United States

Passport Services for Citizens

U.S. citizens can apply for or renew their passports through the U.S. Department of State. Services include first-time applications, renewals, name changes, and emergency or expedited passport processing for urgent travel needs. Full details on eligibility, required documents, fees, and processing options are available via the passport link on this page.

Visa & Entry Requirements

International visitors to the United States generally require either a valid ESTA authorization (for Visa Waiver Program country nationals) or a nonimmigrant visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. The most common visa category for tourists and short-term business travelers is the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, which covers both business (B-1) and tourism or medical treatment (B-2) purposes.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. You should consult the official visa information link on this page to determine which category applies to you and to begin the application process through the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorization

Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before boarding a flight or vessel to the United States. ESTA is applied for online through the official portal linked on this page and is linked electronically to your passport — no visa stamp is issued.

ESTA authorizations are generally valid for multiple trips over a set period, but individual stays are limited. Not all VWP applicants are guaranteed approval; ESTA is an authorization, not a guarantee of entry. If your ESTA is denied, you will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visa instead. Always apply for ESTA well in advance of your travel date and check the official ESTA portal on this page for current guidance.

Passport Validity & Entry Rules

The United States requires that your passport be valid for the duration of your intended stay. Some nationalities may be subject to a six-month passport validity rule depending on bilateral agreements, so travelers should verify current requirements through the official visa information link on this page before departure.

Upon arrival, all travelers are subject to inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Entry is not guaranteed even with a valid visa or ESTA; CBP officers make the final determination at the port of entry.

Immigration & Customs

All travelers arriving in the United States must pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at their port of entry. This process includes inspection of travel documents, collection of biometric data (for most nonimmigrant visitors), and declaration of any goods being brought into the country.

There are strict rules governing what items may be brought into the United States, including restrictions on agricultural products, currency amounts, and certain goods. Travelers should review current customs regulations via the official CBP link on this page before travel. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles immigration matters for those seeking to extend stays or change visa status while in the country; their official link is also provided on this page.

Embassies & Consulates

The United States maintains a broad global diplomatic presence, with U.S. embassies and consulates located in countries around the world, including missions in Abu Dhabi, Buenos Aires, Vienna, Canberra, Brasília, Ottawa, Santiago, and Beijing, among many others. These missions handle visa applications, citizen services, and emergency assistance for U.S. nationals abroad.

Our directory includes 51 foreign diplomatic missions accredited to the United States. If you need to apply for a U.S. visa, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. For official information on embassy locations and services, refer to the State Department link on this page.

Emergency Assistance Abroad

U.S. citizens who encounter emergencies while abroad — such as a lost or stolen passport, arrest, or medical crisis — should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately. U.S. embassies can issue emergency passports, provide lists of local medical and legal resources, and assist with communication to family members.

For the latest travel advisories, safety conditions by country, and emergency contact procedures, U.S. citizens should consult the official travel advisory and State Department links on this page. Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before departure is widely recommended, as it allows the embassy to reach you in an emergency.