the border.
  • Return ticket: required for travellers entering on an ESTA.
  • Purpose of the trip and intent to return: by law every foreigner is presumed to be an intending immigrant until they convince the consular and border officers otherwise. Be ready to explain why you are coming and when you will leave.
  • The CBP officer at the border decides whether to admit you. If you are refused, your visa may be cancelled.

How to extend your stay

A B1/B2 stay can be extended through USCIS with Form I-539; apply at least 45 days before the date on your I-94. Each extension is for no more than 6 months. Travellers admitted on an ESTA cannot extend their stay.

Overstay penalties

If you stay past the date on your I-94, your visa becomes void and a new one has to be issued by a consulate in your country of nationality. Overstaying more than 180 days brings a 3-year entry ban; one year or more brings a 10-year ban. After any violation on an ESTA, you can no longer travel on one.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for the US?
Citizens of Canada enter without a visa. Citizens of Israel, the EU, the UK and Australia apply for an electronic travel authorisation. Citizens of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and Serbia get a visa from a consulate before the trip.
How long can I stay in the US without a visa?
90 days for citizens of Israel, the EU, the UK and Australia.
Can the stay be extended?
A B1/B2 stay can be extended through USCIS with Form I-539; apply at least 45 days before the date on your I-94. Each extension is for no more than 6 months. Travellers admitted on an ESTA cannot extend their stay.
What happens if I overstay?
If you stay past the date on your I-94, your visa becomes void and a new one has to be issued by a consulate in your country of nationality. Overstaying more than 180 days brings a 3-year entry ban; one year or more brings a 10-year ban. After any violation on an ESTA, you can no longer travel on one.
What is checked on entry to the US?
Passport: valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your planned stay. A B1/B2 visa or an approved ESTA, depending on your passport (see the table). An ESTA requires an e-passport. An ESTA does not guarantee entry: eligibility is checked at the border. Return ticket: required for travellers entering on an ESTA. Purpose of the trip and intent to return: by law every foreigner is presumed to be an intending immigrant until they convince the consular and border officers otherwise. Be ready to explain why you are coming and when you will leave. The CBP officer at the border decides whether to admit you. If you are refused, your visa may be cancelled.
How can I stay in the US longer?
A visa-free stay does not give the right to live in the country. A longer stay needs a long-term visa or a residence permit: h-1B — specialty occupation work for a U.S. employer, l-1A — intracompany transfer of an executive or manager, o-1 — individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, arts or athletics, e-2 — investor from a treaty country, f-1 — academic or language study, family-based green card through a U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

Sources

Checked on 8 October 2026. Entry rules change: check them on the consulate website before you travel.