Sacramento Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Sacramento, as the capital of California, follows the United States' federal entry and immigration policies. All international travelers arriving in the U.S., including those destined for Sacramento, must undergo inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at their first port of entry. This process includes verification of travel documents, visa status, and the purpose of the visit. Before traveling, visitors should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and that they possess the correct visa or authorization for their nationality and purpose of travel. It is critical to have all supporting documents readily accessible for inspection, including proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds for the stay. Upon arrival, all travelers will be photographed and have their fingerprints scanned as part of the biometric entry process. CBP officers have broad authority to grant or deny admission and determine the length of stay permitted. Even with a valid visa, entry is not guaranteed. Travelers should answer all questions truthfully and be prepared to explain the nature of their visit, where they will stay, and when they plan to depart.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Entry requirements for the United States depend on the traveler's country of citizenship, the purpose of the visit, and the intended duration of stay. The primary programs are the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and traditional visa applications.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days maximum

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can travel for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

Includes

United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Chile Taiwan

Must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. Passport must be an e-Passport (biometric).

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

90 days maximum (tied to VWP)

The ESTA is a mandatory pre-travel authorization for VWP travelers. It is not a visa.

Includes

All Visa Waiver Program countries (see list above)

How to Apply: Apply online via the official U.S. CBP ESTA website. Processing is usually immediate but can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Cost: $21 USD

ESTA approval is valid for two years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. It does not guarantee entry. Must be obtained before boarding a flight or ship to the U.S.

Visa Required

Determined by CBP officer at port of entry (commonly 6 months for B visas)

Citizens of countries not in the VWP must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (typically B-1/B-2) at a U.S. embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply through the U.S. Department of State's visa website. Process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying a fee, scheduling an interview, and providing biometrics.

Processing times vary widely by location and season; apply months in advance. A visa in your passport allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission to enter.

Arrival Process

For Sacramento-bound travelers, the entry process occurs at the first U.S. airport you land in (e.g., San Francisco International-SFO, Los Angeles-LAX, or Sacramento International-SMF if arriving via a pre-cleared international flight).

Primary Inspection

Present your passport, visa or ESTA approval, and completed Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) to a CBP officer. You will be asked about the purpose and duration of your trip.

Biometric Collection

Fingerprints (all ten fingers) are scanned and a digital photograph is taken.

Secondary Inspection (if needed)

If the officer requires further verification, you may be directed to a secondary inspection area for additional questioning or document review.

Admission Decision & I-94 Form

If admitted, the officer will stamp your passport and create an electronic Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). You can retrieve your I-94 online afterward.

Collect Baggage & Proceed to Customs

After immigration, collect your checked luggage and proceed through the customs inspection area with your declaration form.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay (some countries are exempt from the six-month rule under bilateral agreements).

Visa or ESTA Approval

Required based on nationality. Must be valid and appropriate to travel.

Customs Declaration Form

Form 6059B, usually provided on your flight or ship, must be completed and signed.

Supporting Documents

Proof of onward/return travel, evidence of sufficient funds, and details of your accommodation in Sacramento. May be requested by CBP.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in your carry-on luggage.

Answer questions clearly, concisely, and truthfully. Do not make jokes or volunteer unsolicited information.

Know the address of where you are staying (hotel, friend's house) and have the confirmation or invitation available.

Download and print your electronic I-94 form from the CBP website a few days after entry for your records.

If you do not speak English proficiently, you can request an interpreter.

Customs & Duty-Free

All travelers must clear U.S. Customs after immigration. You must declare all items you are bringing into the country that you did not have when you left.

Alcohol

1 liter (if you are 21 or older)

State laws may impose additional restrictions; California has its own limits on alcohol importation.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes (one carton) OR 100 cigars (non-Cuban)

For travelers 21 or older. Cuban cigars are prohibited.

Currency

No limit on amount

You must file a FinCEN Form 105 if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD (or foreign equivalent) in monetary instruments.

Gifts/Goods

$800 USD personal exemption

Total value of all goods acquired abroad. Gifts for others can be included. Items above this value may be subject to duty and tax.

Prohibited Items

Absinthe - contains thujone
Counterfeit goods - illegal under U.S. law
Drugs and narcotics - including certain prescription medications without valid prescription
Food products - most fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and poultry are prohibited to prevent pests and diseases
Cultural artifacts and wildlife products - without proper documentation (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell)
Hazardous materials - such as fireworks, toxins, and infectious substances

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require prior approval and permits from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Medications - prescription drugs must be in original containers, for personal use, and accompanied by a doctor's prescription or note
Plants, seeds, and soil - require permits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Pets - require vaccination records ( rabies) and may be subject to quarantine; check USDA/CDC rules

Health Requirements

There are currently no nationwide vaccination requirements for general travelers to the United States. However, specific health requirements can change, and recommendations are in place.

Required Vaccinations

None for general tourism/business travel

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, flu)
COVID-19 vaccination (highly recommended, but not required for entry)

Health Insurance

The U.S. does not require health insurance for entry, but it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Medical care in the U.S. is extremely expensive. Travelers should purchase complete travel health insurance that covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of April 2024, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements for air travelers entering the United States. However, rules can change; check the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens abroad).

Immigration Authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) & U.S. Department of State

For visa applications and official information: cbp.gov, travel.state.gov, esta.cbp.dhs.gov

Emergency

Emergency services number

911 for police, ambulance, fire (in Sacramento and throughout the U.S.)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

While not always mandatory, carrying a notarized consent letter from non-accompanying parents is strongly recommended to prevent delays, for single parents, grandparents, or guardians. The letter should authorize travel, provide contact details, and include trip details. For infants, a passport is required regardless of age.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entry (with some exceptions). A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required. Cats are not required to have rabies vaccination for entry but are subject to state regulations. Check CDC and USDA APHIS requirements for the latest rules, which may include breed restrictions and health checks.

Extended Stays

If you wish to stay longer than the time granted on your I-94, you must apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-539 BEFORE your authorized stay expires. Overstaying is a serious violation and can result in deportation and future bans from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) stays cannot be extended.

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