[Did you know] What do you need for traveling 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 for 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 traveling 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 traveling to the United States must ensure full compliance with the airline's disease prevention measures such as wearing masks, frequent handwashing, limiting unnecessary movement, refraining from spitting, and so forth. Additionally, passengers should pay attention to maintaining good health before boarding. The airline reserves the right to refuse passengers exhibiting symptoms such as fever above 37.5°C, difficulty breathing, etc.

2. Applying for a U.S. Tourist Visa

If you're wondering what you need for a trip to the U.S., then you certainly can't overlook the visa requirement. Compared to other countries, the U.S. is known for having the strictest visa regime. The process of applying for a U.S. visa is complex, so you need to prepare all the necessary documents according to regulations to avoid visa rejection.

U.S. Tourist Visa, also known as non-immigrant visa B-2 (B1/B2), is valid for 6 months. With this type of visa, you can enter the U.S. one or multiple times within the specific period indicated on the visa. If you are a Vietnamese citizen who has never worked in the U.S., with a clean record and a need for a U.S. 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 U.S. The passport should have at least one entry stamp from countries such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea to demonstrate previous international travel experience.
• Passport Photos: 2 photos sized 5x5cm taken against a white background, showing clear facial features and both ears visible. Photos that do not meet the requirements will not be accepted.
• Marriage Status Confirmation.
• Notarized Copies: of both sides of household registration book, identity card, or citizen identification card.
• 01 DS-160 U.S. Tourist Visa Application Form.

Photo Credit: Mytour

► Employment Verification:

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

► Financial Proof:

• Bank account statements for minimum 3-month period and a balance of at least 100 million Vietnamese dong.

► Travel Itinerary to the U.S.:

• Detailed itinerary for the trip to the U.S. including daily plans: where to go, accommodation arrangements, specific schedule for outings.
• Confirmation of hotel room booking in the U.S. (Booking Confirmation) or provide information of the host residing in the U.S. (if staying with relatives/friends in the U.S.). Also provide the flight booking code for the trip to and from the U.S.

After preparing all the necessary documents and procedures mentioned above, please proceed to pay the U.S. tourist visa application fee and schedule an appointment for visa application submission and interview at the following two addresses:

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

3. Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate

Apart from airplane tickets and personal documents, the U.S. government requires all incoming passengers to have a Covid-19 test certificate with negative results to ensure community health safety. The test must be conducted within 3 days prior to departure and presented in English or Vietnamese with accompanying translation. (Note: Passengers without a negative Covid-19 test certificate may be denied entry to the U.S.)

Preparing Luggage for Arrival in the U.S.

When preparing luggage and personal items for arrival in the U.S., it is important to adhere to certain baggage regulations to avoid leaving items at the airport or paying fines. Baggage is limited to a maximum weight of 64 kg and must be divided into 2 pieces, each weighing 32 kg. Additionally, passengers are allowed to carry 1 carry-on baggage weighing 5kg. Oversized bulky baggage requires approval from the airline.

Furthermore, you must also strictly avoid carrying prohibited items when entering the U.S. 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.
• Medications of unknown origin as regulated by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
• Stimulants, drugs, marijuana, etc.
• Cash exceeding $10,000 USD.

Tour to the U.S. with Covid-19 Vaccination 

Photo Credit: Mytour

One of the highly sought-after U.S. travel itineraries is the tour to the U.S. combined with Covid-19 vaccination. This is a newly introduced program offering comprehensive services: U.S. visa, Vietnam-U.S. flight tickets, accommodation, meals, and Covid-19 vaccination expenses. When booking the tour, you will receive full assistance with all necessary documents and procedures upon arrival in the U.S. Additionally, you can choose from 3 types of Covid-19 vaccines currently used in the U.S., which are:

• Pfizer: Requires 2 doses administered 21 days apart (3 weeks)
• Moderna: Requires 2 doses administered 28 days apart (4 weeks)
• Johnson & Johnson: Single-dose vaccination

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

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