Indianapolis Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport (family passports not accepted). Minors under 18 traveling alone or with one parent should carry: notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) including contact information, copy of birth certificate showing parents' names, custody documents if applicable. CBP may question children separately to prevent child abduction. Adoption papers required for adopted children if surnames differ. Children are subject to same customs and immigration procedures as adults. ESTA required for each child from VWP countries. Unaccompanied minors may require airline special services.

Dogs and cats: No CDC general quarantine, but must appear healthy upon arrival. Rabies vaccination required for dogs (must be at least 12 weeks old, vaccinated at least 30 days before entry, valid certificate required). Dogs from high-risk rabies countries have additional requirements including CDC Dog Import Permit. Cats have no federal requirements but check Indiana state rules. All pets subject to inspection; unhealthy animals may be refused or quarantined. Service animals have same requirements. Birds require import permit and quarantine. Other animals (ferrets, reptiles, rodents) have specific rules - check CDC and USDA APHIS requirements. Emotional support animals no longer recognized for air travel.

Tourist visas (B-2) and VWP entries generally allow 90 days to 6 months. Extensions possible for visa holders through USCIS Form I-539 (must apply before status expires, not guaranteed). VWP entries cannot be extended - must leave U.S. Changing status (tourist to student/worker) requires USCIS application before current status expires. Overstaying has serious consequences: visa cancellation, removal proceedings, bars to future entry (3-year bar for 180+ days, 10-year bar for 1+ year). If you need to stay longer: plan ahead, consult immigration attorney, apply for appropriate visa type. Working on tourist visa/VWP is illegal and grounds for removal. Students need F-1 visa, workers need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.).

B-1 visa or VWP/ESTA acceptable for: attending meetings/conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, attending training. NOT acceptable for: productive employment, receiving U.S. salary, selling goods directly to consumers. Bring: business cards, invitation letter from U.S. company, conference registration, return ticket. Be clear about business purpose with CBP. Extended or frequent business travel may require work visa. Some business activities require work authorization (paid performances, skilled labor, etc.).

Even if only transiting through Indianapolis to another country, you must clear U.S. immigration and customs. No international transit area. VWP or visa required even for short connections. Allow minimum 2-3 hours for international-to-international connections. Collect baggage, clear customs, re-check bags, go through security again. Some travelers may be eligible for C-1 transit visa if not eligible for VWP. Plan connections carefully as missed flights due to immigration delays are passenger responsibility.

Criminal history may make you inadmissible to the U.S. ESTA may be denied or visa required even for VWP nationals. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug violations, multiple convictions can cause inadmissibility. Be honest on ESTA/visa applications - lying is grounds for permanent ban. May need to apply for waiver of inadmissibility (complex process). Minor traffic violations generally not an issue. Consult immigration attorney if you have criminal record. CBP has access to international criminal databases. Lying to CBP officer is federal crime.

Must have appropriate visa: F-1 (academic students), M-1 (vocational students), or J-1 (exchange visitors). Cannot enter on VWP or tourist visa with intent to study. Requires: acceptance to SEVP-certified school, Form I-20 (F/M) or DS-2019 (J), proof of financial support, SEVIS fee payment. Can enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start. Must maintain full-time enrollment. Work restrictions apply (on-campus only first year, then OPT/CPT with authorization). Dependents need F-2/M-2/J-2 visas. Report address to school within 10 days of arrival.

Previous removal/deportation creates bars to reentry: 5 years for removal, 10 years for second removal, 20 years for aggravated felony, permanent for certain crimes. Previous visa denial doesn't bar entry but must disclose. New application required addressing reason for previous denial. ESTA likely to be denied if previously refused. May need waiver of inadmissibility (I-601/I-212). Consult immigration attorney. Never attempt entry without proper authorization after removal - criminal penalties apply. Voluntary departure is better than removal.