International Travel Requirements

International travel requirements

Learn more about necessary travel identification documents and health requirements for your next international flight.

International travel requirements

Learn more about necessary travel identification documents and health requirements for your next international flight.

Passport

Passports are required for all international travel. Passport cards are never accepted as a form of I.D. for international air travel.

Passports that are damaged beyond normal wear and tear or show evidence of intentional alterations may not be accepted for international travel by United.

The U.S. Department of State recommends checking your passport expiration date at least 9 months before planning international trips. Some countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before it expires. Check the Department of State for the latest passport processing times and guidance.

If you're a U.S. citizen and you have lost your passport or it has been stolen while you’re traveling abroad, contact the U.S. Embassy in the country where you’re at.

Visa

If you’re a citizen of a foreign country and would like to visit the U.S., you’ll probably need a visa. There are many types of visas you could apply for. Find which one is right for you through the U.S. Department of State.

Fill out our requirements form with your trip details to learn more about visa requirements for wherever you're headed. All non-U.S. citizens planning to travel to the U.S. should visit the U.S. Department of State for more information.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

If you’re traveling through or to the U.S. on a plane or other vessel, you’re not a permanent resident and you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, you need an approved travel authorization via ESTA. Authorization from ESTA doesn’t guarantee entry into the United States.

ESTA applications aren’t processed immediately and can take up to 72 hours. We recommend applying when you book your trip and at least 72 hours before you travel. Applicants who are denied an ESTA can apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. embassy.

See the entry and departure requirements section for a full list of documents you need for different countries.

Traveler pro tip

For personalized information on what you need for your upcoming trip use the Travel-Ready Center.

Try our travel requirements tool to find passport, visa and health requirements for different destinations.

Vaccine requirements

Learn more about vaccination and health declaration forms required for your destination.

Denied, canceled or delayed flights

If you’re denied boarding or your flight is delayed or canceled from one of the regions on our list, you may be eligible for compensation. These regions include:

Country/RegionMore information
CanadaTo make a claim for compensation or a refund, fill out our Customer Care form.
EuropeTo make a claim for consultation or a refund, fill out our Customer Care form.
IsraelTo make a claim for compensation or a refund, fill out our Customer Care form.
NigeriaTo make a claim for compensation or a refund, fill out our Customer Care form.
PhilippinesTo make a claim for compensation or a refund, please submit a request using the United Customer Care form. To enable us to process your claim expeditiously, please provide your name, contact details (email address and mailing address), ticket number, flight number, booking reference and details of the claim you are making.
Portugal

You can submit claims or customer complaints, including delays, cancellations and denied boarding through the following:

Livro de Relamacoes

Spain

To make a claim through the AESA, you need to submit a claim to United then provide the documentation supporting your claim to europeanclaims@united.com. If you disagree with our decision about your claim, you’re entitled to raise the matter with the AESA.

United Kingdom

If you disagree with our decision, you are entitled to raise this matter with the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Passenger Advice and Complaints team.

EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261) and UK Regulation (UK261) give passengers departing from the EU and the UK rights to compensation and assistance in certain situations.

I-94 forms

Foreign visitors to the U.S. no longer need to complete paper Customs and Border Protection form for arrival and departure or non-immigrant visa waiver record. CBP now gathers this information automatically from travelers' electronic travel records. Learn more about I-94 requirements.

Advance Passenger Information System (APIS)

APIS enhances border security by providing pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members. APIS also requires reporting the visiting address of all customers who are non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. residents traveling to the United States.

Nationals of China traveling to the U.S.

Nationals of China holding a 10-year business and or tourism visa (B1 or B2) are required to complete an EVUS enrollment to enter the U.S.

International travel requirements FAQ