Salt Lake City Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Entry requirements for Salt Lake City follow United States federal immigration policy. Your visa requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.
Citizens of 41 countries can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without a visa
Must have an e-passport (electronic passport with chip). Must obtain ESTA authorization before travel. Cannot work or study. Must have return ticket and sufficient funds for stay.
Required for all VWP travelers before boarding flights to the U.S.
Cost: USD $21 per application
ESTA is not a visa. Approval does not guarantee entry - final decision made by CBP officer at port of entry. Print authorization confirmation. Check eligibility carefully - previous visa denials, overstays, or travel to certain countries may disqualify you from VWP.
All other nationalities and purposes not covered by VWP require a U.S. visa
Common visa types: B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B (work). Start application process 3-6 months before intended travel. Visa does not guarantee entry - CBP officer makes final determination. Countries requiring visas include: China, India, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, and many others.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at Salt Lake City International Airport, all international passengers must complete immigration and customs procedures before entering the United States. The process is straightforward but thorough, and cooperation with officers ensures smooth entry.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulates what goods can be brought into the United States. All travelers must declare items acquired abroad, including gifts, purchases, and items you're bringing for someone else. Duty-free allowances apply to personal use items only.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - including marijuana (illegal federally despite state laws)
- Absinthe containing thujone - alcoholic beverages with certain additives
- Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media, etc.
- Certain fruits, vegetables, and plants - to prevent agricultural pests (most fresh produce prohibited)
- Meat and poultry products - from most countries due to disease concerns
- Soil - or items with soil attached
- Endangered species products - ivory, turtle shell, certain furs, protected plants
- Hazardous materials - fireworks, flammable items, certain chemicals
- Unpasteurized dairy products - including certain cheeses
- Cuban products - with some exceptions for personal use items
- Switchblade knives - and certain other weapons
- Dog and cat fur products - any items made from these materials
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - must be in original packaging with prescription label; carry only quantity for personal use; controlled substances require special documentation
- Firearms and ammunition - must be declared; subject to ATF regulations; permits may be required
- Fish and wildlife - permits required from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; must be declared
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities - may require export permits from country of origin
- Biological specimens - require permits from CDC and USDA
- Certain food items - commercially canned or packaged foods generally allowed; homemade items often prohibited
- Pets and animals - require health certificates, vaccinations, and advance arrangements with CDC/USDA
- Alcoholic beverages over allowance - subject to federal duty and IRS tax; state restrictions apply
- Monetary instruments over $10,000 - must be declared on FinCEN 105 form
Health Requirements
The United States has specific health requirements for entry, primarily focused on preventing the introduction of communicable diseases. Requirements vary based on your country of origin and current global health situations.
Required Vaccinations
- No routine vaccinations required for most travelers entering the U.S. for tourism
- Immigrants and certain visa categories may require proof of vaccination against: measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus/diphtheria, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, varicella, pneumococcal disease, and influenza
- Travelers from countries with yellow fever transmission must show proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving within 6 days of being in those countries
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - ensure you're up to date on standard vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.)
- Influenza - especially during flu season (October-March)
- COVID-19 - follow current CDC guidance
- Hepatitis A and B - for certain travelers
- Any vaccines recommended for activities you'll be doing (e.g., hiking in tick areas)
Health Insurance
Health insurance is strongly recommended but not required for tourists. The United States has very expensive healthcare, and visitors are responsible for all medical costs. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel health insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and repatriation is highly advisable. Ensure your policy covers the U.S. and has adequate coverage limits (minimum $100,000 recommended, preferably $250,000+). Some visa categories may require proof of health insurance.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, must have their own passport and meet the same entry requirements as adults (ESTA or visa). If a child is traveling with only one parent, with relatives, or with a group, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) or legal guardian(s) authorizing the travel. Include contact information for the non-traveling parent(s). Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. CBP officers may question children separately to prevent child abduction. Adopted children should carry adoption papers. Birth certificates showing parental relationship are also recommended.
Dogs and cats can enter the U.S. but must meet specific requirements. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival and be at least 6 months old. Vaccination against rabies is required for dogs (with certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before arrival). Dogs from high-risk rabies countries have additional requirements including CDC import permit and quarantine. Cats have no federal vaccination requirements but must appear healthy. Service animals must also meet these requirements. Birds require import permits and quarantine. Other animals (reptiles, rodents, etc.) have varying requirements. Check CDC and USDA-APHIS websites well in advance. Airlines have separate pet travel policies. Utah has its own animal import regulations. Consider pet travel insurance for veterinary emergencies.
Tourist visas (B-2) and VWP visits have limited durations. VWP stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days - you must leave the U.S. For B-2 visa holders, extensions may be possible by filing Form I-539 with USCIS before your authorized stay expires; approval is not guaranteed. For longer stays, consider appropriate visa categories: F-1 for students (must be accepted to SEVP-certified school), J-1 for exchange programs, H-1B for specialized work (employer-sponsored), or other work visas. Overstaying your authorized period has serious consequences: future visa denials, entry bans, and legal issues. Track your departure date carefully using your I-94 record (available at i94.cbp.dhs.gov). If you need to stay longer for emergencies, contact USCIS immediately.
Business visitors can enter under VWP (with ESTA) or B-1 visa for activities like: attending meetings/conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates, or attending training. You cannot work for a U.S. employer or receive U.S.-source income. Carry documentation: invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, business cards, and evidence of your employment abroad. If conducting business activities, be prepared to explain the nature of your work and confirm you're not seeking U.S. employment. Certain business activities require work visas instead.
Students must obtain F-1 visa (academic studies) or M-1 visa (vocational studies) before arrival. You must be accepted to a SEVP-certified school, which will issue Form I-20. Pay SEVIS fee online before visa interview. Exchange visitors use J-1 visa with Form DS-2019 from sponsor organization. Student visas allow entry up to 30 days before program start. You can work on-campus with restrictions and may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after studies. Maintain full-time enrollment to keep status. Dependents use F-2 or J-2 visas.
If you're transiting through Salt Lake City to another country, you still need proper authorization. VWP travelers need ESTA even for transit. Others may need C-1 transit visa unless eligible for VWP. You must remain in the international transit area or clear immigration if changing terminals or airlines. Ensure you have valid documents for your final destination. If your layover exceeds 24 hours or you want to leave the airport, you need regular visitor authorization (ESTA or B-2 visa). Some nationalities require visas even for brief transits.
If you've previously overstayed, been denied entry, been deported, or violated U.S. immigration law, you may be inadmissible. Previous visa denials don't automatically bar entry but may require additional scrutiny. Certain criminal convictions can make you inadmissible. If you have any immigration violations in your history, consult with an immigration attorney before applying for ESTA or a visa. You may need a waiver of inadmissibility. Be honest on all applications - lying about your history will result in permanent bars to entry. Even minor issues can cause problems, so disclose everything and seek legal advice if uncertain.