Albuquerque Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA. Children under 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or with non-parents should carry notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian authorizing travel. Include contact information and copy of parent's ID. CBP may question children traveling without both parents to prevent child abduction. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Unaccompanied minors require airline-specific procedures and documentation. Children are subject to same customs and immigration procedures as adults, though fingerprinting exemption applies under age 14.

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. must meet CDC and USDA requirements. Dogs: Must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry, valid for duration stated by vaccine manufacturer). CDC Dog Import Form required. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries face additional restrictions. Cats: No federal rabies vaccination requirement for cats, but recommended. Health certificate may be required. Both: Must appear healthy upon arrival. Puppies/kittens under 3-4 months may face restrictions. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. New Mexico may have additional state requirements. Other pets (birds, reptiles, rodents, etc.) have specific CDC/USDA/Fish & Wildlife Service requirements - check regulations before travel. Recommend using direct flights to minimize stress and complications.

Tourist visas and VWP allow specific durations (typically 90 days for VWP, up to 6 months for B-2 visa). VWP stays cannot be extended - must depart by 90th day. B-2 visa holders may apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS before current status expires (file at least 45 days before expiration). Extension not guaranteed. Overstaying can result in visa cancellation, future entry bans, and immigration violations. To stay longer-term: return home and reapply, or change to different visa status (student F-1, work visa, etc.) if eligible. Changing status requires USCIS approval before current status expires. Some activities (work, study) require specific visa types - cannot be done on tourist status. For stays over 6 months, consider appropriate visa category from start. Consult immigration attorney for complex situations.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP can attend meetings, conferences, consultations, and negotiate contracts, but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. salary. Bring invitation letters, conference registration, or meeting confirmations. If working for U.S. employer or receiving U.S. income, appropriate work visa required (H-1B, L-1, etc.). Journalists and media require I visa. Professional equipment (cameras, laptops, samples) for business use generally allowed duty-free but declare expensive items using ATA Carnet to ensure duty-free re-export. Business travelers should clearly explain purpose and have supporting documentation.

Students attending U.S. schools require F-1 visa (academic) or M-1 visa (vocational). Exchange visitors require J-1 visa. Process: accepted by SEVIS-approved school, receive Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), pay SEVIS fee, apply for visa at U.S. Embassy, enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start. Must maintain full-time enrollment and follow visa restrictions. Can arrive at Albuquerque if attending University of New Mexico or other local institutions. F-1 allows limited on-campus work and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. J-1 may have two-year home residency requirement. Dependents use F-2 or J-2 visas.

Travelers transiting through U.S. airports to reach another country must have valid ESTA (if VWP eligible) or C-1 transit visa. Even if not leaving airport, must clear U.S. immigration. Transit passengers collect baggage, clear customs, then re-check bags for onward flight. Allow minimum 3-4 hours for international connections. Some nationalities require C-1 visa even for brief transits. If leaving airport during layover, must have appropriate tourist visa/ESTA. Canada and Mexico trips: re-entering U.S. after visiting requires new immigration inspection.

Previous visa denial or refused entry does not permanently bar U.S. travel but requires addressing reason for denial. Common reasons: insufficient ties to home country, previous overstays, criminal history, misrepresentation. If previously denied ESTA, must apply for visa at embassy - cannot use VWP. If previously deported or removed, may be barred for 3-10 years or permanently depending on circumstances. Waivers available in some cases. Voluntary withdrawal is not formal removal. Be honest about previous denials when applying - lying about immigration history results in permanent ban. Consult immigration attorney if complex history.

Criminal history can affect U.S. admissibility. Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, multiple convictions, or sentences over 1 year can make traveler inadmissible. ESTA application asks about criminal history - answer truthfully. Visa applicants undergo more thorough background checks. Minor traffic violations generally not issue. DUI may cause problems. Certain crimes require waiver of inadmissibility (Form I-192 or I-601). CBP has access to international criminal databases. Lying about criminal history results in permanent ban. Even spent, expunged, or pardoned convictions may need disclosure. Consult immigration attorney if criminal record exists.