Baltimore Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA. Children under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian, though not legally required, CBP strongly recommends this to avoid delays. Letter should include: child's name, dates of travel, destination, parent/guardian contact information, and signature. Children traveling with adults who are not parents/guardians should have notarized letters from parents authorizing the travel. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Adopted children should have adoption paperwork. CBP may ask children questions separately from adults to verify relationship and ensure child safety.

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. must meet CDC and USDA requirements. As of 2024, new rules apply for dogs: all dogs must be at least 6 months old, appear healthy upon arrival, have a microchip, and have documentation. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries have additional requirements including CDC Dog Import Permit and rabies vaccination. Cats must appear healthy and, if from high-risk rabies areas, have rabies vaccination certificate. Service animals must meet the same health requirements. Birds require USDA import permit and veterinary health certificate. Other pets may require permits from CDC and/or Fish & Wildlife Service. Contact CDC and USDA at least 6 weeks before travel. Airlines have separate requirements for pet travel. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized for air travel; only trained service dogs are permitted in cabin. Baltimore has pet-friendly accommodations but verify pet policies before booking.

Tourist visas and VWP entries cannot be extended for VWP travelers (90-day limit is strict). B-1/B-2 visa holders may apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS, to be filed before current status expires; extensions are not guaranteed. For stays longer than tourist purposes allow, you must apply for appropriate visa: F-1 for students, H-1B for specialty workers, J-1 for exchange visitors, etc. Applications must be made from outside the U.S. unless changing from one valid status to another. Working on a tourist visa/VWP is strictly prohibited and can result in deportation and future entry bans. Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, can result in automatic visa cancellation and bars to future entry (3-year bar for overstays of 180+ days, 10-year bar for overstays of 1+ year). If you need to stay longer, consult an immigration attorney. USCIS website: www.uscis.gov | USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, and conduct business discussions, but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. source income (except expense reimbursement). Carry documentation: invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, business cards, itinerary. Journalists and media must have I visa, not B-1 or VWP. Certain business activities require work visas (H-1B, L-1, etc.). If unsure whether your activities are permitted on B-1/VWP, consult U.S. Embassy or immigration attorney before travel.

Students must obtain F-1 visa (academic studies) or M-1 visa (vocational studies) before arrival. Process: 1) Be accepted by SEVP-approved school, 2) Receive Form I-20 from school, 3) Pay SEVIS fee, 4) Apply for F-1/M-1 visa at U.S. Embassy, 5) Attend visa interview. Can enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment and make satisfactory academic progress. Limited work authorization available (on-campus work, CPT, OPT). Dependents (spouse/children) can apply for F-2/M-2 visas. Exchange visitors use J-1 visa with Form DS-2019. Contact your school's international student office for guidance.

Certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible to the U.S., including crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, prostitution, human trafficking, and serious criminal activity. Even arrests without conviction may require disclosure. VWP travelers with criminal records may be denied ESTA and required to apply for visa. During visa interview, you must disclose all arrests and convictions, even if expunged or pardoned. Some inadmissibilities can be overcome with a waiver (Form I-192 or consular waiver), but this requires advance application and is not guaranteed. Do not lie on ESTA or visa application - discovered dishonesty results in permanent ban. If you have any criminal history, consult an immigration attorney before applying for entry. CBP has access to international criminal databases.

Pregnant women can travel to the U.S., but CBP officers may inquire about pregnancy if visible, to determine if the purpose is birth tourism (entering to give birth for citizenship purposes). Be honest about pregnancy but emphasize legitimate purpose of visit (tourism, visiting family, business). Having a baby in the U.S. is not illegal, but entering with primary purpose of giving birth while claiming to be a tourist is visa fraud. Carry documentation of ties to home country, return tickets, proof of funds to pay medical expenses, and medical clearance to travel. Airlines typically restrict travel after 36 weeks of pregnancy. Most doctors advise against international travel in third trimester. Ensure you have insurance covering pregnancy complications abroad, as U.S. maternity care is extremely expensive ($10,000-$30,000+ for normal delivery).

The United States has no specific entry restrictions based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Same-sex marriages legally performed abroad are recognized for immigration purposes. LGBTQ+ travelers have the same visa and entry requirements as all travelers. Baltimore and Maryland are generally LGBTQ+-friendly. Maryland legalized same-sex marriage in 2012. Baltimore has an active LGBTQ+ community and Pride celebrations. Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ individuals in Maryland. However, attitudes vary across the U.S., and travelers should research specific destinations if traveling beyond Baltimore. Transgender travelers should ensure passport gender marker matches their presentation to avoid questioning, or carry documentation if transitioning.