Norfolk Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Visa requirements for Norfolk follow U.S. federal immigration policy. Requirements vary significantly based on nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay. The U.S. operates the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for certain countries, while others require electronic authorization or traditional visa applications.
Citizens of VWP countries can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business without obtaining a visa
Must have ESTA authorization before travel, valid e-passport, return/onward ticket, and no previous visa denials or immigration violations. ESTA must be approved at least 72 hours before departure.
Required for all VWP travelers before boarding transportation to the U.S.
Cost: USD $21 per application (as of 2024)
ESTA is not a visa. Approval does not guarantee entry; final decision made by CBP officer at port of entry. Not valid for work, study, or stays exceeding 90 days.
All other nationalities and purposes not covered by VWP require a traditional visa
Common visa types: B-1/B-2 (tourism/business), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B (work). Apply well in advance of travel. Visa does not guarantee entry; CBP officer makes final determination. Citizens of countries not in VWP, those with previous immigration violations, or those planning to work/study require appropriate visas.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Norfolk, all international travelers must clear U.S. immigration and customs. The process is designed to verify traveler identity, determine admissibility, and ensure compliance with customs regulations. Norfolk International Airport has U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities for processing international arrivals.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
U.S. Customs and Border Protection enforces customs regulations for all goods entering the United States through Norfolk. Travelers must declare all items acquired abroad, including purchases, gifts, and items for business use. Duty-free allowances apply to personal use items, but exceeding these limits or bringing prohibited items can result in penalties, seizure, and potential criminal charges.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Federal offense with severe criminal penalties
- Absinthe with thujone - Unless thujone-free
- Certain fruits, vegetables, and plants - Risk of introducing pests and diseases
- Meat and poultry products from most countries - Disease prevention (exceptions for some processed/canned items)
- Soil or items with soil attached - Agricultural biosecurity
- Counterfeit and pirated goods - Trademark and copyright violations
- Certain wildlife and wildlife products - Protected under CITES and Endangered Species Act
- Hazardous materials - Explosives, flammables, toxic substances
- Switchblade knives and certain weapons - Federal restrictions
- Cuban products exceeding personal use amounts - Though restrictions have eased
- Goods from embargoed countries - Varies based on current sanctions
- Unprescribed medications and controlled substances - DEA regulations apply
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Must be in original containers with prescription label; carry only personal use quantities
- Firearms and ammunition - Require ATF permits and advance declaration; strict regulations apply
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities - May require export permits from country of origin
- Certain fish and wildlife - Require permits under Fish and Wildlife Service and CITES regulations
- Pet birds - Quarantine and health certificates required; only through designated ports
- Biological specimens - Require CDC permits for infectious agents
- Alcoholic beverages for commercial purposes - Require special permits and labeling
- Cheese and dairy products - Some types restricted; must be declared
- Seeds and plants - Require phytosanitary certificates; many prohibited
Health Requirements
Health requirements for entering the United States through Norfolk are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and may change based on public health situations. Currently, there are no routine vaccination requirements for most travelers, but this can vary based on country of origin and current disease outbreaks.
Required Vaccinations
- COVID-19 vaccination may be required for certain visa categories or during public health emergencies - check current CDC requirements
- Yellow fever vaccination required only if arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries in Africa or South America (proof via International Certificate of Vaccination)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio, etc.) - ensure up to date
- COVID-19 vaccination and boosters - strongly recommended regardless of requirements
- Influenza vaccine - especially during flu season (October-March)
- Hepatitis A and B - for longer stays
- Any vaccinations recommended by your healthcare provider based on your health status
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not required for tourist entry to the U.S., but is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Medical care in the United States is extremely expensive, and visitors are responsible for all medical costs. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Travel medical insurance should include coverage of at least $100,000 for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation. Some visa types (J-1 exchange visitors, for example) have mandatory insurance requirements. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover foreign visitors, and many foreign health insurance policies have limited or no coverage in the U.S.
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Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children, including infants, must have their own passport and appropriate visa/ESTA authorization. Minors under 18 traveling alone, with only one parent, or with non-parents should carry notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Letter should include: child's name, parent/guardian names and contact information, travel dates, destination, traveling companion details (if applicable), and signatures. CBP may question children traveling without both parents to prevent child abduction. Adoption papers or custody documents may be needed if names differ. Birth certificates are recommended. Unaccompanied minors may have additional airline requirements and restrictions.
Dogs and cats can enter the U.S. but must meet specific requirements. Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival and be at least 6 months old if arriving from high-risk rabies countries. Valid rabies vaccination certificate required (administered at least 30 days before arrival, valid for duration specified by vaccine manufacturer). CDC Dog Import Form required for dogs from high-risk rabies countries. Cats must appear healthy; rabies vaccination recommended but not federally required (state requirements vary). Pet birds require quarantine and advance reservation at USDA facility. Other pets have varying requirements. Service animals have specific documentation requirements under ADA. Contact CDC, USDA, and Virginia Department of Agriculture well in advance. Norfolk International Airport has limitations on pet entry - verify capabilities before travel. Emotional support animals are no longer recognized for air travel; only trained service dogs qualify.
Tourist visas and Visa Waiver Program do NOT allow extensions or status changes (VWP is strictly 90 days). B-1/B-2 visa holders may apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS before current status expires; approval not guaranteed. Must file at least 45 days before expiration. For longer stays, must apply for appropriate visa from outside the U.S.: work visas (H-1B, L-1), student visas (F-1, M-1), exchange visitor (J-1), or other categories. Overstaying visa has serious consequences: visa cancellation, future entry bans (3-10 years or permanent), difficulty obtaining future visas, and potential deportation. If circumstances change requiring longer stay, consult immigration attorney immediately. Never work on tourist visa/ESTA - this is visa fraud with severe penalties including permanent ban from U.S.
Business visitors on B-1 visa or VWP/ESTA can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, and conduct business activities, but CANNOT be employed or receive salary from U.S. source. Can receive expense reimbursement. Carry documentation: invitation letter from U.S. company, conference registration, proof of foreign employment, return ticket. If conducting business activities beyond meetings (training, installation, etc.), may need different visa. Some business activities require work visa regardless of payment. When in doubt, consult immigration attorney before travel.
Previous visa denials, overstays, deportations, or criminal convictions can affect admissibility. Even minor offenses or very old convictions may cause issues. Some crimes make travelers permanently inadmissible; others may require waivers. ESTA applications may be denied based on history. If you have any criminal history, immigration violations, or previous visa denials, consult with immigration attorney before applying for ESTA or visa. Be honest on all applications - lying about history is grounds for permanent ban. CBP has access to extensive databases and will discover undisclosed information. Some grounds of inadmissibility can be waived, but require advance application.
If transiting through Norfolk to another country, you generally still need ESTA or visa unless you qualify for specific transit programs. The U.S. does not have airside transit - you must clear immigration even for connections. Allow sufficient time between flights (minimum 3-4 hours recommended for international connections). Ensure you meet entry requirements even for brief transit. Some travelers may qualify for C-1 transit visa if not eligible for VWP. If leaving airport during transit, same rules apply as regular entry.