Detroit Entry Requirements

Children of all ages, including infants, must have their own passport (cannot be included on parent's passport). Minors under 18 traveling alone, with one parent, or with non-parents should carry notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent(s) authorizing travel, including contact information and trip details. CBP may question children traveling with adults to prevent child abduction. Carry birth certificates and custody documents if applicable. Adopted children should have adoption papers. Children follow same visa/ESTA requirements as adults based on nationality.

Dogs must have valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before entry, valid for duration stated by veterinarian up to 3 years). Puppies under 12 weeks exempt from rabies requirement. CDC temporarily suspended dog imports from high-risk rabies countries; verify current status. Cats generally have no federal requirements but check state regulations. Birds require health certificate and possible quarantine. Other pets (ferrets, reptiles, etc.) have specific requirements. Service animals must meet documentation requirements. All pets subject to inspection; may be refused entry if appear ill. Contact USDA-APHIS (aphis.usda.gov) and CDC for complete requirements.

Tourist visas (B-2) and VWP stays generally allow 90 days to 6 months. VWP stays cannot be extended. B-2 visa holders may apply for extension using Form I-539 with USCIS before current status expires (apply at least 45 days before expiration). Extension not guaranteed; must show compelling reasons. To change to another status (student, work, etc.), must apply with USCIS while maintaining current legal status. Overstaying can result in visa cancellation, bars to future entry (3-10 years), and removal proceedings. If you need longer stay, consider applying for appropriate visa type from the start.

B-1 (business) or VWP for business purposes allows meetings, conferences, negotiations, but not productive employment or work for U.S. company. Cannot receive salary from U.S. source. Must have letter from employer explaining purpose of visit. Attending conventions/conferences allowed. Consulting with business associates permitted. Working remotely for foreign employer while visiting is gray area - best to consult immigration attorney. For actual employment, need work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) which requires employer sponsorship and advance approval.

Must have F-1 (academic student) or J-1 (exchange visitor) visa and Form I-20 or DS-2019 from sponsoring institution. Cannot enter on VWP or tourist visa with intent to study. Can enter up to 30 days before program start date. Must maintain full-time enrollment. Limited work authorization available (on-campus, CPT, OPT). Dependents need F-2 or J-2 visas. Maintain valid immigration status and report address changes to USCIS within 10 days of moving.

If transiting through Detroit to another country without entering the U.S. (staying airside), most travelers still need valid ESTA or visa - U.S. has no airside transit without visa program. If leaving airport during layover, follow all entry requirements. If connecting to domestic U.S. flight, must clear immigration and customs in Detroit even if bags are checked through. Allow sufficient connection time (minimum 2-3 hours for international to domestic connections).

Same entry requirements apply whether entering by air or land. Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel are major crossing points. Have all documents ready before reaching booth. NEXUS/FAST card holders can use dedicated lanes if enrolled. Wait times vary significantly by time of day (weekday rush hours and Sunday evenings typically busiest). Check CBP Border Wait Times online before crossing. If denied entry, you'll be returned to Canada. Ensure you have proper documentation to re-enter Canada. Canadian citizens need passport or enhanced driver's license/ID card.