Charlotte Entry Requirements

Children, including infants, must have their own passport and visa/ESTA if required by nationality. Parents/guardians should carry proof of relationship (birth certificate) and parental consent. If child is traveling with only one parent or with non-parents (grandparents, school groups, etc.), carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian authorizing the travel. CBP may question children traveling without both parents to prevent child abduction. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents if applicable.

Dogs and cats entering the U.S. must meet CDC and USDA requirements. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival and be at least 6 months old. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs (must be administered at least 30 days before arrival and be current). CDC has specific requirements for dogs arriving from high-risk rabies countries including valid rabies vaccination, microchip, and CDC Dog Import Permit. Cats must appear healthy but do not require rabies vaccination certificate (though recommended). All pets may be subject to inspection. Service animals have different requirements. Birds, reptiles, and other animals have additional restrictions. Contact CDC and USDA-APHIS well in advance (at least 6 weeks) and check airline pet policies. Charlotte Douglas Airport has pet relief areas.

Tourist visas and ESTA/VWP entries do not allow extension in most cases. VWP stays cannot be extended beyond 90 days under any circumstances. B-1/B-2 visa holders may apply for extension through USCIS (Form I-539) before current status expires, though approval is not guaranteed. If you wish to stay longer for work, study, or other purposes, you must apply for the appropriate visa category (F-1 for students, H-1B for workers, etc.) through USCIS, typically requiring you to leave the U.S. and re-enter with new visa. Overstaying your authorized period has serious consequences including deportation and bars on future U.S. entry. Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations.

Business visitors entering under B-1 visa or VWP can attend meetings, conferences, negotiations, and training, but cannot perform productive work or receive U.S. salary. Carry documentation: invitation letters from U.S. company, conference registration, proof of overseas employment and salary continuation. If performing work, you need appropriate work visa (H-1B, L-1, E-2, etc.). Professional equipment and trade show materials may require carnets or temporary import documentation.

Students must have F-1 or M-1 visa and valid I-20 form from SEVIS-approved school. Exchange visitors need J-1 visa and DS-2019 form. Cannot enter on ESTA/VWP or tourist visa for study purposes. Must arrive no earlier than 30 days before program start date. Carry acceptance letter, proof of financial support, and SEVIS fee payment receipt. Report to school's international student office upon arrival.

If transiting through Charlotte to another country, you still need valid ESTA or visa unless remaining airside in international transit (which is not common in U.S. airports). Most connections in Charlotte require clearing U.S. immigration and customs, then re-checking bags for onward flight. Allow sufficient connection time (minimum 2-3 hours for international to international connections).

Travelers with criminal records, including DUI/DWI, may be inadmissible to the U.S. Even minor offenses or arrests without conviction can cause problems. If you have any criminal history, consult with U.S. Embassy before applying for ESTA or visa. You may need to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. Lying about criminal history on ESTA or visa application will result in permanent ban from U.S.