Springfield Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
The United States maintains different entry requirements based on nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Springfield follows all federal U.S. visa policies.
Citizens of 41 countries can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa but must obtain ESTA authorization
Cost: USD $21 per application
Must have e-passport with electronic chip. Cannot work or study. Must have return/onward ticket and demonstrate ties to home country. Previous travel to certain countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen since March 2011) may disqualify VWP eligibility.
Special entry provisions for Canadian and Bermudian citizens
Cost: No visa or ESTA fee required
Canadian citizens can typically enter with passport, enhanced driver's license, or NEXUS card. Bermudian citizens need valid passport. Both may be asked to show proof of ties to home country and return plans.
Citizens of countries not in the VWP must obtain appropriate visa before travel
Common visa types: B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B (work). Each has specific requirements and documentation. Start application process 2-3 months before intended travel. Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision made by CBP officer at port of entry.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry (typically an international airport), all international travelers must clear immigration and customs before entering Springfield or continuing to their final destination.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulates what items can be brought into the country. All travelers must declare items acquired abroad and any items they plan to leave in the U.S. Failure to declare can result in penalties, seizure, and criminal prosecution.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - federal offense with severe penalties
- Absinthe with thujone - unless thujone-free
- Certain agricultural products - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, plants, seeds, soil to prevent pest/disease introduction
- Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media
- Certain wildlife products - ivory, sea turtle shells, items from endangered species
- Biological materials - cultures, organisms without permits
- Switchblade knives - automatic opening knives (with exceptions)
- Hazardous materials - fireworks, flammable liquids, explosives
- Cuban products - generally prohibited except for personal use items
- Dog and cat fur products - any items containing these materials
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - must be in original containers with labels. Carry prescription or doctor's letter. Some medications legal elsewhere are controlled substances in U.S.
- Firearms and ammunition - require ATF permits and advance declaration. Strict regulations apply.
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities - may require documentation proving legal export from country of origin
- Meat, dairy, and animal products - most require permits or certificates. Processed/packaged items may be allowed.
- Plants and plant products - require phytosanitary certificates. Many restricted to prevent pest introduction.
- Pets - require rabies vaccination certificates, health certificates, and advance arrangements with CDC
- Alcohol over duty-free allowance - subject to federal tax and duties, varies by state
- Monetary instruments over $10,000 - must be declared but not restricted if declared properly
Health Requirements
The United States has specific health requirements for entry, though routine vaccinations are not typically required for short-term visitors. Requirements vary based on traveler's country of origin and recent travel history.
Required Vaccinations
- COVID-19 vaccination - Requirements vary and change frequently. As of recent updates, non-U.S. citizens may need proof of vaccination. Check current CDC requirements at cdc.gov/coronavirus.
- Yellow Fever - Required only if traveling from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America. Must have valid vaccination certificate.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on routine vaccines: MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza
- Hepatitis A and B - Recommended for most travelers
- COVID-19 - Even if not required, vaccination recommended for all eligible travelers
Health Insurance
Health insurance is strongly recommended as medical care in the U.S. is extremely expensive. Travel insurance with medical coverage of at least $100,000 is advisable. Medicare and foreign health insurance generally don't cover care in the U.S. Consider policies that include medical evacuation coverage. Some visa types may require proof of health insurance.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, need their own passport and visa/ESTA if required. If child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent(s) including contact information. CBP may question adults traveling with children to prevent child abduction. Carry birth certificates and custody documents if applicable. Adoption papers should be carried if child is adopted. Children are subject to same customs allowances as adults (except alcohol/tobacco).
Dogs must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days before entry, unless puppy). Cats generally don't require rabies certificate but it's recommended. All pets subject to inspection for signs of disease. Service animals have specific requirements. Birds require import permit and quarantine. Other animals have varying requirements - check CDC and APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) websites. Some states have additional requirements. Airlines have separate pet travel requirements. Emotional support animals no longer recognized for air travel (only trained service dogs).
Tourist visas (B-2) and VWP entries cannot be extended beyond initial authorization in most cases. VWP stays of 90 days are absolute - no extensions possible. B-2 visa holders may apply to extend stay using Form I-539 before current stay expires - must demonstrate compelling reasons. Must apply at least 45 days before expiration. For longer stays, consider appropriate visa type: F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange), H-1B (work), etc. Each requires separate application process before entering U.S. Overstaying can result in bars to future entry and deportation.
B-1 visa or VWP (ESTA) allows business activities: meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting with business associates. Cannot be employed by U.S. company or receive U.S. salary. Carry invitation letter from U.S. company, conference registration, or proof of business purpose. If conducting business requiring work authorization, need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.). Bringing business equipment or samples may require customs declaration and temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet).
Must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) student visa, or J-1 exchange visitor visa before arrival. Cannot enter on VWP or tourist visa with intent to study. Requires acceptance from SEVP-certified school and Form I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J-1). Must pay SEVIS fee before visa interview. Can enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment and report address to school. Work authorization limited - requires approval for on-campus work, CPT, or OPT.
Previous overstays, deportations, or visa violations can affect future entry. Overstays of 180+ days result in 3-year bar; 1+ year results in 10-year bar. Previous deportation may result in permanent bar unless waiver obtained. Criminal convictions may make you inadmissible - consult immigration attorney. Even minor violations can trigger additional scrutiny. ESTA may be denied if previous violations exist. If you have immigration history issues, apply for visa at embassy where you can explain circumstances rather than using VWP.