Buffalo Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and travel authorization (visa or ESTA if required). Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel. This is not legally required but strongly recommended to avoid complications. Letter should include: child's name, parent/guardian names, travel dates, destination, and contact information. CBP officers may question children traveling alone or with only one parent to prevent child abduction. Carry birth certificates or custody documents if applicable. Unaccompanied minors may have special airline requirements.

Dogs and cats entering from Canada require: valid rabies vaccination certificate (dogs must be vaccinated at least 30 days before entry; valid for 1-3 years depending on vaccine), health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of entry, and pets must appear healthy upon arrival. Dogs from countries with high rabies risk require CDC Dog Import Permit and additional requirements. Birds require import permits and quarantine. Other animals have varying requirements; contact USDA/APHIS before travel. Service animals have specific documentation requirements. Pets may be inspected by CBP and USDA veterinarians. Some airlines have breed restrictions and require advance booking for pet travel. Buffalo area has limited international pet entry facilities; verify before travel.

Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days; you must leave the U.S. If you entered on a B-1/B-2 visa and need to stay longer, apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. Extension not guaranteed; you must show compelling reasons. Overstaying your authorized period makes you inadmissible for future visits and can result in deportation. If you want to change status (e.g., tourist to student), file Form I-539 with USCIS before your current status expires. Working without authorization is illegal and results in deportation and future entry bans. For long-term stays, consider appropriate visa categories: F-1 (student), H-1B (skilled worker), L-1 (intracompany transfer), or others. Consult immigration attorney for complex situations.

Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP/ESTA can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, and conduct business consultations, but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. salary. Carry invitation letters, conference registration, or business meeting documentation. If you will work in the U.S., you need appropriate work authorization (H-1B, L-1, E-2, TN, etc.). NAFTA/USMCA professionals from Canada or Mexico may qualify for TN status at the border with job offer letter and credentials. Carry business cards and documentation of your employer and U.S. business contacts. Be prepared to explain business purpose clearly to CBP officers.

Students must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa and Form I-20 issued by SEVIS-approved school. Apply for student visa at U.S. embassy/consulate in home country after receiving I-20. Pay SEVIS fee before visa interview. Enter U.S. no more than 30 days before program start date on I-20. Present I-20, visa, passport, and proof of financial support at port of entry. Students authorized to work on-campus or with OPT/CPT must carry employment authorization documents. Maintain full-time enrollment and valid F-1 status. Report address changes to school and USCIS within 10 days of moving.

Previous overstays, deportations, or immigration violations can make you inadmissible to the U.S. If you were previously removed or deported, you may be barred from re-entry for 5-20 years or permanently, depending on circumstances. Overstaying by more than 180 days triggers bars on re-entry. Criminal convictions, fraud, or misrepresentation can result in permanent inadmissibility. If you have previous violations, consult an immigration attorney before applying for visa or ESTA. Some inadmissibilities can be waived with proper application and documentation. Never attempt to enter with false documents or by concealing previous violations; this results in permanent ban and possible criminal charges.

If transiting through Buffalo to another country (e.g., entering from Canada to fly internationally from Buffalo airport), you still must meet all U.S. entry requirements including visa or ESTA. There is no transit-without-visa program at U.S. airports. You will go through full immigration and customs inspection. Allow sufficient time for border crossing and security screening (recommended minimum 3-4 hours before international flight when crossing from Canada). Keep all travel documents accessible. If flying from Buffalo to Canada or other international destination, you'll clear U.S. exit procedures and Canadian or destination country entry requirements upon arrival.