Travelers' Entry Into The Us: What's The Deal?

As of 2024, holders of a United States passport may travel to 186 countries and territories without a travel visa, or with a visa on arrival. However, the US has implemented various restrictions for travellers entering the country. Since January 2022, non-US individuals entering the US through land ports of entry and ferry terminals at the US-Mexico and US-Canada borders have been required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination upon request. This rule does not apply to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or US nationals. Additionally, all air travellers entering the US, including US citizens, must test negative for COVID-19 before departure. Furthermore, the US has specific restrictions on prohibited and restricted items, such as dangerous toys, vehicles that do not meet safety standards, illegal substances, firearms, and certain biological specimens. Travellers should also be aware of restrictions on importing cultural artifacts and defence articles.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements

As of May 12, 2023, travellers to the US are no longer required to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding a flight to the US or before entering the country through a land or ferry port of entry. This vaccination requirement was revoked by the Revoking the Air Travel COVID-⁠19 Vaccination Requirement proclamation.

Prior to this, from November 8, 2021, through May 11, 2023, all "noncitizens who were nonimmigrants" entering the US through an air port of entry had to show proof that they were fully vaccinated with an acceptable COVID vaccine. This requirement was extended to all noncitizens entering the US through a land or ferry port of entry from January 22, 2022, through May 11, 2023.

The following groups were exempt from the vaccination requirement:

• US citizens
• US nationals
• US lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
• Those entering on an immigrant visa
• Children under 18 years of age
• Certain participants in certain COVID-19 vaccine trials as specified in the CDC Order
• Individuals with medical contraindications to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as specified in the CDC Order
• Individuals issued a humanitarian or emergency exception by the Secretary of Homeland Security
• Individuals with valid nonimmigrant visas (excluding B-1 [business] or B-2 [tourism] visas) who are citizens of a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability, as specified in the CDC Order
• Members of the US Armed Forces or their spouses or children (under 18 years of age) as specified in the CDC Order
• Individuals whose entry would be in the US national interest, as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security

Travel documents needed

When travelling to the US, there are several documents you need to carry with you. Here is a list of the necessary documents:

• A valid passport.
• Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket or a ticket for a connecting international flight.
• Sufficient funds to cover your entire stay.
• A visa, if you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
• An ESTA, if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of vaccination, if required.

Additionally, it is recommended to make two copies of all your travel documents and leave one copy with a trusted friend or relative.

Visa Waiver Program

Citizens of certain countries, including Singapore, are eligible to travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. To be eligible, you must fulfil the following requirements:

• The duration of your stay is 90 days or less.
• You have a confirmed return ticket or a ticket for a connecting international flight.
• You have sufficient funds to cover your entire stay.
• You will arrive in the US on an airline participating in the VWP, such as Finnair.
• You have a valid biometric passport, which contains a microchip.

Please note that if you have travelled to Cuba on or after 12 January 2021, you are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and will need to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate.

ESTA

The ESTA is an automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program. It is mandatory for all visitors travelling under the VWP, except for Canadian citizens. The ESTA must be completed at least 72 hours before departure and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Customs and Border Protection unit of the United States charges a fee of 21 USD for each approved travel authorization.

Other Considerations

When travelling to the US, it is important to be aware of any prohibited or restricted items. For example, certain items such as dangerous toys, absinthe, and illegal substances are prohibited from entering the US. Other items, such as firearms and certain fruits and vegetables, are restricted and require special licenses or permits. It is recommended to check with CBP before your trip if you are unsure about any items you plan to bring.

Testing requirements

As of May 12, 2023, travellers to the US are no longer required to be fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccination before boarding an aircraft destined for the US or before entering the US through a land or ferry port of entry. However, travellers may be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result.

US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents 18 years of age or older are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel. All US citizens, US nationals, and lawful permanent residents must fill out the online attestation regardless of their vaccination status.

Children between 2 and 17 years are not required to show proof of vaccination, regardless of their nationality. Instead, they must present:

• A negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than 1 day before travel.
• An attestation indicating that they have a negative COVID-19 test result or that they have recovered from the illness and are clear for travel.

Children younger than 2 years are not required to show a negative test result or proof of vaccination.

Foreigners on essential travel must show a negative COVID-19 test result and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Foreigners on non-essential travel must show a negative COVID-19 test result and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Items prohibited from entry

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforces rules and regulations at ports of entry to protect American agriculture against the introduction of pests and diseases. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines which agricultural products are admissible into the U.S. and which pose a risk and should be prohibited or restricted from entry.

Agricultural Products

All agricultural items must be declared and are subject to inspection by a CBP Agriculture Specialist at ports of entry to ensure they are free of plant pests and foreign animal diseases. Prohibited or restricted items include meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials.

Absinthe

The importation of absinthe is subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations and the Department of the Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulations. The absinthe content must be "thujone-free" (contain less than 10 parts per million of thujone), the term "absinthe" cannot be the brand name or appear alone on the label, and the artwork must not project images of hallucinogenic, psychotropic, or mind-altering effects.

Automobiles

Automobiles imported into the U.S. must meet the fuel-emission requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency and the safety, bumper, and theft prevention standards of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Most cars, vans, and sport utility vehicles bought in foreign countries must be modified to meet American standards.

Biological Materials

A permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may be required to import biological specimens, including bacterial cultures, culture medium, excretions, fungi, arthropods, mollusks, tissues of livestock, birds, plants, viruses, or vectors for research, biological, or pharmaceutical use.

Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property

Most countries have laws that protect their cultural property, and these laws include export controls and/or national ownership of cultural property. Legal ownership of art, artifacts, or antiquities may be questioned if brought into the U.S., even if purchased from a business in the country of origin. Documentation such as export permits and receipts is required for importing such items.

Defense Articles or Items with Military Applications

Classified and unclassified items with military applications, such as software, technology, blueprints, design plans, and technical information, require a license before permanent export, temporary import, or temporary export abroad.

Narcotics and Controlled Substances

Narcotics and certain drugs with a high potential for abuse, such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Fen-Phen, are prohibited from entry into the U.S. Controlled substances listed in schedules II, III, IV, or V may be brought into the U.S. for personal use with a prescription or written statement from a physician.

Merchandise from Embargoed Countries

Generally, merchandise from Cuba and Iran is prohibited from entry into the U.S. without a specific license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Embargo programs are also in place for other countries, including Belarus, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Syria, and Zimbabwe.

Gold Coins, Medals, and Bullion

Gold coins, medals, and bullion originating in or brought from Cuba, Iran, Burma (Myanmar), and most of Sudan are prohibited from entry into the U.S.

Haitian Animal Hide Drums

The CDC restricts entry of animal hide drums from Haiti if they have not been processed to render them non-infectious due to their association with a case of cutaneous anthrax.

Meats, Livestock, and Poultry

The regulations governing meat and meat products are stringent. Fresh, dried, or canned meats or meat products from most foreign countries are prohibited from entry into the U.S. due to the risk of animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).

Film

Film bought and developed abroad is considered a dutiable item. However, film bought in the U.S. and exposed abroad, whether developed or not, is not subject to duty.

Plants, Cuttings, and Seeds

Certain plants, cuttings, seeds capable of propagation, unprocessed plant products, and endangered species are prohibited from entry into the U.S. without import permits and other documents. Threatened or endangered species must have export permits from the country of origin.

Soil

Soil is prohibited from entry into the U.S. without an import permit.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are prohibited or restricted from entry into the U.S. and require special licenses or permits from a federal agency.

Please note that this list may not be exhaustive, and it is always best to check with official sources, such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on prohibited and restricted items.

Trusted Traveller Programs

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers several Trusted Traveller Programs (TTPs) to help travellers move through the line at the airport or port of entry. These programs provide modified screening for pre-approved members, improve security by being more efficient during screenings, and facilitate legitimate trade and travel.

• TSA PreCheck® Program: This program expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints.
• Global Entry: Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the United States. Members can access designated Global Entry lanes at selected airports, where processing technology will be used to expedite their entry. Travellers must undergo a rigorous background check and in-person interview before enrolment.
• NEXUS Program: The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travellers expedited processing when entering the U.S. and Canada.
• Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI): SENTRI is a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers upon arrival in the U.S.
• Free and Secure Trade (FAST): FAST is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico.

You can use the tool on the Trusted Traveller Programs website to find the right program for your specific needs and learn more about the eligibility requirements and member responsibilities.

Frequently asked questions