{"id":21065,"date":"2025-03-02T01:58:34","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T00:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/einreise-in-die-usa\/"},"modified":"2025-06-22T16:24:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T14:24:25","slug":"entry-in-the-usa","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.florida-scout.com\/en\/entry-in-the-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Entry to the USA | Info on ESTA, Visa Customs 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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TRAVEL PLANNING<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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TRAVEL PLANNING<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Florido<\/div>

Emigrating to the USA <\/p><\/div>

Emigrating to Florida is more than just a change of location. Here you can still realize the American Dream! <\/p>

LEARN MORE NOW<\/span><\/path><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Entry to the USA | Important Info on ESTA, Visa Customs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Entering the USA requires good preparation. In addition to a valid passport, for many travelers the electronic travel authorization ESTA<\/a><\/strong> is necessary for many travelers. In addition to entry requirements, customs regulations<\/strong> should also be checked before traveling to avoid problems when entering the country. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Travel documents and ESTA procedure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A machine-readable, electronic passport with biometric data<\/strong> 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 Since June 26, 2012, children also need their own passport, as entries in their parents’ passports are no longer valid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program<\/strong> (VWP) countries, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland, must register in advance via ESTA<\/strong> (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). The ESTA application form or ESTA travel authorization can be found online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov<\/a> and currently costs USD 21. Incidentally, you can now pay the fee via PayPal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the ESTA application, the entry permit is valid for up to two years <\/strong>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<\/strong>. The maximum stay is 90 days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry ban for certain countries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who has stayed in certain countries such as Iran, Iraq, North Korea or Cuba<\/strong> since 2011 is excluded from the visa waiver program and requires a regular visa. Since June 9, 2025, nationals from certain countries<\/strong> such as Iran, Afghanistan, Cuba or Venezuela have been banned from entering the country<\/strong> – even for short stopovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, a valid ESTA is not only required for air travel, but since October 2022 also for entry by land<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous third-party providers<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Entry Process and Customs Formalities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After landing, passport and security checks<\/strong> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customs formalities and baggage claim always take place at the first landing airport<\/strong> in the USA, even for onward flights. Baggage must be checked in again after customs control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customs Regulations \u2013 What Can be Brought?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>, sufficient time should be planned for immigration. Those who follow the rules can complete entry relaxed and enjoy their stay in the USA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prohibited Imports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n