Border Entry Rules

Border entry into the United States became much stricter in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Despite these new protections, immigrants can still enter the country if they fill out the appropriate paperwork beforehand and follow the rules set forth by the U.S. government. Federal agencies, most notably the Department of Homeland Security and its U.S. Customs and Border Protection division, are tasked with balancing the need for security with the desire for an efficient and welcoming border entry system. This section covers the basics of U.S. border entry and outlines the main procedures and requirements for entering the country.

Learn About Border Entry Rules

Crossing the Border
An overview of the border entry process. In this article, you’ll find information and links to FindLaw and U.S. government resources outlining the rules for entry for green card holders, Canadian and Mexican citizens, and others.
Border Laws & Regulations
A collection of laws and regulations related to crossing the U.S. border. Learn about the border entry rules for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and other countries.
How to Get a U.S. Visa
An outline of the steps involved in obtaining a visa, including setting up an appointment with your local consulate, paying the required fees, preparing and submitting your application, arriving at the port-of-entry, and more.

Crossing the U.S. Border: Resources
A collection of resources related to crossing the U.S. border as a foreign visitor. In this section, you’ll find a number of links to border crossing resources, including border wait times, travel alerts, and more.
Passport Resources
This article provides a number of resources to help you obtain a passport, including the document requirements for land and sea travel, information on the passport application process, and more.
Applying for a U.S. Visa from Abroad
Before entering the U.S., many visitors are required to apply for a visa. Learn about the visa eligibility requirements, the different types of visas, the application process involved, and more.

Border Entry Rules Articles