Frequently asked questions about entering the United States

Getting a visa from an American embassy or consulate can only allow you to fly to the American border to seek entry into the United States, but it does not guarantee that you can enter the United States. Whether you can enter the country or not, you must meet the entry requirements of the border customs. Let's answer some common questions about entering the United States: Question 1: What identification documents do you need to bring to enter the United States?

A: Passports and visas issued by American embassies and consulates are generally required, unless they are citizens of visa-free countries, permanent residents of the United States or Canadian citizens.

Question 2: I am a citizen of China and have obtained a B2 tourist visa, but my passport is only valid for 4 months. Can I enter America?

A: No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you go to the United States. This is the so-called 6-month rule. If you can't meet this requirement, you should apply for a new passport to enter the United States.

Q3: If my passport is valid for 7 months, can I enter the United States with a B2 visa?

Answer 3: Yes. But it is possible to stay in the United States for only one month. Because your passport is only valid for seven months, MINUS six months, there is only one month left.

Question 4: In order to meet the six-month rule, I went to get a new passport. But the visa is on the old passport. Do I need a new passport to apply for a new visa?

Answer 4: You don't need to apply for a new visa. Just show your new passport and your old passport with visa information to the immigration officer when you enter the country.

Q5: I am a resident of Taiwan Province Province, Hongkong, Macau and Singapore or a Canadian citizen. Do I have to abide by the six-month rule?

Answer 5: No. Some countries and regions are exempted from the six-month rule and are called six-month club members. Residents of Taiwan Province Province, Hongkong, Macau, Singapore or Canada are all on the list of tax-free member countries. But you still need to keep your passport valid during your stay in the United States.

Question 6: How much money can I take to America?

Answer 6: There is generally no limit to the amount of money you can bring into or out of the United States. However, if you and your traveling companion are carrying more than USD 6,543,800+0,000 in cash or negotiable instruments, you must declare through FinCEN 105. Please note that the limit of $654.38+$00,000 is calculated by you and your traveling companion. For example, if you only bring $5,000 in cash and your traveling companion only brings $6,000, each of you alone will not exceed 10000, but if the sum exceeds 10000, you must declare it. If you fail to declare, these cash or negotiable instruments may be confiscated, and you may also face civil and criminal penalties.

Question 7: When I came to America, I attached a small white form I-94 to my passport. Why didn't I do it this time?

A7: From May 20 13, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will no longer provide paper I-94 cards to foreigners who fly to the United States, but will provide electronic I-94 cards. When foreigners need to use I-94, they can go to the website of CBP in www.cbp.gov/I94,,, enter their names, birthdays, passport numbers and identity information and print them out.

Question 8: Can I take meat products to America?

A: First of all, fresh, dry or canned meat products are generally not allowed to be brought into the United States. The rules in this regard are very strict. However, if these products are cooked and can be put on shelves (no refrigerator is needed), packed in cans or other sealed containers, and come from countries that have not been affected by various major epidemics (such as mad cow disease), they may be allowed to enter the country, but it still depends on the latest development of global epidemics. Second, even if you believe you can carry it, you must declare it to CBP. If you don't declare, you may face a fine of up to $654.38 million+$00,000.

Question 9: Can I bring fruits or vegetables into the United States?

Answer 9: Some fruits or vegetables may carry agricultural pests and diseases, so it is forbidden to enter the country. Like meat, you must declare the fruits or vegetables you bring to CBP, whether they are allowed to enter the country or not.

Question 10: What foods are allowed to be brought into the United States for my personal consumption?

A 10: Generally, the following foods can be imported for your personal consumption: meatless condiments, olive oil and other vegetable oils, bread, biscuits, cakes, sweets, chocolates, cheese, canned foods other than meat, fish for personal consumption, dried fruits, baby or children's liquid milk and dairy products, canned fruit juice, tea, coffee, honey, noodles and rice.

Question 1 1: Can I bring cigarettes to the United States for personal use?

A 1 1: You can carry 100 cigarettes at most. More cigarettes may also be allowed to enter the country, but they must be taxed.

Question 12: Can I bring wine to the United States for personal consumption?

A 12:2 1 year old or older, each person is allowed to carry 1 liter of wine, duty-free. If you bring more wine, you may be suspected of selling wine, and CBP officials may ask you to provide an import license.

Question 13: Mid-Autumn Festival is coming. Can moon cakes originating in China be brought in?

Answer 13: Moon cakes usually contain eggs or meat. If moon cakes are produced in countries with epidemic diseases, they will be refused entry. If the moon cakes are made in Canada and the importer can prove that they are all Canadian products, there will be no import restrictions. If CBP officials can't confirm that there are no prohibited eggs or meat ingredients, then moon cakes will be refused entry. To be on the safe side, it is recommended not to bring moon cakes into the customs.

Question 14: Can I carry drugs and medical devices, such as needles or oxygen cylinders?

A 14: Prescription drugs must be in the original container and need a doctor's certificate. Generally, do not bring the medicines needed to stay for more than 90 days. All drugs entering the United States need a valid medical certificate or doctor's certificate. If you carry medical equipment that may cause safety hazards to others, such as needles or oxygen cylinders, you must have a doctor's certificate about these equipment.

Question 15: if I have a criminal record, can I be allowed to enter the country?

A 15: If you drive under the influence of alcohol, you will not be refused entry. However, if you commit crimes many times, you may be refused entry. If your previous crime is related to drug possession, you will generally be refused entry. If this was a crime many years ago, you can contact the embassy or consulate to apply for exemption. Other recent crimes may lead to refusal of entry. The crime of moral corruption (CIMT) may lead to being refused entry. Crimes of moral decay include fraud, arson, extortion, burglary, corruption, extortion, forgery, theft, robbery, bribery, perjury, intentional tax evasion, abandonment of babies, adultery, infringement, bigamy, kidnapping, obscenity, murder, prostitution, rape, attempted, accomplice and conspiracy.

Question16: can HIV-positive people enter the country?

A 16: yes. Hiv has gone from. Infectious diseases affecting public safety? Delete from the list.

Q 17: I came to the United States with a B 1/B2 visa, and now I want to travel to Canada or Mexico, and then go back to the United States. Is it okay?

A 17: You can travel to Canada or Mexico for 30 days as long as you return to the United States within the time specified in the I-94 form. For example, if you come to the United States as a B2 tourist in July 10, you may go to Canada or Mexico after June 10 and return to the United States before June 10. Since the term of your I-94 is 65438+ 10/0, you should leave the United States at 65438+10/0 to avoid illegal residence unless you apply for extension of your status.

Question 18: If a child under the age of 18 wants to come to the United States, but his parents can't come with him, only one of his parents will accompany him, or even only one friend will accompany the child, is it ok? What kind of proof do I need to carry?

A 18: In controversial custody cases, incidents of robbing children frequently occur, and crimes involving child pornography are also increasing. Therefore, CBP suggests that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, it is recommended to obtain a notarized statement from the parents who cannot come. I agree with my wife/husband and my children to travel abroad. He/she got my permission. ? CBP does not provide templates for such statements, but such statements should include the future time, course, place, reason and contact information of parents. Notarization is not necessary, but it is strongly recommended. For people who travel frequently, the validity of this statement should not exceed 1 year. This statement suggests using English. Although CBP may not require you to produce such documents, if CBP requires you to produce such documents and you cannot provide them, you may be refused entry.