Documents & entry checklist
- Items
- 19 in 6 sections
- Covers
- Passport · ESTA or visa · Trip details asked at the border
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Arriving in the United States is a formality if your papers are in order, and a long morning if they are not. This checklist covers what travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries (most of Europe, the UK, Australia, Japan…) need before they fly and at the border. It does not replace the official sources: check them for your nationality.
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At the border
A Customs and Border Protection officer checks your passport, takes your fingerprints and a photo, and asks a few questions: purpose of the trip, length, where you stay. Answer simply. Your arrival record (I-94) is created electronically when you arrive by air. Food rules are strict: declare fruit, meat and plants.
Full details, fees and pitfalls in our ESTA & visa guide and our travel insurance guide.
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Checklist questions
What documents do I need to enter the USA?
For Visa Waiver Program citizens: an electronic passport and an approved ESTA, plus a return or onward ticket. Others need a visitor visa.
How much does an ESTA cost?
$40.27 on the official site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Sites charging more are intermediaries.
Do I need to print my ESTA?
No, it is linked to your passport. Keep a screenshot in case the airline asks.
Is travel insurance mandatory for the USA?
No, but medical care is very expensive. A policy with high medical cover is strongly recommended.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026.