When Visas are not Required

Ordinarily, foreign nationals entering the United States must have valid visas unless they qualify for travel under the Visa Waiver Program. However, there are some specific exceptions as described in the following paragraphs.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens carrying valid Canadian passports do not require visas if traveling to the United States unless they are ineligible to receive a visa under U.S. visa law, have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the United States, or are traveling for the purpose described below:

• Foreign government officials (A), officials and employees of international organizations (G) and NATO officials, representatives and employees assigned to the U.S. as needed to facilitate their travel;
• Treaty traders (E-1) or Treaty investors (E-2);
• Fiance(e)s of U.S. Citizens(K-1 & K-2);
• U.S. citizen's foreign citizen spouse, who is traveling to the U.S. to complete the process of immigration (K-3) & their children(K-4);
• Spouses of lawful permanent residents (V-1) traveling to the U.S. to reside here while they wait for the final completion of their immigration process and their chidlren (V-2).

Note:  Canadian citizens who do not require visas must present evidence of their entitlement to status to U.S. immigration at the Port of Entry.  For example, beneficiaries of employment based H, L, O, P, Q, or R petitions, must present the Notice of Action Form I-797, students and exchange visitors, the I-20A-B or M-N or the DS-2019, journalists and air and sea crew, a letter from their employer.    

Bermudan Nationals

Citizens of the British Overseas Territories of Bermuda carrying valid Government of Bermuda passports do not require visas if traveling to the United States for less than 180 days unless they are ineligible to receive a visa under U.S. visa law, have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the United States, or are traveling for the purpose described below: 

• Foreign government officials (A), officials and employees of international organizations (G);
• Treaty traders (E-1) or Treaty investors (E-2);
• Fiance(e)s of U.S. Citizens(K-1 & K-2);
• U.S. citizen's foreign citizen spouse, who is traveling to the U.S. to complete the process of immigration (K-3) & their children(K-4);
• Spouses of lawful permanent residents (V-1) traveling to the U.S. to reside here while they wait for the final completion of their immigration process and their chidlren (V-2).

Note:A valid passport is required if traveling to the United States from the United Kingdom or Europe. Bermudan passport holders traveling to the United States from destinations outside of the United Kingdom or Europe should check on the passport requirements before traveling.

In order to fulfill the passport requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Bermuda passports must have the following endorsement "HOLDER POSSESSES BERMUDA STATUS", or a separate certificate of Bermuda status should be presented with the passport.  In addition, if the bearer does not possess Bermudian status, s/he must have a landing permit, reentry permit, or residential certificate/card for entry.

Mexican Nationals

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). The Border Crossing Card, Form DSP-150 is a biometric, machine readable card that is a combined visitor B1-B2 visa/Border Crossing Card.