Washington, D.C. Airport

Passengers traveling to the United States from abroad must provide passport information and the documents listed here that are required for entering the United States.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA):

Passengers are required to obtain pre-travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the USA under the Visa Waiver Program (see below).

• There is a $14 charge.
• ESTA must be completed before commencing boarding procedures for a USA-bound flight. Customers cannot board without travel authorization.
• U.S. authorities strongly advise travelers who wish to travel to the USA to apply at least 72 hours before their travel date.
• An ESTA application is required even when traveling to a third country via the USA.

Secure Flight Program

The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Travelers must have a valid ESTA approval prior to travel and must meet all requirements for the program.

• If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

VWP Participating Countries

• Andorra
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brunei
• Chile
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• San Marino
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan*
• United Kingdom*

• * See requirements to be eligible to travel under the VWP.

Recent VWP Changes

Recent changes to the Visa Waiver Program prohibit the following customers from travelling under VWP; such passengers must apply for a non-immigrant visa.

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on and after March 1, 2011.
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

A waiver may be obtained on a case-by-case basis for those who have traveled to the areas mentioned above for official duties of an international organization, regional organizations or sub-national government; journalists for reporting purposes; and legitimate business-related purposes in Iran and Iraq. Please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for waiver information.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration requires that all passengers provide the following information at least 72 hours before departure to the United States.

• Full Name (the first and last name registered on your passport)
• Date of Birth (according to the Western calendar)
• Gender
• Redress Number if you have one.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants Redress Numbers as a means of protecting passengers who may be incorrectly identified as being on a watch list due to various reasons, such as sharing a first and last name with a suspected terrorist.
  • Passengers will have to apply to the TRIP (Traveler Redress Inquiry Program) to obtain a Redress Number.
• Known Traveler Number if you have one.
  • A Known Traveler Number is a PASS ID provided to members of trusted traveler programs, such the Global Entry Program. Those in possession of this ID are eligible for TSA Pre✔®, the TSA's expedited screening program.
  • Passengers who are eligible for this program are able to experience quicker process of U.S. airport security screening by passing through a dedicated lane and are not required to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops and liquids. Children 12 and under accompanied by an eligible passenger may go through the dedicated lane as well. Learn more about TSA Pre✔®.

The U.S. has recently enhanced its security measures to include security checks of some electronic devices on flights bound to the US. Some electronic devices must undergo security check at the boarding gate based on TSA regulations.