Cleveland Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (including infants). If traveling with only one parent, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the child's travel, including contact information and copy of their ID. If traveling with someone other than parents, carry notarized consent letters from both parents. Children adopted internationally should carry adoption decree and may need special visa documentation. Unaccompanied minors have special airline procedures. CBP may ask additional questions when children are traveling without both parents to prevent child abduction.

Dogs and cats must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry for dogs, requirements vary for cats). Certificate must be in English or with English translation and include: animal description, vaccination date, expiration date, veterinarian information. CDC requires dogs to appear healthy upon arrival and be at least 6 months old. Additional requirements may apply for dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Certain dog breeds may be restricted by airlines. Birds require import permits and quarantine. Other animals (reptiles, rodents, etc.) have specific requirements - check CDC and USDA-APHIS guidelines. Service animals have different rules. Pet must be declared to CBP upon arrival. Fees may apply.

Tourist visas and VWP entries have fixed maximum periods (90 days for VWP, typically 6 months for B-1/B-2 visas). VWP stays cannot be extended under any circumstances - you must leave before 90 days expire. B-1/B-2 visa holders may apply to extend stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS at least 45 days before current stay expires (no guarantee of approval). To work or study, you must leave the U.S. and apply for appropriate visa (F-1 for students, H-1B for workers, etc.) - cannot change status from within U.S. in most cases if you entered on VWP. Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, can result in visa cancellation, future entry bans (3-10 years depending on overstay length), and immigration violations. If you need to stay longer, plan ahead and apply through proper channels.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. salary. Carry documentation: business invitation letter, conference registration, proof of foreign employment, details of business activities. If bringing professional equipment, tools, or samples, be prepared to declare and possibly post bond. Commercial samples may require special documentation. Frequent business travelers may benefit from Global Entry or NEXUS programs for expedited processing. Work requiring H-1B or other work visa cannot be performed on business visitor status.

Must have F-1 (academic study) or J-1 (exchange program) visa obtained before travel. Cannot enter on VWP or tourist visa with intent to study. Carry Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) issued by your school/program sponsor. Must enter no more than 30 days before program start date. SEVIS fee must be paid before visa interview. Maintain full-time enrollment and valid status. Report address changes within 10 days. Some J-1 visitors subject to 2-year home residency requirement before returning on certain visa types.

U.S. citizens, including dual nationals, must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport. This applies even if you have a passport from a VWP country. Failure to use U.S. passport can cause significant delays and complications. Non-U.S. dual citizens should use the passport from the country that provides best entry terms (e.g., VWP passport if available rather than one requiring visa). Be consistent with which passport you use for booking flights and ESTA/visa applications.

Previous visa denials, overstays, deportations, or criminal history can affect admissibility. ESTA applications ask about criminal history - answer honestly as false statements are grounds for permanent inadmissibility. Some criminal convictions make travelers inadmissible and require a waiver. Drug offenses, crimes of moral turpitude, and multiple criminal convictions are particularly serious. Previous immigration violations may result in entry bans (3 years for overstays of 180+ days, 10 years for overstays of 1+ year). Consult with immigration attorney if you have concerns about admissibility. CBP officers have access to extensive databases and can deny entry even with valid visa/ESTA.

All international travelers must clear immigration and customs at their first U.S. port of entry, even if Cleveland is just a connection point. Collect checked bags, clear customs, then re-check bags for domestic connection. Allow minimum 2-3 hours for international connections. Domestic connecting flights depart from different terminal - follow signs after customs. You do not go through immigration again for domestic flights. Keep boarding pass for connecting flight accessible.