Bismarck Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate travel authorization (ESTA or visa). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip. CBP may ask questions to prevent child abduction. Bring birth certificates showing parental relationship. For adopted children, carry adoption papers. Single parents should carry custody documents if applicable.

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. must be healthy upon arrival. Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (dogs under 3 months may be exempt). As of August 2024, new CDC rules require dogs to have a CDC Dog Import Form and meet specific requirements based on country of origin. Cats don't require rabies vaccination for entry but must appear healthy. North Dakota may have additional state requirements. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Other pets (birds, reptiles, etc.) have different requirements - check CDC and USDA-APHIS regulations well in advance.

VWP visitors (ESTA) cannot extend their 90-day stay and cannot change status while in the U.S. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and apply for a visa. B-1/B-2 visa holders can apply to extend their stay by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before their authorized stay expires (processing takes several months). For long-term stays, consider appropriate visa types: F-1 for study, H-1B for work, etc. Overstaying your authorized period can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and bans on future entry. Track your I-94 expiration date carefully at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.

Business visitors on VWP or B-1 visas can attend meetings, conferences, and negotiate contracts but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. salary. Bring invitation letters from U.S. companies, conference registration, or business meeting documentation. If you'll be working or receiving payment, you need an appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.). Business visitors should be prepared to show they have a residence abroad they don't intend to abandon.

Students must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visas and Form I-20 from their U.S. school. Exchange visitors need J-1 visas and Form DS-2019. Cannot enter on VWP or tourist visa for study. Can enter up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment and follow visa restrictions on work. Universities in Bismarck include University of Mary and Bismarck State College.

If transiting through the U.S. to another country, you still need ESTA or appropriate visa even if not leaving the airport. The U.S. does not have an airside transit system - you must clear immigration and customs. Plan sufficient connection time (minimum 3 hours recommended for international connections).

Certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible to the U.S., including crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, and multiple criminal convictions. If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility before travel. ESTA applications ask about criminal history - answer truthfully as false statements can result in permanent ban. Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about criminal inadmissibility.

If you've previously overstayed a visa, been deported, or violated U.S. immigration law, you may be inadmissible. Previous overstays can result in 3-year or 10-year bars depending on length of overstay. You may need to apply for a waiver. Be honest on visa/ESTA applications about previous violations. Immigration officers have access to your complete travel history.