Jacksonville Entry Requirements

Children require their own valid passport. They are not added to parents' passports. Minors traveling with only one parent or with non-parent guardians should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s), including contact information and travel details, CBP officers may request this to prevent international child abduction. Single parents with sole custody should carry custody documentation. Children under 14 are exempt from fingerprinting at CBP primary inspection but still require passport control. All children complete the same ESTA or visa requirements as adults.

Dogs entering the United States must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate if the dog was vaccinated in the U.S. Dogs arriving from certain countries with high rates of dog rabies (as classified by the CDC) face additional requirements including proof of U.S.-issued microchip and vaccination administered in the U.S., or must undergo CDC-authorized processes before entry. Cats do not require proof of rabies vaccination for CBP purposes, though Florida state law requires rabies vaccination for cats. Exotic pets and animals other than dogs and cats require species-specific permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and possibly USDA APHIS. Service animals have different and more permissive rules. Airlines also impose their own separate pet policies. Verify current CDC dog import requirements at cdc.gov/importation before travel, as requirements changed significantly in recent years.

The U.S. does not offer a tourist visa extension path for VWP/ESTA travelers, 90 days is the absolute maximum and the status cannot be changed or extended. B-1/B-2 visa holders may apply to extend their stay using Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the current authorized stay expires. There is no guarantee of approval. Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, results in unlawful presence, which triggers bars to reentry of 3 years (for stays of 180, 365 days) or 10 years (for stays over 365 days). Overstaying as a VWP traveler also permanently disqualifies you from the VWP. If you need to remain in the U.S. long-term, consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney about options such as a change of status to a student (F-1), work (H-1B), or other appropriate visa category.

U.S. law recognizes dual nationality, and U.S. citizens who hold both an U.S. passport and a foreign passport must enter and exit the United States on their U.S. passport. Non-U.S. dual nationals holding a VWP country passport alongside a non-VWP passport must use the VWP passport and obtain ESTA; they cannot use the non-VWP passport to enter without a visa simply because they also hold a VWP passport.

Anyone who has overstayed a previous U.S. visa or ESTA, been previously denied entry or deported from the U.S., or has a criminal conviction may be deemed inadmissible. The ESTA application asks about criminal history and prior immigration violations. Answering dishonestly is a federal offense. If any of these situations apply, consult an U.S. immigration attorney before attempting to travel, as you may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192 for VWP nationals or Form I-601 for visa applicants) well in advance of travel.

Foreign journalists working on assignment for foreign media must enter on an I (media) visa, not on ESTA or a B-1 business visa. Business travelers conducting meetings, conferences, or negotiations may use the B-1 visa or VWP; however, those receiving U.S.-source income or engaging in productive employment require appropriate work authorization (typically a H or O visa). If the nature of your activities in Jacksonville is ambiguous, consult an immigration attorney before traveling.