Houma Entry Requirements

Children of all ages, including infants, must have their own passport. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing the child to travel. This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid complications. The letter should include: child's name, parent's contact information, travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult's information. If parents are divorced, carry custody documents. Unaccompanied minors may face additional scrutiny and should carry comprehensive documentation including contact information for both parents and the receiving party in the U.S. Some airlines have specific policies for unaccompanied minors.

Dogs and cats entering the United States must be healthy and free from diseases communicable to humans. Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (dogs less than 12 months old may be exempt). The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before arrival and must be current. CDC has specific requirements for dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries, including possible quarantine. Cats are not required to have rabies vaccination for entry but it's recommended. All pets should have a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Some airlines and states have additional requirements. Birds require permits from CDC and USDA and must undergo quarantine. Other animals may require permits from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or CDC. Contact USDA-APHIS at (301) 851-3300 or visit aphis.usda.gov for detailed requirements. Louisiana may have additional state requirements.

Tourist visa (B-2) and Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) visitors cannot extend their stay or change status. If you entered on a B-1/B-2 visa and need to stay longer, you must file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Apply at least 45 days before expiration. Extension is not guaranteed and requires valid reasons (medical emergency, compelling circumstances). Fees apply ($370 as of 2024). Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, can result in serious consequences including visa cancellation, future entry denial, and immigration violations. For longer-term stays, consider appropriate visa categories: F-1 for students, H-1B for workers, or other relevant classifications. Changing from tourist to work/study status while in the U.S. is generally not permitted - you must leave and apply for appropriate visa. Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations.

Business visitors entering under B-1 visa or VWP for business purposes cannot engage in gainful employment or receive payment from U.S. sources (except expense reimbursement). Permitted activities include: attending meetings, conferences, or conventions; negotiating contracts; consulting with business associates; attending training; taking orders for goods manufactured abroad. Carry documentation: invitation letter from U.S. company, conference registration, proof of employment abroad, and evidence that you will not be paid by U.S. sources. If you will be working (even remotely for foreign employer while physically in U.S.), different visa categories may apply. For setting up business, investing, or managing operations, E-1/E-2 or L-1 visas may be appropriate.

Students must obtain F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa before arrival. You cannot enter as tourist and then enroll in school. Process: 1) Be accepted by SEVP-approved school, 2) Receive Form I-20 from school, 3) Pay SEVIS fee, 4) Apply for F-1 visa at U.S. Embassy/Consulate, 5) Enter U.S. no more than 30 days before program start date. Maintain full-time enrollment and valid immigration status. Exchange visitors use J-1 visa and receive Form DS-2019. Both programs have specific work authorization rules and require maintaining status throughout stay.

Certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible to the United States, including crimes involving moral turpitude, drug violations, prostitution, human trafficking, and serious criminal activity. Even arrests without conviction may cause problems. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192 for nonimmigrants) before travel. This process can take several months. Be honest on visa applications and with CBP officers - lying about criminal history will result in permanent inadmissibility. Minor traffic violations generally don't affect admissibility. DUI convictions may cause issues. Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about criminal history affecting your entry.

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must use their U.S. passport to enter and exit the United States. This is a legal requirement even if you hold another passport. If you are a dual citizen of the U.S. and a VWP country, you cannot use ESTA - you must use your U.S. passport. Dual citizens of other countries should determine which passport to use for entry based on visa requirements and reciprocity agreements. Ensure both passports are valid for the entire journey if using different passports for different legs of travel.