Border Crossing/Customs

All foreign national or aliens entering the U.S. are generally required to present a passport and valid visa issued by a U.S. Consular Official, unless they are a citizen of a country eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of Canada.  The Visa Waiver Program allows foreign nationals from certain countries to be admitted to the U.S. under limited conditions and for a limited time without obtaining a visa. Foreign nationals must arrive on an approved carrier (if coming by air or sea), stay no more than 90 days for pleasure/medical purposes and be able to prove they are not inadmissible.  Foreign nationals are still required to have a passport.  To learn more about entry requirements for foreign nationals or aliens, visit the U.S. Department of State's Web Site.

Border crossing requirements for Canadian citizens can be found on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Web Site.  Please note that as of June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires Canadian citizens entering the U.S. to present a passport issued by the Government of Canada, a valid trusted traveler program card (FAST), (NEXUS), (SENTRI) or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL).

U.S. citizens that are residents of New York State may now obtain an enhanced driver’s license that meets WHTI requirements for travel within the Western Hemisphere.  Visit the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Web Site for further information.