Carrier

Information

Guide

United States 

Documentary Requirements for Travel

May 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Part I:

Documentary Requirements For Entry To 

The United States

I. Arrival by Air

A. U.S. Citizens

B. U.S. Residents

C. Visitors

II. Arrival by Land & Sea 

A. U.S. Citizens

B. U.S. Residents

C. Visitors

III. Miscellaneous Categories

A. Visa Waiver Program

B. Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Visa Waiver Program

C. Russian Citizens Traveling to Guam / CNMI

D. Validity of Certain Foreign Passports

E. Listing of Adjacent Islands 

F. Automatic Revalidation

G. Electronic Form I-94

Part II:

Documentary Requirements for Departure by Air

A. U.S. Citizens

B. U.S. Residents

C. Visitors

Part III:

U.S. Travel Document Exemplars

Part IV:

Visa Classifications

Part V:

Fineable Offenses Table

Part VI:

Quick Reference Charts

Part VII:

The Advance Passenger Information System

Part VIII:

Potential Victims of Human Trafficking

Carrier Information Guide 5

Introduction

Anyone seeking entry into the United States of America, whether a United States

(“U.S.”) citizen, a U.S. resident or a visitor to the U.S., must have in his/her possession 

documentation of identity and nationality. In addition, each traveler must be in 

possession of proper documentation for the purpose of his/her travel. U.S. law provides 

that transportation carriers may be liable for improperly documented passengers brought 

to the United States. 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Carrier Information Guide is designed to 

serve as a reference aid for travel industry personnel. It outlines the various documentary 

requirements that apply to persons entering or departing the United States. Carrier 

personnel are urged to familiarize themselves with all sections of the publication and 

reference it in their examination of travel documents. To request training of carrier 

staff on topics discussed in this publication, please forward your request via the Carrier 

Liaison Program email address, CLP@dhs.gov or the Carrier Liaison number at (571) 

468-1650.

Regional Carrier Liaison Groups (RCLG) have been created by CBP to assist carriers with 

questions regarding U.S. entry related matters, with a primary focus on assisting overseas 

carriers to determine the authenticity of travel documents. The RCLG will respond to 

carrier inquiries concerning the validity of travel documents presented or admissibility 

of travelers. Once a determination is made on validity of documents or admissibility, 

the RCLG will make a RECOMMENDATION whether to board the passenger or to deny 

boarding. The final decision to board or not board lies with the carrier. Regional Carrier 

Liaison Groups have been established in Miami, New York and Honolulu.

If you are unable to contact a nearby U.S. Embassy or Consulate representative, contact 

the RCLG servicing the embarkation point at the numbers listed below. If you are located 

at an airport serviced by the Immigration Advisory Program (IAP) or the Joint Security 

Program (JSP), contact should be made with either an IAP or JSP officer.

The RCLGs are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service is available to all 

carriers worldwide for any flight destined to the United States.

RCLG SERVICE AREA PHONE NUMBER

Honolulu Asia, Pacific Rim 808-237-4632

Miami Latin America, Caribbean 305-874-5444

New York Europe, Africa, Mid-East 718-553-1783

Additionally, carrier personnel are encouraged to reference two U.S. government 

internet sites for updates and general information, U.S. Customs & Border Protection 

www.cbp.gov and the U.S. Department of State, Consular Affairs www.travel.state.gov.

The Carrier Information Guide is a publication of the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Carrier Liaison 

Program. Please submit comments or questions to:

 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

 Office of Field Operations

 Carrier Liaison Program, Carrier Information Guide

 12825 Worldgate Drive 6th Floor

 Mailstop 1340

 Herndon, VA 20598-1340

 Phone: (571) 468-1650

 Fax: (571) 468-1773

 Email: CLP@dhs.gov

Carrier Information Guide 7

Part I

Part I:

Documentary Requirements For 

Entry To The United States

Carrier Information Guide 9

Part I

I. Arrival By Air

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all air travelers 

(including U.S. Citizens) to and from North and South America, the Caribbean and 

Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer’s 

identity and nationality to enter or depart the United States.

UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS 

MUST BE VALID AND UNEXPIRED.

A. U.S. CITIZENS – must provide one of the following:

• U.S. Passport

• NEXUS Card (only at designated NEXUS locations)

• U.S. Government issued Transportation Letter

Special Classes of U.S. Citizens:

1. U.S. Citizen military personnel on active duty may 

be boarded without a U.S. passport if in possession 

of official travel orders and military ID.

2. U.S. Citizen merchant mariners may be boarded 

without a U.S. passport if in possession of U.S. 

Merchant Mariner Card indicating U.S. citizenship.

3. U.S. Citizens and Nationals who travel directly 

between parts of the United States and its 

possession and territories, without touching at a 

foreign port or place, are not required to present a 

valid passport. The United States possessions and 

territories include Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin 

Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
10 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

B. U.S. RESIDENTS - must provide one of the following:

• Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551

• Expired Conditional Resident Card Form I-551 

accompanied by Form I-797 Notice of Action

indicating the card is extended

• Immigrant Visa and passport

• Temporary Residence Stamp (“ADIT”) contained in a 

passport or on a Form I-94

• Reentry Permit, Form I-327

• Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571

• Parole Authorization, Form I-512

• U.S. Government issued Transportation Letter / 

Lincoln Boarding Foil

Exceptions

Child born abroad to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

may be boarded if the child was born during the temporary 

visit abroad of a mother who is a lawful permanent 

resident alien, or a national, of the United States, provided 

that the child’s application for admission to the United 

States is made within two years of birth and the child is 

accompanied by the parent who is applying for readmission 

as a permanent resident upon the first return of the parent. 

Child born abroad to an accompanying parent after 

issuance of an immigrant visa to the parent but prior to the 

parent’s initial admission as an immigrant may be boarded 

as long as the child has a passport or is listed in a parent’s 

passport and is in possession of the birth certificate.

Alien member of the U.S. Armed Forces in possession of 

official orders and Military Identification Card.

C. VISITORS / TRANSIT PASSENGERS – must provide the 

following:

• Passport and visa (unless visa exempt)

Visa Exempt Visitors:

Canadian Nationals

• Passport required. Exempt visa requirements 

with the exception of E, K and V nonimmigrant visa 

classifications (see Part IV).
Carrier Information Guide 11

Part I

Bermudans

• Passport required. Exempt visa requirements 

with the exception of E, K and V nonimmigrant visa 

classifications (see part IV).

Mexican Nationals

• Passport and visa or

• Passport and Border Crossing Card (BCC)

Mexican Diplomats (and accompanying family members)

holding diplomatic or official passports, not permanently

assigned to the United States, may enter without a visa or

Border Crossing Card for a stay not to exceed six months.

Family members not traveling with the principal diplomat

require a visa to enter the United States.

NATO personnel attached to NATO Allied Headquarters 

in the United States traveling with official orders and a NATO

identity card are exempt passport and visa requirements. 

Bahamian Nationals or British Subject Residents of the

Bahamas: A visa is not required if, prior to boarding, the

passenger is pre-inspected by CBP in the Bahamas to

determine admissibility.

British Subject Residents of the Cayman Islands or of the

Turks and Caicos Islands: A visa is not required if the

passenger arrives directly from the Cayman Islands or the

Turks and Caicos Islands and presents a current certificate from

the Clerk of the Court indicating the individual does not have a

criminal record.

British Nationals of the British Virgin Islands traveling

directly and only to the U.S. Virgin Islands: A visa is not

required of a British National of the British Virgin Islands

(BVI) who is proceeding directly to the U.S. Virgin Islands

from BVI. British Citizens residing in the BVI may use the

Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Visa Waiver Program Traveler: Citizens of specified countries

are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa on short

visits for business or pleasure. Refer to pages 15-17 for the VWP

and the Guam-Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Visa Waiver Program (G-CNMI) on eligibility requirements.
12 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

II. Arrival by Land & Sea *

* Arrival by sea from the Western Hemisphere. If arriving by sea from the Eastern 

Hemisphere, please refer to Section I “Arrival by Air” for document requirements.

Refer to page 9, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

A. U.S. CITIZENS must provide one of the following: 

• U.S. Passport 

• U.S. Passport Card

• Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, or 

Global Entry Card)

• State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Drivers License 

Special Classes of U.S. Citizens:

• U.S. Citizen military personnel on active duty may 

be boarded without a U.S. Passport if in possession of 

official travel orders and military ID.

• U.S. Citizen merchant mariners may be boarded 

without a U.S. Passport if in possession of U.S. 

Merchant Mariner Card indicating U.S. citizenship.

• U.S. Citizens and Nationals who travel directly 

between parts of the United States and its possessions 

and territories, without touching at a foreign port or 

place, are not required to present a valid passport. 

The United States possessions and territories include 

Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American 

Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands.

• Enhanced Tribal Card (see page 35)

• Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Carrier Information Guide 13

Part I

B. U.S. RESIDENTS - must provide one of the following:

• Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551

• Expired Conditional Resident Card, Form I-551, 

accompanied by Notice of Action, Form I-797 

indicating the card is extended

• Immigrant Visa and passport

• Temporary Residence Stamp (“ADIT”) contained in a 

passport or on a Form I-94

• Reentry Permit, Form I-327

• Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571

• Parole Authorization, Form I-512

• U.S. Government issued Transportation Letter / 

Lincoln Boarding Foil

Exceptions

Child born abroad to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

may be boarded if the child was born during the temporary 

visit abroad of a mother who is a lawful permanent 

resident alien of the United States, provided that the child’s 

application for admission to the United States is made 

within two years of birth and the child is accompanied by 

the parent who is applying for readmission as a permanent 

resident upon the first return of the parent.

Child born abroad to an accompanying parent after 

issuance of an immigrant visa to the parent but prior to the 

parent’s initial admission as an immigrant may be boarded 

as long as the child has a passport or is listed in a parent’s 

passport and is in possession of the birth certificate.

Alien member of the U.S. Armed Forces in possession of 

official orders and Military Identification Card.

C. VISITORS / TRANSIT PASSENGERS – must provide the 

following:

• Passport and visa (unless visa exempt)

Visa Exempt Visitors

Canadian Nationals – Must provide one of the following:

• Passport

• Exempt visa requirements with the exception of E, K 

and V nonimmigrant classifications (see Part IV)

• Canadian Citizenship Certificate

• NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI 

• Indian and Northern Affairs Card

• State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Drivers License
14 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

Bermudans

• Passport required. Exempt visa requirements 

with the exception of E, K and V nonimmigrant visa 

classifications (see part IV).

Mexican Nationals

• Passport and visa or Border Crossing Card (Land)

• Passport and visa or Passport and Border Crossing 

Card (Sea)

Mexican Diplomats (and accompanying family members) 

holding diplomatic or official passports, not permanently 

assigned to the United States, may enter without a visa or 

Border Crossing Card for a stay not to exceed six months. 

Family members NOT traveling with the principal diplomat 

require a visa to enter the United States.

NATO personnel attached to NATO Allied Headquarters in 

the United States traveling with official orders and NATO 

identity card are exempt passport and visa requirements. 

Bahamian Nationals or British Subject Residents of the 

Bahamas: A visa is not required if, prior to boarding, 

the passenger is pre-inspected by CBP in the Bahamas to 

determine admissibility.

British Subject Residents of the Cayman Islands or of 

the Turks and Caicos Islands: A visa is not required if the 

passenger arrives directly from the Cayman Islands or the 

Turks and Caicos Islands and presents a current certificate 

from the Clerk of the Court indicating the individual does 

not have a criminal record.

British Nationals of the British Virgin Islands traveling 

directly and only to the U.S. Virgin Islands: A visa is not 

required of a British National of the British Virgin Islands 

(BVI) who is proceeding directly to the U.S. Virgin Islands 

from BVI. British Citizens residing in the BVI may use the 

VWP. 

Visa Waiver Program Traveler: Citizens of designated 

countries are eligible to travel to the U.S. without a visa on 

short visits for business or pleasure. Refer to pages 15-17 for 

the (VWP) and the (G-CNMI) for eligibility requirements.
Carrier Information Guide 15

Part I

III. Miscellaneous Categories

A. VISA WAIVER PROGRAM

The VWP enables citizens of specific countries to travel 

to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or 

fewer without obtaining a visa.

Citizens of the countries listed on page 16 are eligible to 

travel without a visa, provided the following criteria are met:

• Traveler has a machine readable passport (MRP) 

issued by a VWP eligible country

• Passport has a digital photo if issued after 

October 25, 2005

• Passport must be an e-passport if issued after 

October 25, 2006

• Traveler is not a permanent resident of the 

United States

• Traveler is seeking entry for 90 days or fewer as a 

temporary visitor for business, pleasure or transit

• Arrives via air or sea on a signatory carrier

• Has an approved ESTA travel authorization* 

• Has return / onward tickets

• Travel may not terminate in contiguous territory or 

adjacent islands unless the traveler is a resident of 

those areas

* ESTA– Electronic System for Travel Authorization

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a web-based

system for the collection of information on the VWP nationals prior to

boarding U.S. bound –air or sea carriers. Registration in ESTA is 

mandatory for citizens of all 38 countries. Please refer on line at http://

esta.cbp.dhs.gov for more information about ESTA.
16 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries

Andorra Hungary 3 Norway

Australia Iceland Portugal

Austria Ireland San Marino

Belgium Italy Singapore

Brunei Japan Slovakia 3

Chile 3 Latvia 3 Slovenia 1

Czech Republic 3 Liechtenstein South Korea 3

Denmark Lithuania 3 Spain

Estonia 3 Luxembourg Sweden

Finland Malta 3 Switzerland

France Monaco Taiwan 3,5

Germany Netherlands United Kingdom 2

Greece 4 New Zealand

Visa Waiver Program, continued

1. Citizens and nationals of Slovenia may use only the red cover 

Slovenian passport for admission into the United States under the 

Visa Waiver Program.

2. Persons presenting UK passports must possess the unrestricted right of 

permanent abode in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the 

Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man to be eligible for the VWP.

3. It is important to note that Citizens of these ten countries MUST 

present an electronic passport (identifiable by the ICAO chip logo on 

the cover). 

VWP countries’ emergency and temporary passports are subject to the electronic 

passport (e-passport) requirements. VWP emergency and temporary passports 

that do not meet the e-passport requirement are no longer accepted for travel 

under the VWP to the United States.

German Kinderpass, emergency and temporary passports are not valid for visa waiver 

travel. For more information please refer online at http://www.cbp.gov/contact.

4. Only Greek e-PP issued by the Hellenic Police as of August 26, 

2006, is valid for travel under VWP (see page 69).

5. Only the Taiwan e-PPwith personal identification numbers are VWP 

eligible (see page 69).
Carrier Information Guide 17

Part I

B. Guam – Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 

(G-CNMI) Visa Waiver Program

GCVWP applicants may be boarded without a visa, 

providing all of the following criteria are met:

• Arrives on a G-CNMI VWP signatory carrier

• Traveling only to Guam or the CNMI

• Seeking entry for 45 days or fewer, as a visitor for

business or pleasure

• Holds a round trip ticket with a confirmed 

departure date not exceeding 45 days from the date 

of admission

• Has completed and signed Form I-736 and Form I-94

• Is a citizen of and has a machine readable passport 

issued by one of the following eligible countries:

Australia Malaysia Singapore

Brunei Nauru South Korea

Hong Kong* New Zealand Taiwan**

Japan Papua New Guinea United Kingdom

* Including citizens of the former colony of Hong Kong who are in 

possession of the United Kingdom passport that states “British National 

Overseas” or holders of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) travel 

document. Both of these travel documents must be in conjunction with a 

Hong Kong Identification Card.

** Only applies to residents of Taiwan who:

1) begin their travel in Taiwan and who travel on direct flights from 

Taiwan to Guam or the CNMI.

2) are in possession of a Taiwan National Identity Card and a valid 

Taiwanese passport with a valid reentry permit issued by the 

Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
18 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

C. PAROLE OF RUSSIAN CITIZENS INTO GUAM / CNMI

On November 15, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security 

signed a Decision Memorandum permitting citizens of 

Russia to be paroled into Guam under the discretionary 

parole authority of the Secretary. A citizen of Russia is 

eligible to be paroled into Guam, in addition to the CNMI; 

provided, the traveler meets the following conditions:

• Travel to Guam and/or the CNMI on a signatory 

carrier to the G-CNMI VWP directly from a foreign 

port of embarkation.

• Travel to either Guam and/or the CNMI must not to 

exceed forty-five (45) days.

• A citizen of Russia may be paroled in either Guam or 

the CNMI, may travel between Guam and the CNMI, 

but may not remain in the region longer than fortyfive (45) days.

• Be in possession of a round-trip ticket that is 

nonrefundable and nontransferable and bears a 

departure date not exceeding forty-five (45) days 

from the date of entry to Guam or the CNMI.

• Be in possession of a completed and signed GuamCNMI Visa Waiver Information Form (CBP Form 

I-736)

• Be in possession of a completed CBP Form I-94, 

Arrival-Departure Record.

• Be in possession of a valid, unexpired International 

Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)-compliant, 

machine-readable passport 

• Traveler must be classifiable as a visitor for business 

or pleasure.

• Parole authorization is limited to Guam and the 

CNMI only and does not confer the benefit of travel 

to another location within the United States.

• Visitors who are paroled under this authority may 

not engage in local employment or labor for hire.
Carrier Information Guide 19

Part I

D. VALIDITY OF CERTAIN FOREIGN PASSPORTS 

Six Month Rule

Visitors traveling to the United States are required to be in 

possession of a passport valid for six months beyond the 

period of their intended stay in the United States. 

Citizens of the countries listed below are exempt the sixmonth rule and need only have a passport valid for their 

intended period of stay.

Algeria

Andorra

Angola

Antigua and Barbuda

Antilles

Argentina

Armenia

Aruba

Australia

Austria

Bahamas, The

Barbados

Belgium

Belize

Bermuda

Bolivia

Bosnia-Herzegovina

Brazil

Bulgaria

Burma

Canada

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Cote d’Ivoire

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Egypt

El Salvador

Estonia

Ethiopia

Fiji

Finland

France

Gabon

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Grenada

Guatemala

Guinea

Guyana

Haiti

Hong Kong 

(Certificates of 

Identity and 

Passports)

Hungary

Iceland

India

Indonesia

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Jamaica

Japan

Kuwait

Latvia

Lebanon

Libya

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Macau

Macedonia

Madagascar

Maldives

Malaysia

Malta

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mexico

Monaco

Mongolia

Montenegro

Mozambique

Netherlands

Nepal

New Zealand

Nicaragua (for all 

passports)

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Qatar

Romania

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Seychelles

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sri Lanka

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent and The Grenadines

Suriname

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago

Tunisia

Turkey

Tuvalu

Ukraine

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Uruguay

Uzbekistan

Vatican (Holy See)

Venezuela

Vietnam

Zimbabwe
20 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

E. LISTING OF ADJACENT ISLANDS

* Cuba is not always treated as an adjacent island nation for the purpose of

entry into the United States. It is excluded when the specific reference so states.

Anguilla

Antigua

Aruba

Bahamas

Barbados

Barbuda

Bermuda

Bonaire

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Islands

Cuba *

Curacao

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Grenada

Guadeloupe

Haiti

Jamaica

Marie-Galante

Martinique

Miquelon

Montserrat

Saba

St. Barthelemy

St. Eustatius

St. Kitts-Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Maarten / St. Martin

St. Pierre

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Trinidad and Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands
Carrier Information Guide 21

Part I

F. AUTOMATIC REVALIDATION

Visitors (and accompanying spouses and/or children) 

whose visas have expired may be boarded provided they 

meet the following requirements:

• Arriving from Canada or Mexico

• Absent from the United States in Canada or Mexico 

for 30 days or fewer

• In possession of an endorsed Form I-94 showing an 

unexpired period of initial admission or extension of 

stay

• In possession of a passport

• Have not applied for a new U.S. visa while abroad

• Have changed or maintained same visitor status (22 

CFR 41.112(d))

Students and exchange visitors holding visas in the F and 

J categories must meet all of the following to qualify for 

automatic revalidation:

• Arriving from Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands 

(except Cuba)

• Absent from the United States in Canada, Mexico or 

adjacent islands for 30 days or fewer

• In possession of certificate of eligibility, Form I-20 

for F-1, or Form DS-2019 for J-1

• In possession of an endorsed Form I-94 showing an 

unexpired period of initial admission or extension of 

stay

• In possession of a passport

• Have not applied for a new U.S. visa while abroad

• Have changed or maintained same visitor status (22 

CFR 41.112(d))

On May 14, 2013, CBP automated Form I-94 at air and sea ports of entry.

A paper form or electronic printout can be used for revalidation purposes.

The provisions of automatic visa revalidation do not apply to nationals of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and 

Syria.
22 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part I

G. ELECTRONIC FORM I-94

CBP now generates electronic I-94’s in the air and sea 

environment. Paper form I-94’s are no longer required for 

travelers in the air or sea environment. Travelers can access 

their I-94’s upon arrival at www.cbp.gov/I94. An I-94 website 

printout serves the same purpose as the paper form I-94. 
Carrier Information Guide 23

Part II

Part II:

Documentary Requirements for 

Departure by Air

Carrier Information Guide 25

Part II

II. Departure By Air

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires all

air travelers (including U.S. Citizens) to and from North and South America, the 

Caribbean, Bermuda and the to have a passport or other accepted document that 

establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. 

UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

MUST BE VALID AND UNEXPIRED.

A. U.S. CITIZENS – must provide one of the following:

• U.S. Passport

• NEXUS Card (only at designated NEXUS locations)

• U.S. Government issued Transportation Letter

Exceptions:

1. U.S. Citizen military personnel on active duty may

be boarded without a U.S. Passport if in possession

of official travel orders and valid military ID.

2. U.S. Citizen merchant mariners may be boarded

without a U.S. Passport if in possession of U.S.

Merchant Mariner Card indicating U.S. citizenship.

3. United States Citizens and Nationals who travel

directly between parts of the United States and its possessions

and territories, without touching at a foreign port or place, 

are not required to present a passport. The United States 

possessions and territories include Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S.

Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

B. U.S. RESIDENTS - must provide one of the following:

• Passport

• Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551

• Temporary Residence Stamp (“ADIT”) contained in a 

 passport or on a I-94

• Reentry Permit, Form I-327

• Refugee Travel Document, Form I-571

• Alien member of the U.S. Armed Forces in possession of

 official orders and military identification card.
26 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part II

C. Visitors – must provide the following:

• Passport 

Exceptions:

Emergency Travel Document: An Emergency Travel Document

is issued by a foreign Embassy or Consulate specifically for the

purpose of travel to the bearer’s home country. It typically has

a short validity date (one year or less) and may limit the number of entries. An Emergency Travel Document may be in the

form of a traditional passport booklet or may be a single sheet

of paper on foreign consulate letterhead. 

National identity cards, cedulas, matriculas consular, certificates of citizenship, 

certificates of naturalization and other civil identity or vital statistics documents are 

NOT considered travel documents and are NOT valid for departure from the U.S. by 

air. 

Removal Orders: Removal orders are documents used to

remove, withdraw or deport inadmissible passengers from the

United States. There are various forms of Removal Orders 

issued by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). One of the most commonly seen is the Single Journey Travel Letter. 

NOTE: Destination countries may require additional 

 documentation. 

Single Journey Letter
Carrier Information Guide 27

Part III

Part III:

U.S. Travel Document Exemplars
28 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III
Carrier Information Guide 29

Part III

PART III: U.S. Travel Documents

U.S. Passports........................................................ 30

U.S. Emergency Passport....................................... 31

U.S. Passport Card ................................................ 32

NEXUS Card ........................................................... 32

Military Identification Card ................................... 33

U.S. Merchant Mariner Card .................................. 34

Global Entry Card ................................................... 34

SENTRI & Enhanced Travel Cards .......................... 35

Enhanced Drivers License ..................................... 35

Permanent Resident Cards ................................... 36

Notice of Action .................................................... 38

ADIT Stamps .......................................................... 39

Immigrant Visa ...................................................... 40

Reentry Permit ...................................................... 41

Refugee Travel Document ..................................... 42

Employment Authorization Documents ............... 43

Parole Authorization ............................................. 45

Transportation Letter ............................................ 46

Lincoln Boarding Foil ..............................................47

Visitor Visa ............................................................ 48

U.S. Border Crossing Cards ................................... 49

United Nations Laissez-Passer ............................. 50
30 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

United States Passports

e-Passports

The United States e-Passport is identified by the International 

e-Passport symbol located on the front cover of the document. This signifies that the 

passport holds a chip that contains information from the bearer’s biographic page 

along with biometric identifiers.

2006 Version
Carrier Information Guide 31

Part III

United States Passports

The United States issues diplomatic passports, with a black cover, official passports 

with a maroon cover, and tourist passports with a blue cover.

1998 Version

Emergency Passport
32 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

U.S. Passport Card

The Passport Card can be used for land and sea travel only into the United States from 

Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and most Caribbean locations. Air travel will continue to 

require possession of a valid passport. Under no circumstances can the Passport Card 

be used as a substitute for a regular booklet-style passport.

The U.S. Passport Card is an acceptable stand alone WHTI compliant document for 

entry into the United States at all land 

and sea ports of entry.

NEXUS Card

NEXUS Cards are valid entry documents for U.S. and Canadian Citizens when used at 

airports with designated NEXUS kiosks. 

Note: Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States and Permanent Residents

 of Canada may use NEXUS kiosks but must be in possession of required 

 entry documents based on immigration status and nationality.
Carrier Information Guide 33

Part III

Military Identification Cards

United States military personnel on active duty may be boarded without a passport if 

in possession of official travel orders and a military identification card.

Note: Some valid military travel orders are not on forms DD 1610

16. REMARKS (Use this space for special requirements, leave, excess baggage, accommodations, registration fees, etc.) 

11. ITINERARY

12. TRANSPORTATION MODE

b. OTHER RATE OF PER DIEM (Specify) 

REQUEST AND AUTHORIZATION FOR TDY TRAVEL OF DOD PERSONNEL (Reference: Joint Travel Regulations (JTR), Chapter 3)

(Read Privacy Act Statement on back before completing form.)

1. DATE OF REQUEST

 (YYYYMMDD)

 2. NAME (Last, First, Middle Initial) 

REQUEST FOR OFFICIAL TRAVEL

4. POSITION TITLE AND GRADE/RATING

 5. LOCATION OF PERMANENT DUTY STATION (PDS) 6. ORGANIZATIONAL ELEMENT 7. DUTY PHONE NUMBER

 (Include Area Code)

 8. TYPE OF ORDERS 10a. APPROX. NO. OF TDY DAYS

 (Including travel time)

b. PROCEED DATE 

 (YYYYMMDD) 9. TDY PURPOSE (See JTR, Appendix H)

VARIATION AUTHORIZED

 a. COMMERCIAL b. GOVERNMENT

PRIVATELY OWNED CONVEYANCE (Check one)

RATE PER MILE: 

AS DETERMINED BY APPROPRIATE TRANSPORTATION OFFICER (Overseas Travel only)

ADVANTAGEOUS TO THE GOVERNMENT

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT AND PER DIEM IS

LIMITED TO CONSTRUCTIVE COST OF

COMMON CARRIER TRANSPORTATION AND

PER DIEM AS DETERMINED AND TRAVEL

TIME AS LIMITED PER JTR

13.

14. ESTIMATED COST 15. ADVANCE

 AUTHORIZED

17. TRAVEL-REQUESTING OFFICIAL (Title and signature) 18. TRAVEL-APPROVING/DIRECTING OFFICIAL (Title and signature)

AUTHORIZATION

19. ACCOUNTING CITATION

20. AUTHORIZING/ORDER-ISSUING OFFICIAL (Title and signature) 21. DATE ISSUED (YYYYMMDD)

22. TRAVEL ORDER NUMBER

b. TRAVEL

$ 

c. OTHER

$ 

d. TOTAL

$ $ 

DD FORM 1610, JAN 2001 PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE.

 a. PER DIEM

$ 

RAIL AIR BUS SHIP AIR VEHICLE SHIP

3. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

c. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

CAR

RENTAL TAXI OTHER

a. PER DIEM AUTHORIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH JTR.

0.00

Reset

16. REMARKS (Continued) (Use this space for special requirements, leave, excess baggage, accommodations, registration fees, etc.) 

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

(5 U.S.C. 552a)

DD FORM 1610 (BACK), JAN 2001

AUTHORITY: 5 U.S.C. 5701, 5702, and E.O. 9397.

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE(S): Used for reviewing, approving, and accounting for official travel.

ROUTINE USE(S): None.

DISCLOSURE: Voluntary; however, failure to provide the requested information may delay or preclude timely authorization of your travel

request.

Reset

Military Orders Forms DD-1610
34 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

U.S. Merchant Mariner Card

The U.S. merchant mariner card may be accepted in lieu of a U.S. passport provided the 

bearer is designated on the document as a United States Citizen.

Global Entry Card

The Global Entry Program allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk 

travelers upon arrival in the United States.

Global Entry Card
Carrier Information Guide 35

Part III

Enhanced Drivers’ License 

SENTRI Card 

The Sentri Program provides expedited processing for pre-approved, low risk travelers 

at Southern land border ports of entry.

Enhanced Tribal Card

Enhanced drivers licenses and enhanced tribal cards provide proof of identity and 

U.S. citizenship. These documents are being developed by many states to comply 

with travel rules under the WHTI. Enhanced drivers licenses and enhanced tribal 

cards can be used by U.S. Citizens instead of a passport to cross the land border with 

Canada or Mexico.
36 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Permanent Resident Cards

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may travel to the United States with a Permanent 

Resident Card (Form I-551). LPR’s with expired I-551’s may be boarded without penalty 

provided the card was issued with a 10-year expiration date. A passport is not required.

DHS 2004 Version

DHS 2010 Version
Carrier Information Guide 37

Part III

Permanent Resident Cards, continued

The only valid permanent resident cards used for travel are listed in this guide. If a 

passenger presents a permanent resident card not listed in this guide, please contact an 

RCLG representative for card authenticity prior to boarding.

1977 Version is still valid

DOJ 1997 Version
38 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Notice of Action

A Conditional Resident with an expired Resident card (with a two-year expiration 

date) may be boarded if also in possession of a Notice of Action (Form I-797). The 

Notice of Action extends the validity of the card for a specified length of time, 

generally one year. The “Receipt Date” of the form has no effect on the validity of the 

card. A passport is not required.

Note: Appearance and data elements of Form I-797 may vary dependent on 

 issuing offices from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If unsure 

 about Form I-797, please contact the RCLG prior to boarding.
Carrier Information Guide 39

Part III

ADIT Stamps 

A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) may re-enter the United States with a valid Alien 

Documentation Identification and Telecommunication (ADIT) Stamp. The ADIT Stamp 

is provided to a LPR as temporary evidence of his/her resident status. An ADIT Stamp 

may be affixed to a passport or to Form I-94.

CBP Version

USCIS Version
40 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Immigrant Visa 

An immigrant visa is issued by the Department of State and will be affixed inside the 

passport of the immigrant. 

Once an immigrant has been admitted to the United States the immigrant visa 

becomes a re-entry document, valid for one year from the endorsement date. The 

statement “UPON ENDORSEMENT SERVES AS TEMPORARY I-551 

EVIDENCING PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR 1 YEAR” will be printed 

in the body of the visa directly above the machine-readable zone. This documentation 

is acceptable for travel and employment purposes and is intended to replace the ADIT 

stamp.

ENDORSEMENT
Carrier Information Guide 41

Part III

Permit to Re-Enter

A Lawful Permanent Resident may re-enter the United States with Permit to Re-Enter 

(Form I-327) without possession of a Permanent Resident Card. Absence from the 

United States may exceed one year when a Re-Entry Permit is presented.

2007 Version
42 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Refugee Travel Document

A Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) is valid for travel to or from the United 

States.

2005 Version
Carrier Information Guide 43

Part III

Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)

Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766) are issued to lawful temporary 

residents of the United States or certain non-immigrants as evidence of their 

authorization to accept employment. If the unexpired EAD is annotated on the

front of the card “VALID FOR RE-ENTRY TO THE U.S.” carriers may board these 

passengers presenting this document in conjunction with a valid passport or other 

valid travel documents.

Please note: Not all Employment Authorization Documents are valid for 

travel. If the front of the card is annotated “NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY” 

carriers must not board these passengers unless they have valid U.S. entry 

documents outlined in this guide.
44 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Employment Authorization Document

The “Combo Card” (Form I-766) serves as a combination of evidence of an advance 

parole (Form I-512- on page 45) and of authorization for employment in the United 

States. If the unexpired EAD is annotated on the front of the card “SERVES AS I-512 

ADVANCE PAROLE” carriers may board these passengers presenting this document in 

conjunction with a valid passport or other valid travel documents.
Carrier Information Guide 45

Part III

Parole Authorization

A Parole Authorization (Form I-512) allows the bearer to apply for entry or re-entry to 

the United States. An individual presenting this document may be boarded up to the 

document’s expiration date. An endorsement of the document by any stamp does not 

extend the printed expiration date on the Parole Letter.

Note: Appearance and data elements of Form I-512 may vary dependent on 

 issuing office
46 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Transportation Letter

A transportation letter may be issued to a U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, or 

Refugee at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This letter is sufficient for entry provided the 

holder of the letter travels before the expiration date of the letter. 

Note: Appearance and data elements may vary dependent on issuing office. 

 Letters may be issued by the U.S. Department of State, Immigration and 

 Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, or Citizenship and 

 Immigration Services.
Carrier Information Guide 47

Part III

Lincoln Boarding Foils

The Department of State may issue Lincoln boarding foils to refugees, asylees and 

parolees. The Lincoln boarding foil may be affixed on a passport or a Department of 

State Form DS-232 if the bearer does not have a passport. 

The foil will have the following information in the “Annotation” block. “NOT 

A VISA. FOIL PREPARED AT DHS REQUEST. MAY BE BOARDED WITHOUT 

TRANSPORTATION CARRIER LIABILITY.” In addition, the visa class will be annotated 

as either “ZZ” or “YY”, or “PARCIS.” 
48 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

Lincoln Visitor Visa

Each visitor to the United States is required to be in possession of a Lincoln visa specific 

to their purpose of travel (unless exempted). 

Note: On October 1, 2013, the Department of State announced the Teslin visa

 is no longer authorized. The Lincoln visa is the only valid visa authorized. 

 If a Teslin visa is encountered it is recommended to contact the 

 RCLG prior to boarding. A Teslin visa image is located on page 73.

Lincoln Visa
Carrier Information Guide 49

Part III

U.S. Border Crossing Cards

The Border Crossing Card (BCC) issued by the U.S. Department of State, is a credit card 

sized plastic card that combines a B1/B2 tourist visa with a Border Crossing Card. The 

Border Crossing Card will be issued only to Mexican nationals who are residents in 

Mexico in areas along the U.S.– Mexican border.
50 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part III

United Nations Laissez - Passer 

The United Nations Laissez - Passer is an acceptable travel document for entry to the 

United States providing a class “G4” U.S. visa is affixed within. 
Carrier Information Guide 51

Part IV

Part IV:

Visa Classifications
52 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part IV
Carrier Information Guide 53

Part IV

PART IV: Visa Classifications

A-1 Govt. Official and immediate family

A-2 Govt. Official and immediate family

A-3 Employee of A-1 or A-2

B-1 Temporary Visitor for business

B-2 Temporary Visitor for pleasure

C-1 Transiting directly through U.S.

C1/D Combined transit and crewman visa

C-2 Travel to the United Nations

C-3 Govt. Official, immediate family/employee transit U.S.

CW1 Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker

CW2 Spouse or child of CW1

D-1 Crewman departing on same vessel of arrival

D-2 Crewman departing by other vessel or conveyance

E-1 Treaty trader, spouse and children

E-2 Treaty investor, spouse and children

E2C Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Investor, spouse or child

E-3 Australian Nationals in a specialty occupation

E3D Spouse of child E3

E3R Returning E3

F-1 Academic Student

F-2 Spouse or child of F-1

F-3 Canadian or Mexican national commuter student

G-1 Representatives and employees of international organizations

G-2 Representatives and employees of international organizations

G-3 Representatives to and employees of international organizations

G-4 Representatives to and employees of international organizations

G-5 Employee or member of immediate family of G1-4

H-1B Specialty Occupations

H-1B1 Free Trade Professionals from Chile and Singapore

H1C Nurse

H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker

H-2B Temporary Agriculture Worker skilled / unskilled

H2R Returning H2B

H-3 Industrial trainee

H-4 Spouse or child of H1-H3

I Foreign media representative and immediate family

J-1 Exchange visitor

J-2 Spouse or child of J-1

K-1 Fiancé (e) of U.S. Citizen

K-2 Child of K-1

K-3 Spouse of U.S. Citizen

K-4 Child of K-3

L-1 Intra-company transferee

L1B Specialized knowledge intra-company transfere

L-2 Spouse or child of L-1

M-1 Vocational Student or other non-academic student

M-2 Spouse or child of M-1

M-3 Canadian or Mexican National commuter student
54 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part IV

N-8 Parent of foreign Nat’l classified as a Special Immigrant

N-9 Child of N-8 or Special Immigrant

NATO-1 Representatives and families

NATO-2 Representatives and families

NATO-3 Representatives and families

NATO-4 Representatives and families

NATO-5 Employees of NATO 1-4

NATO-6 Employees of NATO 1-4

NATO-7 Employee of NATO 1-6 or immediate family

O-1 Extraordinary ability

O-2 Accompany /assist O-1

O-3 Spouse or child of O1-O2

P-1 Individual or team athletes, Entertainment Group

P-2 Artists and entertainers in reciprocal exchange programs

P-3 Artists and entertainers in culturally unique program

P-4 Spouse or child of P-1 - P-3

Q-1 International cultural exchange

Q-2 Irish Peace Process Cultural

Q-3 Spouse or child of Q-1-Q-2

R-1 Religious worker

R-2 Spouse or child of R-1

S Special non-immigrant

T Special non-immigrant

U Special non-immigrant

TN Trade visa for Canada & Mexico, NAFTA

TD Spouse or child of TN

V-1 Spouse of Legal Permanent Resident (LPR)

V-2 Child of V-1

V-3 Derivative Child of V-1 or V-2

YY Department of State visa issued in lieu of transportation letter

ZZ Department of State visa issued in lieu of transportation letter

PARCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services International 

Operations authorization for parole
Carrier Information Guide 55

Part V

Part V:

Fineable Offenses Table
56 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part V
Carrier Information Guide 57

Part V

PART V: Fineable Sections of the 

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 

The table below includes fines issued by CBP as according to the INA. Please refer to the 

INA and applicable regulations for further elaboration.

Ina Sec Circumstance Max. 

Fine 

234 No advance notice of aircraft arrival or aircraft 

landing at unauthorized place.

$3,200

243(c) Failure to remove passenger as ordered [ref. 241(d)

(3)].

Failure to pay passenger removal expenses as 

ordered [ref. 241(e)].

Failure to receive back passenger as ordered [ref. 

241(d)(1)].

Failure to detain stowaway until inspected [ref. 

241(d)(2)].

Failure to pay for stowaway removal as ordered [ref. 

241(e)].

Failure to remove stowaway [ref. 241(d)(2)(C)].

$3,200

$2,200

$2,200

$2,200

$2,200

$5,500

251 (b)

251 (d)

Failure to report illegally-landed alien crew.

Performance of unauthorized longshore work by 

alien crew [ref. 258].

$320

$7,500

254(a)(1)

254(a)(2)

254(a)(3)

Failure to detain alien crewman prior to inspection.

Failure to detain alien crewman as ordered.

Failure to remove alien crewman as ordered.

$4,300

$4,300

$4,300

255 Employment on passenger vessels of crewmen with 

certain afflictions.

$1,100

256 Improper discharge of alien crewman. $4,300

257 Bringing alien to the U.S. as crewman with intent to 

evade CBP laws.

$16,000

271 Failure to prevent unauthorized landing of aliens $4,300

272 Bringing an alien subject to refusal on a healthrelated ground.$4,300
58 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part V

Ina Sec Circumstance Max. 

Fine

273(a)(1)

273(a)(2)

Bringing an alien without a valid unexpired entry 

document.

Taking a fee, deposit, or consideration as a condition 

of boarding an alien.

Bringing a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) alien 

without a valid machine-readable passport (MRP) 

after 10/26/04.

Bringing a VWP alien without a digital photograph 

in a machine-readable passport after 10/26/05.

Bringing a VWP alien without a digital photograph 

in a MRP that includes an imbedded biometric chip 

after 10/26/05.

Bringing a VWP alien without an ESTA 

authorization.

$4,300

$4,300

$4,300

$4,300

$4,300

$4,300
Carrier Information Guide 59

Part V
60 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part V
Carrier Information Guide 61

Part VI

Part VI:

Quick Reference Travel 

Document Charts
62 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI
Carrier Information Guide 63

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

United States Citizensrequire one of 

the following:

US Passport Military ID Card

(with official travel orders)

Merchant Mariner Card

NEXUS Card

(at Nexus kiosk only)
64 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

United States Citizensrequire one of 

the following (continued):

Transportation Letter

Lincoln Boarding Foil

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

 American Embassy [ENTER Office] 

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSPORT ALIEN TO THE UNITED STATES 

Date Issued: 

This Document Valid Until: 

Document Number: 

Name of Bearer: 

Date/Place of birth: 

Permanent Resident Card Number: 

Passport Number: 

TO: Transportation Company 

Presentation of this document will authorize a transportation company to accept the named bearer, whose 

photograph is attached, on board for travel to the United States without liability under Section 273(b) of the 

Immigration and Nationality Act for this single trip unless otherwise noted. In the event of evidence of 

tampering with this letter or with the copy of this letter directed to the CBP Officer or with the envelopes in 

which these letters are conveyed, the transportation company is requested not to board the person named 

above and to report the evidence of tampering to this office at (insert tel. number) or after normal business 

hours to call the Embassy Duty Officer at: (insert tel. number). 

TO: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at Port of Entry 

The bearer of this document, who appears to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States, is not in 

possession of a Alien Registration Card (I-551) for the stated reason that it was reported (insert what applies 

e.g., Lost, Stolen, Expired, Mutilated) while temporarily outside of the United States. This document was 

issued to allow the bearer to board a carrier and make application for admission to the United States. 

This letter in no way constitutes an obligation on the United States Government to admit the alien. CBP at the 

port of entry has sole and exclusive authority to admit the above named alien. A copy of this letter has been 

retained by this office along with the bearer’s sworn affidavit as to his/her claimed status as a Lawful Permanent 

Resident alien of the United States. 

 

Issued by: 

_______________________________________ 

Telephone:

 _______________________________________ 

PPhotograph
Carrier Information Guide 65

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

Canadian and Bermudan Citizens 

require one of the following:

Passport

This stamp placed inside UK passport indicates Bermuda Citizenship

Parole Letter

NEXUS Card

(at Nexus kiosk only)
66 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

Mexican Citizens require the following:

Passport and Visa

Parole Letter Passport and unexpired EAD

Passport and Border Crossing Card

OR

OR
Carrier Information Guide 67

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

Lawful Permanent Residents require one of 

the following:

Permanent Resident Card

DHS Travel Document

ADIT Stamp

Parole Letter

Immigrant Visa

Lincoln Boarding Foil Transportation Letter

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

 American Embassy [ENTER Office] 

AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSPORT ALIEN TO THE UNITED STATES 

Date Issued: 

This Document Valid Until: 

Document Number: 

Name of Bearer: 

Date/Place of birth: 

Permanent Resident Card Number: 

Passport Number: 

TO: Transportation Company 

Presentation of this document will authorize a transportation company to accept the named bearer, whose 

photograph is attached, on board for travel to the United States without liability under Section 273(b) of the 

Immigration and Nationality Act for this single trip unless otherwise noted. In the event of evidence of 

tampering with this letter or with the copy of this letter directed to the CBP Officer or with the envelopes in 

which these letters are conveyed, the transportation company is requested not to board the person named 

above and to report the evidence of tampering to this office at (insert tel. number) or after normal business 

hours to call the Embassy Duty Officer at: (insert tel. number). 

TO: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at Port of Entry 

The bearer of this document, who appears to be a lawful permanent resident of the United States, is not in 

possession of a Alien Registration Card (I-551) for the stated reason that it was reported (insert what applies 

e.g., Lost, Stolen, Expired, Mutilated) while temporarily outside of the United States. This document was 

issued to allow the bearer to board a carrier and make application for admission to the United States. 

This letter in no way constitutes an obligation on the United States Government to admit the alien. CBP at the 

port of entry has sole and exclusive authority to admit the above named alien. A copy of this letter has been 

retained by this office along with the bearer’s sworn affidavit as to his/her claimed status as a Lawful Permanent 

Resident alien of the United States. 

 

Issued by: 

_______________________________________ 

Telephone:

 _______________________________________ 

PPhotograph
68 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

VWP Eligible Travelers require the following:

VWP Eligible Passport

Digital Photo if 

issued after

25 October 2005

E-Passport if 

issued after

25 October 2006

With

With

With

Machine Readable Passport
Carrier Information Guide 69

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

ARRIVAL by Air

All Others require the following:

Parole Letter

OR

Passport and Visa

VWP Eligible Travelers (continued):

Greek Passport

Taiwan Passport

Passport and unexpired EAD

Personal ID Number
70 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

DEPARTURE by Air

United States Citizens require one of the following:

Passport

NEXUS Card

Merchant Mariner Card

Military

ID Card

(with official travel orders)
Carrier Information Guide 71

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

DEPARTURE by Air

Lawful Permanent Residents

require one of the following:

DHS Travel Document

Permanent Resident Card

ADIT Stamps

Immigrant Visa

Parole Letter

Passport
72 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

DEPARTURE by Air

Canadian Citizens require one of the following:

Passport

NEXUS Card

All Others require a passport or Emergency Travel 

Document or Removal Order.

Passport

Emergency Travel Document

Single Journey Letter
Carrier Information Guide 73

Part VI

Documentary Requirements for

Departure by Air

Examples of documents not acceptable

for entry to or departure from the United States by air:

• Driver’s License

• Birth Certificate

• Citizenship Certificiate (or Card)

• Naturalization Certificate

• Matricula Consular

• Cedula

• National Identification Card

When in doubt, contact the CBP Regional Carrier Liaison 

Group (RCLG) or the nearest Port of Entry.

An Example of an Expired Teslin Visa
74 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI

United States Citizensrequire one of 

the following:

US Passport US Passport card

SENTRI Card

State or Provincial Issued 

Enhanced Drivers License

Documentary Requirements by LAND & SEA

Enhanced Tribal Card

Global Entry Card

NEXUS Card
Carrier Information Guide 75

Part VI

Documentary Requirements by LAND & SEA

Canadian Citizens require one of the following:

Passport

NEXUS Card

State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Drivers License

SENTRI Card Northern Affairs Card
76 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VI
Carrier Information Guide 77

Part VII

Part VII:

The Advance Passenger 

Information System
78 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VII
Carrier Information Guide 79

Part VII

The Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) was developed by the U.S. 

Government in 1989 as a voluntary program in cooperation with the airline industry. 

Mandatory APIS requirements were first implemented under the Aviation and 

Transportation Security Act (ATSA) of 2001 and the Enhanced Border Security and 

Visa Reform Act of 2002. As a result of 9/11 Commission recommendations, Congress 

mandated that DHS establish a requirement to receive advance information on 

international passengers traveling by air and sea, prior to their departure as required in 

the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). 

APIS Pre-Departure and APIS Quick Query (AQQ) for 

Commercial Air Carriers

On August 23, 2007, CBP published the APIS Pre-Departure Final Rule, providing a 

180 day implementation period, with an effective date of February 19, 2008. This rule 

amends existing regulations and provides three options for commercial air carriers to 

transmit data.

Transmission

Air carriers may transmit pre-departure APIS information either: 

• Using the APIS Batch Transmission, in interactive or non-interactive 

form, that requires air carriers to transmit the complete manifest for all 

passengers 30 minutes prior to departure. 

• Using the APIS Quick Query (AQQ) mode that allows air carriers to 

transmit in real time as each passenger checks in for the flight prior to 

boarding. 

• Under each option, the carrier will not permit the boarding of a passenger 

unless the passenger has been cleared. 

For vessels departing from foreign ports bound for the U.S., current requirements to 

transmit passenger and crew arrival manifest data between 24 to 96 hours prior to 

arrival will remain unchanged, but requires vessel carriers to transmit APIS data 60 

minutes prior to departure from the United States. 
80 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VII
Carrier Information Guide 81

Part VIII

Part VIII:

Human Trafficking
82 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VIII
Carrier Information Guide 83

Part VIII

Potential Victims of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is involuntary, involves forced exploitation of a 

person through physical and/or psychological coercion, and is a crime 

against a person’s human rights. 

Human trafficking differs from 

human smuggling in several ways 

but the exploitation of a person is 

what separates one from the other. 

Smuggling is voluntary and generally 

the relationship with the smuggler 

ends after the border crossing. 

As a member of the transportation 

industry, you are in the unique 

position to observe passengers which 

provides you with the opportunity to 

view indicators that would otherwise 

remain unknown.

CBP officers are trained to identify 

potential victims of human trafficking. 

All persons in the United States, even those here illegally, are protected 

by and subject to U.S. laws. CBP works closely with other federal 

partners to ensure that victims of human trafficking will be protected, 

given safe haven, and referred for medical or other assistance.

Death is not the only 

way to lose your life.

Be alert. Be strong. Be free.

Stop Human Trafficking

You have rights in the U.S. regardless of your 

visa status.

• Did someone take away your ID or documents?

• Is someone forcing you to work for them to 

pay off a debt?

• Is someone forcing you to work or have sex 

against your will?

• Is someone threatening or hurting you or your 

family?

If yes, don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

CALL TOLL-FREE, 24 HOURS: 1-888-3737-888

Photo by Kay Chernush, U.S. Department of State
84 U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Part VIII

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Washington, D.C. 20229

www.cbp.gov

Publication 0255-0414