Last verified: September 9, 2026. A U.S. visa or approved ESTA lets a traveller request admission, but it does not guarantee entry. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspects international arrivals and makes the admission decision at the port of entry. This guide explains the primary inspection, possible secondary inspection, customs declarations and the I-94 record visitors should check after arrival.
Quick rule: Carry documents that clearly support the same purpose stated in your visa or ESTA application. Answer CBP questions truthfully, declare required items and check your electronic I-94 after admission.
What CBP checks at the U.S. border
CBP’s inspection covers immigration, customs and agriculture. An officer may check identity, travel authorization, purpose of travel, intended address, length of stay, return plans, funds and items carried. Every person arriving at a U.S. port of entry is subject to inspection.
Travellers normally clear CBP at their first U.S. port of entry, even when connecting to another U.S. city. Passengers processed at an authorised U.S. preclearance location abroad generally do not repeat CBP clearance after landing.
Documents to keep ready
- passport valid for the journey and any applicable passport-validity rule;
- valid U.S. visa, or approved ESTA for an eligible Visa Waiver Program traveller;
- return or onward itinerary;
- address and contact details for the first accommodation or host;
- evidence supporting the purpose, such as conference, school or business documents;
- evidence of funds for travel and living costs;
- prescriptions and original packaging for medication; and
- documents for children travelling with one parent or another adult, when relevant.
Do not present false bookings, altered letters or an itinerary that hides intended work. A B visitor visa or ESTA does not authorise ordinary employment. If your circumstances changed after the visa or ESTA application, check the correct route before travelling.
Primary and secondary inspection
Most travellers begin at primary inspection. The officer may scan the passport, take biometrics where applicable and ask concise questions. A traveller can be referred to secondary inspection for additional review. Referral does not automatically mean refusal; it may be used to verify documents, resolve a system alert or ask more detailed questions.
Keep medicines, essential contact details and important papers in hand luggage. If you have a previous overstay, arrest, removal, visa cancellation or other admissibility concern, seek qualified U.S. immigration advice before departure. CBP states that it cannot give individual legal advice.
ESTA is not a visa or entry guarantee
ESTA determines eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. CBP confirms that an ESTA approval permits boarding with a participating carrier but does not replace a visa when one is required and does not guarantee admission. If ESTA is denied, a traveller may need to apply for the appropriate nonimmigrant visa rather than submitting false information in a new ESTA application.
If you are using a visa, make sure the purpose of the trip matches its category. Our U.S. visa appointment guide explains why an appointment or issued visa remains separate from border admission.
What must be declared
Declare all food, plants, agricultural products and wildlife items. CBP can inspect baggage and may restrict products that could carry pests or disease. When uncertain, declare the item and let the officer decide.
CBP also requires declaration of currency or qualifying monetary instruments exceeding US$10,000 in combined value. Carrying more than that is not automatically illegal, but failing to report it can create serious consequences. Medication should be declared and carried in original packaging with a prescription in the traveller’s name where applicable.
Understanding the electronic I-94
Form I-94 is the DHS arrival/departure record for many nonimmigrant visitors. It records the admitted status and the date by which the traveller must leave, unless an authorised extension or change applies. CBP has automated I-94 records at air, sea and land ports, with paper records used only in limited cases.
- After entry, visit the official I-94 website.
- Retrieve the most recent I-94 using passport details.
- Check the spelling of the name, passport number, class of admission and “admit until” date.
- Save a copy for immigration, employment, school or benefits records.
- If information is wrong, follow CBP’s deferred-inspection correction instructions promptly.
The visa expiry date and I-94 “admit until” date are different. The visa governs when it may be presented for entry; the I-94 generally records the authorised period of that admission.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a valid visa guarantees admission.
- Giving answers inconsistent with the visa category or stated itinerary.
- Failing to declare food, plants, medication or reportable currency.
- Packing supporting documents only in checked baggage.
- Ignoring an incorrect I-94 after arrival.
- Using the visa expiration date as the permitted departure date.
Frequently asked questions
Will I clear CBP during a U.S. connection?
Normally you clear CBP at the first U.S. port of entry. Travellers already processed at an overseas U.S. preclearance location generally arrive as domestic passengers.
Does secondary inspection mean I will be refused?
No. It means additional review is required. The final outcome depends on the facts, documents and admissibility rules.
Where can I download my I-94?
Use the official CBP I-94 website at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
Official sources
- CBP — Applying for Admission FAQ
- CBP — Definition of an I-94
- CBP — What ESTA Means
- CBP — Items Travellers Must Declare
GlobalVisora is independent and is not affiliated with CBP, DHS or the U.S. government. This is general information, not legal advice; official rules and individual decisions take priority.