As the holiday season approaches, it’s critically important to plan ahead to avoid potential delays and other issues. The holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. Consulates and embassies may experience a surge in appointment requests in advance of peak travel windows. This can result in limited availability and longer wait times for visa interviews and appointments. Additionally, during peak travel windows, there may be increased scrutiny and additional requests for documentation and information. Travelers are advised to be aware of all needed documents in advance of their travel and ensure they are carrying the appropriate documents with them.
Before Travel to the US
- Prep your ESTA or I-94 ahead of time. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers can save time by applying for their I-94 in advance to avoid filling out the Form I-94 at a port of entry. An active and approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required to enter the United States through air, sea, and land border ports of entry. Travelers will receive a provisional I-94 after submitting their application and payment on the CBP I-94 website to obtain an approved ESTA. To finalize the I-94 process, travelers must present themselves at a port of entry within seven days of their application to be interviewed by a CBP officer. More information for non-U.S. citizen travel can be found on the International Visitors page.
Before Travel Outside of the US
- Prepare your documents ahead of time. Before embarking on a trip to the United States or returning from an international trip, travelers must have a valid passport or acceptable identification card for re-entry that is valid for your intended period of stay. Generally, your passport must have at least six months of validity beyond the dates of your trip, unless there’s a country-specific agreement. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Carrier Liaison Program to confirm if you are exempt from the six-month rule.
- Apply for tourist permits in advance. In advance of peak travel windows, visa and processing times can significantly increase due to the high volume of applications and, at times, reduced staff availability. It’s advisable to submit your application as early as possible.
- Travelers should be aware of any medical or health-related restrictions at their destination. Health requirements may vary by country and can be researched in advance on the embassy or State Department website.
- For US citizens and nationals traveling abroad, the Department of State recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to allow the Department of State to accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency. The STEP program shares real time updates about health, weather, safety, and security in the country, provides information from the local U.S. embassy, and helps the embassy or consulate contact a traveler if there’s an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
At International Airports
- Conditionally approved Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) member, should utilize Enrollment on Departure or Enrollment on Arrival.
- Conditionally approved travelers can use Enrollment on Arrival at 77 airports across the U.S. and certain international locations to complete their interviews when returning from their international trips.
- Conditionally approved Global Entry members departing for an international trip from Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., or Hartfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, can opt for Global Entry Enrollment on Departure to complete their interview requirements without needing to schedule an appointment at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Travelers using this option must be traveling internationally and must have a valid passport or travel document and a proof of address such as a driver’s license, mortgage statement, rental agreement, or utility bill.
- Speed up your processing time by using the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with an approved ESTA. Travelers can submit their passport and travel information using a mobile device to have their information readily available for future international travel and faster processing. Additional information at www.cbp.gov/MPC.
At Land Ports of Entry
- Use the Ready Lanes. Travelers entering the U.S. through a land border port of entry may use the Ready Lane if they have a Radio Frequency Identification Document (RFID), such as an enhanced driver’s license or passport card, to experience significantly faster processing. Additionally, Global Entry members can use their TTP card to use the Trusted Traveler lanes.
- Download CBP’s free mobile applications. Travelers are encouraged to use CBP’s free mobile apps to help reduce wait times. All applications can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Travelers near multiple crossings can monitor border wait times on their smartphone with the Border Wait Times mobile application to decide on an alternate route to avoid heavy traffic. These wait times are updated on an hourly basis.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.