United States
Strict: proof of accommodation is checked systematicallyThe United States welcomed 72.4 million international visitors in 2024, with record tourism spending of 253.9 billion dollars. Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and Japan are the top source markets. (source: NTTO - National Travel and Tourism Office)
The United States asks visitors for their accommodation details as part of the entry process - the ESTA application requires a U.S. point of contact and address, and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) officers can ask about your accommodation on arrival. Having a hotel confirmation with the property name and address ready makes both steps easier.
GetHotelProof delivers a verifiable hotel booking confirmation for United States in 60 seconds, from $12.90. Every booking is a real, refundable reservation you can check directly with the property.
Visa Requirements
The United States offers two main options for tourists: the ESTA program (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for nationals of 41 countries, and the B1/B2 visa for other nationalities. ESTA costs 40 USD since September 2025 and allows a maximum stay of 90 days. Both applications ask for your planned address or accommodation in the US.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | 90 days maximum | 40 USD (since September 2025)~34 EUR | Biometric passport (e-passport with chip), Return or onward ticket mandatory, Approved ESTA before flight, No prior deportation or US visa denial |
| Tourist Visa B1/B2 | Up to 6 months (determined by CBP officer) | 185 USD~172 EUR | Passport valid at least 6 months, DS-160 form completed online, Interview at US consulate (appointment required), Proof of ties to home country (employment, family, property), Confirmed return or onward ticket, Proof of sufficient financial means for the stay |
Transit Rules
There is no visa-free transit in the United States. Even for a simple plane change, you must clear US immigration and customs, so an ESTA or visa is required along with your onward travel and accommodation details.
Documents Required
- Biometric passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry date
- Approved ESTA or valid B1/B2 visa
- Return or onward ticket (mandatory)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host address)
- Proof of financial means (credit card, bank statement)
- Customs declaration form (electronic I-94)
Practical tip
ESTA is mandatory even for a simple transit through the US, and it's worth having your accommodation address ready when you apply - at least 72 hours before your flight. A confirmed hotel booking gives you a real address to list.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the US ask for accommodation details when entering?▾
Yes. The ESTA application asks for a U.S. point of contact and address, and CBP officers can ask about your accommodation plans on arrival. Having a hotel confirmation with the property's name and address ready answers this directly.
Is ESTA required for transit through the United States?▾
Yes, ESTA is mandatory even for a simple transit. The United States does not offer visa-free transit - all passengers must clear immigration and customs, even for a plane change.
How much does ESTA cost in 2025-2026?▾
The ESTA fee increased to 40 USD since September 30, 2025 (previously 21 USD). This increase applies to all travelers regardless of age or length of stay. ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
What counts as proof of accommodation for a US entry?▾
A hotel booking confirmation showing the property name, address and your dates is a straightforward way to document your accommodation, whether for your ESTA application or a question from a CBP officer on arrival.
What happens if my ESTA is denied?▾
If your ESTA is denied, you must apply for a regular B1/B2 visa at a US consulate. The process takes several weeks and requires an in-person interview. You will not be able to travel to the United States without a visa after an ESTA denial.
Are US immigration checks strict?▾
Extremely strict. CBP officers have broad discretionary power to deny entry, even with a valid ESTA or visa. They may question you about the purpose of your visit, accommodation, financial means, and onward travel. Having all your documents in order is essential.
Can I extend my stay in the US beyond 90 days with ESTA?▾
No. The ESTA program is strictly limited to 90 days with no possibility of extension. Overstaying has severe consequences: future travel ban, ESTA cancellation, and potentially a 3 to 10-year entry ban to the United States.
How does GetHotelProof help with my US trip?▾
GetHotelProof books a real, refundable hotel in your name in any US city and emails a PDF confirmation with the property's name, address and your dates - a document you can use for the address fields on your ESTA or DS-160 form, or to answer a CBP officer's question about your accommodation. Ready in 60 seconds, from $12.90.
