Albany Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Visa requirements for Albany follow US federal immigration law. The type of authorization needed depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. The US operates the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for eligible countries, while other nationalities must obtain a visa before travel.
US citizens and lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) can travel freely to Albany
US citizens need valid government-issued photo ID for domestic air travel (Real ID compliant starting May 7, 2025). Permanent residents should carry their Green Card.
Citizens of 41 VWP countries can travel to the US without a visa for tourism or business
Cost: US$21 per application (US$4 processing fee + US$17 authorization fee if approved)
Travelers must have an e-passport (electronic passport with chip). ESTA does not guarantee entry; final decision is made by CBP officer at port of entry. Cannot work or study on ESTA. Must travel on approved carrier.
All other nationalities and those not eligible for VWP must obtain appropriate US visa
Common visa types: B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism), F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange visitor), H-1B (specialty worker). Start application process well in advance of travel. Visa does not guarantee entry; CBP officer makes final determination.
Special provisions apply for citizens of neighboring countries
Cost: No fee for Canadians entering as tourists; standard visa fees apply for Mexicans requiring visa
Canadians may need visa for certain purposes (work, study). All travelers may be asked to demonstrate ties to home country and sufficient funds.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival at your first US port of entry (whether Albany International Airport for limited international flights or a major hub airport before connecting to Albany), all international travelers must clear US Customs and Border Protection. The process involves immigration inspection, baggage claim, and customs declaration.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
US Customs regulations apply when entering Albany from international locations. All travelers must declare items acquired abroad and pay duty on items exceeding personal exemptions. Certain items are prohibited or restricted. US Customs and Border Protection enforces these regulations to protect agriculture, public health, and national security.
Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics - Federal offense with severe penalties including imprisonment
- Absinthe with thujone - Unless thujone-free
- Certain fruits, vegetables, and plants - To prevent agricultural pests; extensive restrictions apply
- Fresh meat and meat products from most countries - Risk of disease; very limited exceptions
- Soil or items with soil - Agricultural protection
- Counterfeit goods - Trademark and copyright violations; subject to seizure
- Hazardous materials - Explosives, flammables, toxic substances
- Endangered species products - Including ivory, certain furs, sea turtle products under CITES
- Cuban cigars for commercial purposes - Personal quantities allowed but not for resale
- Unpasteurized dairy products - Most are prohibited
- Switchblade knives - Generally prohibited
- Certain cultural artifacts - Items from archaeological sites or cultural heritage
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Must be in original containers with prescription label. Carry copy of prescription. Controlled substances require special documentation. Bring only quantity needed for trip plus small extra supply.
- Firearms and ammunition - Must be declared. Subject to federal and New York State laws (NY has strict gun control). Requires permits and proper documentation. Must be transported unloaded and locked.
- Pet birds - Require import permit from US Fish and Wildlife Service and quarantine. Must enter through designated port with veterinary services.
- Agricultural products - Many require phytosanitary certificates or import permits. Some are prohibited from specific countries. Declare all food items.
- Biological materials - Require permits from CDC or USDA depending on type. Includes cultures, specimens, vaccines.
- Trademarked goods - Limited to one item per trademark for personal use. Commercial quantities prohibited without authorization.
- Monetary instruments over $10,000 - Must be declared on FinCEN Form 105. Not prohibited but reporting is mandatory.
- Alcohol over 1 liter - Subject to federal duty and IRT. May also be subject to state taxes and quantity limits for personal importation.
Health Requirements
The United States has specific health requirements for international travelers. As Albany is part of New York State, standard US health regulations apply. Health requirements focus primarily on preventing the introduction of communicable diseases.
Required Vaccinations
- COVID-19 vaccination - Requirements vary and change frequently. As of late 2024, most COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but check current CDC requirements at cdc.gov/coronavirus before travel.
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Must have valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Exemptions may apply for some travelers.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure up-to-date on routine vaccines: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and annual flu vaccine
- COVID-19 - Even if not required, vaccination is recommended for all eligible travelers
- Hepatitis A and B - Recommended for most travelers
- Other vaccines - Based on individual health status and travel plans; consult healthcare provider
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not required for entry to the US but is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. The United States has excellent medical facilities but healthcare costs are extremely high. Medical treatment without insurance can be financially devastating. A single emergency room visit can cost thousands of dollars. Visitors should obtain comprehensive travel health insurance that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation. Verify that insurance is valid in the US and covers COVID-19 related illness. US Medicare and Medicaid do not cover foreign visitors. Some travel insurance policies exclude pre-existing conditions - read policy carefully.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsImportant Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children of all ages must have their own passport (cannot be included on parent's passport). US citizen children need US passport for international air travel. Children under 18 traveling without both parents should carry notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) authorizing travel, including parent contact information. CBP may question children traveling alone or with one parent to prevent child abduction. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate showing sole custody or parental consent letter. For international adoption cases, carry adoption paperwork. Unaccompanied minors have special airline procedures. Children are subject to same visa/ESTA requirements as adults.
Dogs and cats can enter the US but must meet specific requirements. Dogs: Must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry, valid for 1 year). Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries have simpler requirements. Dogs from high-risk countries require CDC Dog Import Permit (apply at least 6 weeks before travel). Puppies under 6 months have additional restrictions. Cats: No federal rabies vaccination requirement, but New York State requires rabies vaccination. Health certificate recommended. All pets: Must appear healthy upon arrival. Certain breeds may be restricted by airlines. Service animals have different rules. Birds require import permit and quarantine. Other animals have varying requirements - check CDC and USDA websites. Pet import is complex - start planning months in advance.
Tourist visas (B-2) and ESTA allow maximum 90-180 days depending on type. To stay longer, you must apply for extension before current authorization expires. File Form I-539 with USCIS at least 45 days before expiration. Extension not guaranteed and cannot be applied for on ESTA (must leave and cannot return immediately). Overstaying can result in ban from future US entry (3-10 years depending on overstay length). For longer stays, consider appropriate visa: F-1 (student), J-1 (exchange), H-1B (work), or other categories. Each has specific requirements and application processes. Working on tourist visa is illegal. Consult immigration attorney for complex situations. Track your authorized stay period on I-94 form (accessible at cbp.gov/I94).
Business visitors on B-1 visa or ESTA can attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, but cannot be employed by US company or receive US-source salary. Bring invitation letter from US business, conference registration, or proof of business purpose. May need to show you'll maintain foreign residence. For actual employment, need work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.). Journalists need I visa even for tourist-type visits. Performing artists need P visa. Professional activities may require specific visa category - consult immigration attorney if unsure.
Students must have F-1 (academic) or M-1 (vocational) visa and Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school. Exchange visitors need J-1 visa and Form DS-2019 from sponsor. Apply for visa after receiving I-20/DS-2019. Can enter US up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment. Limited work authorization available. Bring all school documentation, proof of financial support, ties to home country. After graduation, may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). J-1 visitors may be subject to 2-year home residency requirement. Contact school's international student office for guidance.
Even if just transiting through US airport to another country, you generally need ESTA or visa (few exceptions for immediate continuous transit on same aircraft). Must clear US immigration even if staying in airport. If changing planes, you'll clear immigration, collect bags, clear customs, then re-check bags and go through security again. Allow sufficient connection time (minimum 2-3 hours). Some travelers may qualify for C-1 transit visa instead of B visa. Canadian citizens transiting to/from Alaska through Canada have special provisions. Always verify requirements for your specific nationality and routing.