Who Needs a Visa to Travel to the United States?

Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries may travel to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. All other foreign visitors must obtain a visa before traveling to the United States.

US-VISIT PROGRAM

Foreign visitors entering the United States with a visa or traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are subject to new requirements under the US-VISIT program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US-VISIT is designed to both enhance U.S. border security and expedite legitimate travel. Through US-VISIT, DHS's Customs & Border Protection officers use biometrics (finger scans and a digital photograph) to confirm the identities of travelers entering the U.S. at airports, seaports and land border crossings. For more information, visit the US-VISIT website.

If you are uncertain as to what your nonimmigrant visa category should be, please call 1 (900) 451-2778. Learn more about visa types for temporary visitors.