[Did You Know] What Do You Need for a Trip to the USA? Essential Procedures and Documents

The USA has always been a dream destination for many Vietnamese. Every year, the USA welcomes a large number of students, immigrants, and tourists from Vietnam. So, what do you need when traveling to the USA? What are the essential documents and procedures? Mytour will answer all your questions in the article below.

What Do You Need for a Trip to the USA?

Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic situation has made international travel between countries difficult and requires many complex procedures. Therefore, you need to understand the regulations and essential documents for a smooth and convenient entry process to the USA.

1. Airfare from Vietnam to the USA

First and foremost, what you need to do for your trip to the USA is to book airfare from Vietnam to the USA. The booking code for this flight is also an important factor for securing a US tourist visa. Due to limited operations during the pandemic, flights from Vietnam to the USA are restricted, so make sure to book your ticket quickly to get the best deals.

Photo: Mytour

Currently, flights from Vietnam to the USA are operated by international airlines such as Eva Air, All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, etc., with at least 1 layover depending on the itinerary. Economy class ticket prices range from 500 - 900 USD. You can refer to the detailed departure schedules of some airlines below:

Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, passengers flying to the USA must ensure compliance with all disease prevention measures set by the airline, such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, limiting unnecessary movement, refraining from spitting indiscriminately, etc. Additionally, passengers should pay attention to maintaining good health before boarding. The airline may refuse boarding to passengers with symptoms such as a temperature above 37.5°C, difficulty breathing, etc.

2. Applying for a US Tourist Visa

If you're wondering what you need for a trip to the USA, then you can't overlook the US visa. Compared to other countries, the USA is known for having the strictest visa regime. The US visa application process is highly complex, so you must prepare all the necessary documents according to the regulations to avoid visa rejection.

US Tourist Visa, also known as B-2 non-immigrant visa (designated B1/B2), is valid for 6 months. With this visa, you can enter the USA once or multiple times within the specific period indicated on the visa. If you're a Vietnamese citizen who has never worked in the USA, has a clean record, and wants to apply for a US visa, you need to prepare and complete the visa application with the following documents:

► Identification:

• Passport: must be valid for at least 6 months from the intended date of departure to the USA. The passport should have at least one entry stamp from countries such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea to demonstrate previous international travel experience.
• Photo: 2 photos sized 5x5cm taken against a white background, with a clear face and ears visible. Photos not meeting the requirements will not be accepted.
• Marital status confirmation document.
• Notarized photocopies of both sides: household registration book, ID card, or citizen identification card.
• 01 US tourist visa application form (DS-160).

Photo: Mytour

► Employment Verification:

• Employee: 3-month salary statement, labor contract/appointment letter, leave request to travel to the USA with company confirmation.
• Company Owner: Provide the company's business license and the latest 3-month tax payment receipt.
• Retiree: Provide retirement book and pension receipt.

► Financial Proof:

• Bank account statement showing savings for at least 3 months with a minimum balance of 100 million VND.

► Travel Itinerary to the USA:

• Detailed daily itinerary for the trip to the USA: where to go, accommodation arrangements, specific leisure activities with timeframes.
• Confirmation of hotel room booking in the USA (Booking Confirmation) or provide information of the sponsor/host in the USA (if staying with relatives/friends in the USA). Also, provide flight booking codes for flights to and from the USA.

After preparing all the necessary documents and procedures mentioned above, you should pay the US tourist visa fee and schedule an appointment for visa application and interview at the following two addresses:

• US Embassy: No. 07, Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
• US Consulate General: No. 04 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Negative Covid-19 Test Certificate

In addition to airfare and personal documents, the US government requires all incoming passengers to have a negative Covid-19 test result to ensure community health safety. The test must be conducted within 3 days prior to departure and presented in either English or Vietnamese with accompanying translation. (Note: passengers without a negative Covid-19 test result may be denied entry to the US)

Preparing Luggage for Arrival in the USA

When preparing luggage and personal belongings for arrival in the USA, it's important to adhere to luggage regulations to avoid having items removed at the airport or facing fines. Luggage weight is limited to a maximum of 64 kg divided into 2 pieces, each weighing 32 kg. Additionally, passengers are allowed 1 carry-on luggage weighing 5kg. Oversized luggage requires approval from the airline.

Furthermore, it's imperative not to carry prohibited items when entering the USA, such as:

• Various types of animal meat (fresh or processed), fruits, vegetables, seeds, and soil.
• Liquids: toothpaste, liquid lipstick, nail polish, perfume, liquid cosmetics, etc.
• Types of medications without clear origins as per FDA regulations (US Food and Drug Administration).
• Stimulants, drugs, marijuana, etc.
• Cash exceeding 10,000 US dollars.

Tour to the USA with Covid-19 Vaccination 

Photo: Mytour

One of the highly sought-after travel experiences to the USA is touring combined with Covid-19 vaccination. This newly introduced program offers comprehensive services including US visa, Vietnam - USA flights, accommodation, meals, and Covid-19 vaccination costs. When booking the tour, you will receive full assistance with all necessary documents and procedures for your trip to the USA. Additionally, you will have the option to choose from three types of Covid-19 vaccines available in the USA:

• Pfizer: Requires 2 doses administered 21 days apart
• Moderna: Requires 2 doses administered 28 days apart
• Johnson & Johnson: Single-dose vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent Covid-19 and safeguard public health. If you're interested in booking a Covid-19 vaccination tour, please contact the hotline Mytour for detailed advice.

We hope that the article answering the question what do you need for traveling to the USA by Mytour above will help you have a smooth trip to the USA during the pandemic. Wishing you a successful and meaningful journey!