Lincoln Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA. Parents traveling with children should carry birth certificates. If a child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents (guardians, relatives, school groups), carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid questioning at immigration. The letter should include travel dates, destinations, accompanying adult names, and parent contact information. Children adopted internationally should carry adoption papers. CBP officers are vigilant about child trafficking and may ask detailed questions about children's relationships to accompanying adults.

Dogs and cats can enter the U.S. but require specific documentation. Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry, valid for duration of visit). Dogs from high-risk rabies countries have additional requirements including CDC Dog Import Permit and may require quarantine. Cats are not required to have rabies vaccination but it's recommended. All pets must appear healthy upon arrival or may be examined by veterinarian at owner's expense. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Birds require import permits from USDA and health certificates. Other animals (ferrets, rabbits, etc.) have varying requirements. Contact CDC and USDA-APHIS well in advance (at least 6 weeks) before travel. Airlines have separate pet policies and fees. Nebraska has no additional state-level restrictions beyond federal requirements.

Tourist visas and VWP (ESTA) cannot be extended beyond initial authorization. VWP stays are strictly limited to 90 days with no extensions possible. B-1/B-2 visa holders can apply for extension through USCIS Form I-539 before current status expires, but approval is not guaranteed. For stays longer than 6 months, consider appropriate long-term visa: F-1 for academic study, J-1 for exchange programs, H-1B for employment, or other work visas. Students must be accepted to SEVP-certified schools and obtain Form I-20 before applying for F-1 visa. Apply for extensions or status changes well before current status expires. Overstaying can result in deportation and future entry bans. Working on tourist status is illegal and can result in deportation and permanent bars to re-entry.

Business visitors can enter on B-1 visa or through VWP for activities like attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or consulting with business associates. Cannot engage in productive employment or receive salary from U.S. source (except expense reimbursement). Carry invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, or other documentation of business purpose. For actual employment, appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) is required. Treaty traders and investors (E-1, E-2) have separate visa categories. Business travelers should be prepared to explain their activities and demonstrate ties to home country.

Travelers transiting through U.S. airports to third countries generally need same documentation as those entering (visa or ESTA). Some limited exceptions exist for immediate and continuous transit, but most travelers must clear U.S. immigration even for connections. Allow sufficient connection time (minimum 2-3 hours for domestic connections after international arrival). If leaving airport during layover, full entry requirements apply. Some countries' citizens may qualify for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or C-1 transit visa for specific situations. Check with airline and CBP for current transit requirements.

Travelers with criminal records may be inadmissible to the U.S. This includes convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, multiple criminal convictions, prostitution, and serious criminal activity. Even minor offenses or arrests without conviction may cause issues. ESTA applications ask about criminal history; false answers can result in permanent ban. Those with criminal records should consult U.S. embassy about applying for visa with waiver (Form I-601). Previous immigration violations (overstays, deportations, misrepresentation) can result in bars to re-entry ranging from 3 years to permanent. Previous visa denials should be disclosed on applications. Immigration officers have access to extensive databases and will likely know about previous issues.

U.S. citizens, even dual nationals, must enter and exit the U.S. using their U.S. passport. This is a legal requirement. Dual nationals of VWP countries should use their VWP passport with ESTA if not using U.S. passport. Travelers with multiple passports should use the same passport for ESTA application, airline booking, and entry to avoid complications. Ensure the passport used for ESTA matches the one presented at immigration. Some countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea) visited since 2011 disqualify travelers from VWP even if holding VWP-eligible passport; these travelers need traditional visa.