San Jose Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
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ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization)
- Who
- Nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling to the United States without a visa, by air, sea or land
- When
- Before travel
- Cost
- USD 40.27 per approved authorisation (fiscal year 2026)
Travellers under the Visa Waiver Program must hold an approved ESTA before travelling. Apply only on the official ESTA website.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
The United States runs a tiered visa system. Some nationalities enter under the Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA. Others must apply for a visa at an U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. Eligibility and permitted length of stay hinge on your nationality and trip purpose. The official U.S. government immigration website remains the most reliable source for confirming which category applies to you.
Nationals of countries in the Visa Waiver Program may enter the United States without a visa. They need an approved ESTA. They must meet other eligibility requirements. The program restricts visits to short trips for tourism or business.
Travelers entering under the Visa Waiver Program need an approved ESTA before departure. A valid machine-readable passport is required. Some nationalities need an e-passport with a biometric chip. Previous travel history, dual nationality, or criminal record can affect eligibility. Denied ESTA approval? You will generally need to apply for a visa instead.
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, provides pre-travel authorization for nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries. It covers travel to the United States by air, sea, or land. It is not a visa. It is a screening that determines your eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program.
Cost: USD 40.27 per approved authorization
An approved ESTA does not guarantee entry. The final decision belongs to the CBP officer at the port of entry. If your ESTA application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa through an U.S. embassy or consulate. Apply well before your departure date.
Travelers whose nationality falls outside the Visa Waiver Program, or who visit for purposes the program does not cover, must obtain a visa from an U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling to San Jose.
Consular officers may request supporting documentation. Proof of financial means. A return ticket. Accommodation details. A letter of invitation. Each visa category carries its own requirements. The consular officer has approval discretion. Check the official U.S. immigration website for the visa type matching your travel purpose.
Arrival Process
Arriving in San Jose through Mineta San Jose International Airport, you will face standard U.S. port-of-entry processing managed by Customs and Border Protection. The process remains identical whether you arrive by air, land, or sea. Most international visitors to San Jose arrive by air.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
U.S. customs rules apply identically everywhere, San Jose included. They control what enters, what needs declaring, and what is banned. Declare when unsure. Penalties for hiding restricted items sting. Honest declarations that check out fine cost only a brief chat.
Prohibited Items
- Most fresh fruits, vegetables, and plants, due to agricultural pest and disease risks
- Most meat and meat products from foreign countries, with limited exceptions for commercially sealed products from certain origins
- Illegal narcotics and controlled substances without a valid U.S. prescription
- Counterfeit goods and pirated materials, including knockoff brand-name merchandise
- Fireworks, certain types of ammunition, and other hazardous materials
- Products made from endangered species, including ivory, certain skins, and coral
- Absinthe containing thujone above permitted concentrations
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications should be in their original containers with a valid prescription, and quantities beyond a personal supply may be questioned
- Firearms and ammunition require proper permits and must be declared, and California has its own strict firearms laws on top of federal rules
- Certain food products such as hard cheeses, commercially packaged baked goods, and some canned items may be allowed but must be declared for inspection
- Biological samples, research materials, and cultural artifacts may require permits from the relevant U.S. agency
Health Requirements
The United States does not impose extensive health-related entry requirements for most travelers. Know these basics before arriving in San Jose.
Required Vaccinations
- Travelers arriving from countries or regions where yellow fever is endemic may need to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement depends on your recent travel history, not your nationality.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, and influenza are recommended for all travelers. Follow CDC guidance.
- Hepatitis An and hepatitis B vaccines are commonly recommended for international travelers regardless of destination. Get them.
Health Insurance
The United States does not require visitors to carry health insurance for entry. Get it anyway. Medical care in the United States tends to be expensive. A hospital visit or emergency room stay without insurance can result in very substantial bills. Travel health insurance that covers medical evacuation is worth considering seriously. Do not skip this.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, need their own passport and ESTA approval or visa to enter the United States. If a child travels with only one parent or with someone other than their parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent or parents. CBP officers may request this documentation to guard against child trafficking and custody disputes. Carry copies of birth certificates or custody documents as well. Be prepared.
Dogs entering the United States must meet CDC requirements, which have been updated in recent years and may include proof of rabies vaccination, a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and in some cases an import permit depending on the country of origin. Cats face fewer federal requirements but may face California state regulations. Other animals, including birds, reptiles, and exotic species, are subject to additional permits and inspections. Check both federal and California state requirements well in advance. Rules can be detailed. Processing times for permits vary. Plan ahead.
To stay in San Jose or elsewhere in the United States beyond the period authorized on your I-94, apply for an extension of stay through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services before your authorized period expires. Overstaying your authorized period, even by a single day, can result in difficulties with future visa applications and re-entry to the United States. Visa Waiver Program travelers generally cannot extend their stay. If you anticipate needing a longer visit, apply for the appropriate visa category before your trip. Play it safe.
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