Indianapolis Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Travelers visiting Indianapolis, Indiana, must first meet the entry requirements of the United States, as Indianapolis does not have separate immigration controls. Entry is processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the first point of arrival in the United States, which for most international travelers will be at a major international airport like Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Detroit (DTW), or New York (JFK) before a connecting flight to Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Upon arrival at the initial U.S. port of entry, all travelers must pass through passport control, where their visa or travel authorization is verified, and then customs inspection. It is important to have all required documentation ready and to be prepared to answer questions about the purpose and duration of your visit. Travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended period of stay and that they have obtained the correct visa or travel authorization well in advance of their trip.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Visa requirements for Indianapolis are governed by U.S. federal immigration policy. The specific documentation needed depends on the traveler's nationality and the purpose of the visit.

Visa-Free Entry

Maximum 90 days

Nationalities eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) can enter for tourism or business without a visa.

Includes

United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Japan South Korea Australia New Zealand Chile Taiwan

Must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. Travelers must hold an e-passport.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

90 days (tied to VWP)

The U.S. requires Visa Waiver Program travelers to obtain an ESTA, an automated system that determines eligibility to travel.

Includes

All Visa Waiver Program countries

How to Apply: Apply online via the official ESTA website. Processing is usually instantaneous but can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Cost: $21 USD

ESTA is valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. An approved ESTA is not a guarantee of entry; final determination is made by a CBP officer at the port of entry.

Visa Required

Determined by visa type (B1/B2 tourist/business visas typically allow up to 6 months per entry)

Nationalities not part of the Visa Waiver Program or those traveling for purposes not covered by VWP/ESTA (e.g., work, study, stays longer than 90 days) must apply for a visa.

How to Apply: Apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The process involves completing the DS-160 form, paying a fee, scheduling an interview, and providing supporting documents.

Processing times for visa interviews and approvals can be lengthy, often several weeks or months. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.

Arrival Process

When you first land in the United States, you will go through immigration and customs at that airport before catching your connecting flight to Indianapolis. The process is standard across U.S. ports of entry.

Primary Inspection

Proceed to the CBP inspection area. Present your passport, visa or ESTA authorization, and completed Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B, often provided on the plane). A CBP officer will ask questions about your visit, verify your documents, and take your photo and fingerprints (biometrics).

Secondary Inspection (if required)

If the officer needs more information, you may be directed to a secondary inspection area for further questioning. This is a standard procedure and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Baggage Claim and Customs

After passing primary inspection, collect your checked luggage. Proceed to the customs exit, where you will hand your declaration form to a CBP officer. Your bags may be selected for X-ray or physical inspection.

Connecting to Indianapolis

After clearing customs, if you are at a connecting airport, you must re-check your luggage for your domestic flight to Indianapolis (IND) and proceed through TSA security to your gate.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Required for all travelers. Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay (some countries are exempt from the six-month rule under bilateral agreements).

Visa or ESTA Authorization

Required based on nationality. The visa must be in a valid, undamaged passport. ESTA approval should be printed or available electronically.

Return or Onward Ticket

CBP may ask for proof of your intent to leave the United States after your authorized stay.

Customs Declaration Form

Form 6059B, to be completed before landing, declaring items, currency, and goods being brought into the country.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, ESTA/visa printout, flight itinerary, hotel reservation) organized and easily accessible.

Answer the CBP officer's questions clearly, honestly, and concisely. Do not volunteer unsolicited information.

If traveling under the VWP, ensure your ESTA is approved and your passport is an e-passport (with a digital chip).

Allow ample connection time (at least 3 hours) at your first U.S. port of entry to clear immigration, customs, reclaim and re-check baggage, and clear TSA security for your domestic connection.

Customs & Duty-Free

All travelers must declare items acquired abroad to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Duty-free allowances apply to personal use items.

Alcohol

1 liter (33.8 fl oz) per person aged 21+

Must be for personal use. State laws (Indiana) also apply upon arrival; you must be 21 to possess.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, OR 100 cigars (non-Cuban), OR 2 kilograms (4.4 lbs) of smoking tobacco

Restrictions apply to Cuban cigars. Must be for personal use.

Currency

No limit on amount

You must file a FinCEN Form 105 if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD (or foreign equivalent) in monetary instruments.

Gifts/Goods

$800 USD per person

Personal exemptions apply to items for personal use or gifts. Items above this value may be subject to duty and tax.

Prohibited Items

Absinthe - contains controlled substance thujone
Counterfeit goods - illegal under U.S. law
Illegal narcotics and paraphernalia
Most fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds - due to pest risk
Meat, poultry, and most animal products - from restricted regions
Products from endangered species (ivory, tortoiseshell, etc.)

Restricted Items

Firearms and ammunition - require prior approval and permits from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Medications - prescription drugs must be in original containers with doctor's prescription; some over-the-counter drugs in other countries may be controlled in the U.S.
Cultural artifacts and antiquities - require documentation proving legal export from country of origin

Health Requirements

There are minimal routine health requirements for entry into the United States, but specific situations and public health concerns can lead to temporary measures.

Required Vaccinations

None routinely required for tourist entry

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.) as per CDC schedule
Seasonal influenza
COVID-19 (as recommended)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. U.S. healthcare is extremely expensive for those without insurance. Travelers should secure complete travel medical insurance for the duration of their stay.

Current Health Requirements: As of March 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for air travelers entering the United States. However, requirements can change; check the CDC website for the latest travel health notices.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in the United States.

Check your government's travel advisory website for locations and contact details. The nearest major consulates are often in Chicago.

Immigration Authority

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Department of State.

For ESTA: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. For visas: https://travel.state.gov. For CBP info: https://www.cbp.gov

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 911 for police, ambulance, or fire services in Indianapolis and throughout the U.S.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

While not always asked, it is recommended that children traveling without both parents/guardians carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s). This can help prevent delays at immigration. All children, including infants, must have their own passport and visa/ESTA.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs must be healthy, vaccinated against rabies, and at least 6 months old. A CDC Dog Import Permit is required for dogs arriving from countries with a high risk of dog rabies. Cats generally require a rabies vaccination certificate. Check the latest CDC and USDA APHIS regulations for specific requirements, which have recently changed.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (B1/B2) or the Visa Waiver Program (90 days max) do not allow for extension or change of status easily. For longer stays (study, work, family), you must apply for the appropriate visa (F, J, H, etc.) from outside the U.S. before your trip. Overstaying is a serious violation and can lead to deportation and future entry bans.