Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [351]
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INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Entering the USA
Depending on your country of origin, getting into the USA can be a bureaucratic nightmare, as the rules keep changing. For up-to-date information about entry requirements and eligibility, we highly recommend checking with a US consulate in your home country.
In 2004, the US Department of Homeland Security introduced a new set of security measures called US-VISIT. Upon arrival in the US, all visitors will be photographed and have their index fingers scanned. Eventually, this biometric data will be matched when you leave the US. The goal is to ensure that the person who entered the US is the same as the one leaving it and to catch people who’ve overstayed the terms of their admission. For full details about US-VISIT, check with a US consulate or www.dhs.gov/us-visit.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
For full background information, check the visa website of the US Department of State (www.unitedstatesvisas.gov). You can even sign up for emailed newsletters to keep abreast of developments.
Currently, under the US Visa Waiver Program, visas are not required for citizens of 39 countries for stays up to 90 days (no extensions) as long as they travel with a machine-readable passport (MRP). If you don’t have an MRP, you will need to get a visa to enter the USA.
MRP passports issued or renewed after October 26, 2006 require an integrated chip with biometric information from the data page. MRP issued or renewed between October 26, 2005 and October 25, 2006 must have a digital photograph or integrated chip on the data page. If your passport was issued before October 26, 2005 it will still be accepted as long as it’s an MRP. In other words, there is no need to get a new passport until your current one expires.
As of January 2009, citizens of the Waiver Program will need to register with the government online (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/) three days before their visit. The registration is valid for two years.
Since January 2007, under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, citizens from the US, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda must also have a valid passport when entering the US by air and, most likely starting in the middle of 2008, by land or sea.
Citizens from all other countries need to apply for a visa in their home country. The process costs a nonrefundable $100, involves a personal interview and can take several weeks, so you should apply as early as possible.
Customs
Non-US citizens and permanent residents over the age of 21 may bring 1L of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 3lbs (1.35kg) of smoking tobacco, and $100 worth of gifts into the US. Amounts higher than $10,000 in cash, traveler’s checks, money orders and other cash equivalents must be declared. Unless you’re curious about the US jail lifestyle, don’t even think about bringing in illegal drugs.
California is an important agricultural state. To prevent the spread of pests and diseases there are certain food items (including meats, fresh fruit and vegetables) that may not be brought into the state. Bakery items, chocolates and hard-cured cheeses are admissible.
If you drive into California across the border from Mexico or the neighboring states of Oregon, Nevada and Arizona, you may have to stop for a quick inspection and questioning by officials of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
For complete information, visit the US Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.
Embassies & Consulates
Most foreign embassies are in Washington, DC, but many countries, including the following, have consular offices in LA. For additional countries, visit www.ss.ca.gov/business/ibrp/fgncons.htm.
Australia (Map; 310-229-4800; 2049 Century Park E, 19th fl) Near Beverly Hills.
Canada (Map; 213-346-2700; 550 S Hope St, 9th fl) Downtown.
France (Map 310-235-3200; 10990 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300) Westwood.
Germany (Map; 323-930-2703; 6222