Entry to the USA | Important Info on ESTA, Visa Customs
Entering the USA requires good preparation. In addition to a valid passport, for many travelers the electronic travel authorization ESTA is necessary for many travelers. In addition to entry requirements, customs regulations should also be checked before traveling to avoid problems when entering the country.
Travel documents and ESTA procedure
A machine-readable, electronic passport with biometric data is required to enter the USA. Since June 26, 2012, children also need their own passport, as entries in their parents’ passports are no longer valid.
Travellers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, must register in advance via ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA application form or ESTA travel authorization can be found online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov and currently costs USD 21. Incidentally, you can now pay the fee via PayPal.
After the ESTA application, the entry permit is valid for up to two years or until the passport expires. Without an approved registration, transportation will be denied by the airline. The ESTA authorization must be applied for online at least 72 hours before departure. The maximum stay is 90 days.
Important: Even with a valid ESTA form, entry can be denied by the US authorities at the border (Federal Foreign Office) – you should therefore always have your return flight ticket and proof of accommodation to hand.
Entry ban for certain countries
Anyone who has stayed in certain countries such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea or Cuba since 2011 is excluded from the visa waiver program and requires a regular visa. Since June 9, 2025, nationals from certain countries such as Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba or Venezuela have been banned from entering the country – even for short stopovers.
In addition, a valid ESTA is not only required for air travel, but since October 2022 also for entry by land from countries such as Canada, Mexico or by sea, such as on a cruise ship. If an ESTA application is rejected, the only option is to apply for a visa at the US embassy in good time, ideally 4 to 8 weeks before the start of the trip.
There are numerous third-party providers on the Internet who offer ESTA registration at significantly higher prices. The official website is easy to use. If you need support, you can fall back on reputable visa service providers.
Entry Process and Customs Formalities
After landing, passport and security checks are carried out. Both hands are fingerprinted, a photo is taken and questions are asked about the purpose of the trip and the length of stay. This process can take a long time, especially at large airports, so you should allow sufficient time for connecting flights.
Customs formalities and baggage claim always take place at the first landing airport in the USA, even for onward flights. Baggage must be checked in again after customs control.
Customs Regulations – What Can be Brought?
Entry into the USA is possible without problems with the right preparation. A valid passport, timely ESTA registration, and observing customs regulations facilitate arrival. Especially for layovers, sufficient time should be planned for immigration. Those who follow the rules can complete entry relaxed and enjoy their stay in the USA.
Prohibited Imports
- Food: No fresh products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, or dairy products
- Plants Seeds: Strictly prohibited due to agricultural protection measures
- Weapons, fireworks, drugs poisons: Strict prohibitions apply to all dangerous items
Allowed Imports
duty-free per person:
- Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits
- Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kg of tobacco
- Gifts: Up to 100 USD for non-Americans, up to 800 USD for Americans
- Non-perishable food: Cookies, candies, cheese, or packaged cakes
Additional Customs Regulations
- Medications: For prescription medications, a doctor’s certificate or at least the package insert is recommended.
- Cash: Amounts over 10,000 USD must be declared upon entry.