Virginia Beach Entry Requirements

All children, including infants, must have their own passport and visa/ESTA if required. Children under 18 traveling alone or with only one parent should carry notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) authorizing travel. Letter should include: child's name, dates of travel, destination, traveling parent's contact information, and non-traveling parent's contact information and signature. While not always required, CBP officers may request this documentation. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Adopted children should carry adoption papers. For children traveling with adults who are not parents/guardians, carry notarized authorization from parents/legal guardians plus copy of child's birth certificate.

Dogs and cats can enter Virginia Beach from most countries with proper documentation. Requirements: 1) Rabies vaccination certificate (must be current and administered at least 30 days before entry; puppies/kittens under 3 months may be exempt but check regulations). 2) Health certificate from licensed veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel. 3) Dogs from countries with high risk of dog rabies require additional documentation and CDC Dog Import Permit. 4) Pets must appear healthy upon arrival - sick animals may be quarantined. 5) Some airlines have additional requirements and restrictions. 6) Service animals have specific documentation requirements under ADA. Birds, reptiles, and other animals have different requirements - check USDA and CDC websites. Virginia state regulations may also apply. Book pet-friendly accommodations in advance as not all hotels accept pets.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): Cannot be extended under any circumstances. 90-day limit is absolute. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and cannot use VWP for frequent visits (appears as visa abuse). B-1/B-2 Tourist Visa: May apply for extension using Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. Must file at least 45 days before expiration. Extension not guaranteed and requires valid reason (medical emergency, delayed departure). Fee: $370+. Processing: several months. Other visa types: Extension procedures vary by visa category. Student visas (F-1) can be extended through your school's international office. Work visas have specific extension processes through employers. Overstaying your authorized period, even by one day, can result in: automatic visa cancellation, future visa denial, and bars to re-entry (3-year bar for overstays of 180+ days, 10-year bar for overstays of 1+ year). If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, consult an immigration attorney or your sponsor organization.

Travelers with criminal records may be inadmissible to the U.S. Crimes involving moral turpitude, controlled substance violations, multiple criminal convictions, and other serious offenses can result in visa denial or entry refusal. Even arrests without convictions may require additional documentation. ESTA applications ask about criminal history - answer truthfully as false statements result in permanent ineligibility. If you have a criminal record: 1) Consult with U.S. Embassy/Consulate before applying for visa. 2) You may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. 3) Bring court documents and evidence of rehabilitation. 4) DUI/DWI convictions can affect entry. 5) Drug-related offenses are particularly serious. Canadian citizens should note that even minor offenses can affect previously easy entry. Legal rehabilitation in your home country does not automatically clear U.S. inadmissibility.

If you have previously overstayed a visa, been deported, or violated U.S. immigration law, you may be subject to bars to re-entry. Overstays trigger automatic bars: 180+ days unlawful presence = 3-year bar; 1+ year unlawful presence = 10-year bar. Deportation or removal can result in 5-year, 10-year, 20-year, or permanent bars depending on circumstances. Previous visa denials do not automatically bar future applications but you must address reasons for denial. If you have previous violations: 1) Consult immigration attorney before attempting to return. 2) You may need to apply for waiver of inadmissibility. 3) Be prepared to provide extensive documentation. 4) ESTA will likely be denied - you must apply for visa at consulate. 5) Do not attempt to enter without proper authorization as this can worsen penalties.

U.S. dual citizens must enter and exit the United States using their U.S. passport, even if they have citizenship in a VWP country. This is a legal requirement. Dual citizens of VWP countries and non-VWP countries should use their VWP passport if eligible for ESTA. Some countries don't recognize dual citizenship - check requirements for both countries. When traveling through multiple countries, consider which passport to use for each segment based on visa requirements and ease of entry. Always carry both passports if you have dual citizenship. U.S. citizens (including dual citizens) cannot be denied entry to the U.S., but using wrong passport can cause delays.