What should you know before entering the US? Beyond your passport, what other requirements come into play at US immigration? DJB has put together the current entry process, the documents you will need, and visa application information to help you clear immigration smoothly!

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Entering the US: required documents

Document 1: your passport only needs to remain valid through your planned stay — the strict "6 months validity" rule does not apply

Document 2: visa-related paperwork

  • Visa-exempt travellers: if you qualify under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), you can visit the US for business or tourism for up to 90 days without applying for a visa. To use this route, apply for authorisation through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before departure, then enter the US with a valid Taiwan passport.
  • Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry: if you are not eligible for the VWP, you will need a non-immigrant visa (a US visa). Start by applying through the American Institute in Taiwan website, complete the DS-160 online form, set up a personal profile, submit your documents and fee, and then book an interview slot. Once your interview is passed and the visa approved, AIT mails the visa to you.

Document 3: a round-trip or onward flight ticket

A round-trip ticket covers travel between Taiwan and the US, while an onward ticket covers a trip using the US as a transit point. Without proof of a flight, immigration may question your intent to leave, since the ticket helps demonstrate you only plan a short stay in the US.

Document 4: proof of accommodation / proof of funds

Neither is strictly mandatory, but it is still worth having hotel booking confirmations, an invitation letter, or a bank statement copy ready in case an immigration officer asks to see them.

Document 5: the customs declaration form

The customs form asks for the following:

  1. Traveller's name
  2. Date of birth
  3. Number of family members travelling together
  4. US address where you will be staying
  5. Passport-issuing country
  6. Passport number
  7. Country of residence
  8. Countries visited prior to arriving in the US
  9. Flight information (airline / flight number)
  10. Purpose of visit
  11. Whether you are carrying any prohibited items or food
  12. Whether you are carrying more than USD $10,000 in cash (including foreign currency equivalent) or items of equivalent value
  13. Whether you are carrying goods intended for sale
  14. Total value (in USD) of items purchased abroad that you are bringing into the US
Image source: Department of Homeland Security
  • Gifts valued under USD $100 can be brought in duty-free.
  • No food may be brought into the US, especially perishables such as fruit, vegetables, meat, or agricultural produce.
  • Clothing, professional equipment, and other household items can be brought in duty-free if they have already been used for some time and are not intended for resale.
  • Certain products made from specific animals are banned from entering the US — see the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for details.
  • There is no limit on how much money you can bring into the US, but amounts over USD $10,000 must be declared on the customs form.
  • Any medication containing narcotics, or injectable drugs, must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription. Smuggling narcotics into the US carries substantial fines.
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The US entry process

Step 1: after arrival, head to the inspection area for document checks and fingerprinting, then follow any CBP officer's instructions to a secondary inspection area if directed — if not directed, you can skip this step.

Step 2: collect your luggage at the baggage carousel and hand your customs declaration form to the CBP officer; if your luggage is inspected, you may need to pay duty depending on what is found.

Step 3: once you clear the CBP checkpoint, you are free to leave or transfer to your connecting flight — that completes the process

Common questions customs officers may ask:

  • What is the purpose of your visit to the US?
  • How long will you be staying?
  • Where will you be staying?
  • Have you booked your return flight?
  • What is your occupation?
  • Do you have any relatives in the US?
  • Do you have anything to declare?

Frequently asked questions about entering the US

Q: Can anyone apply for ESTA?

A: You are eligible if you meet all of the following:

  • A citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which includes Taiwan
  • Hold a Taiwan national ID number
  • Hold a valid Taiwan-issued chip passport
  • Travelling to the US for tourism or business, staying no more than 90 days
  • Have obtained ESTA authorisation
  • Have no prior criminal record, visa denial, or refused entry

Q: Does ESTA cost money, and how many days ahead should I apply?

A: The application fee is USD $40 (comprising a $10 processing fee, a $17 authorisation fee, and a $13 Travel Promotion Fund fee), and you should complete it at least 72 hours before departure.

Q: How much cash should I bring to the US?

A: There is no limit on how much cash you can bring into the US, but amounts over USD $10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) must be declared on the customs form.

Q: Do I need proof of vaccination to enter the US?

A: As of 12 May 2023, foreign travellers no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the US.

Now that you know the documents and steps needed to enter the US, your trip is one step closer! While planning your itinerary, do not forget to grab a US eSIM — just scan a QR code to get connected, covering whatever your data needs may be!