U.S. Travel Checklist: What to know before you go.

By: Lisa Horan, Editor, CIBT

April 2, 2025

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, recent shifts in U.S. immigration policy may affect your ability to enter the country. There’s a lot to stay on top of—from changes in visa waiver eligibility to increased scrutiny at the border. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate it alone. 

With the combined experience of CIBTvisas and Newland Chase, you have trusted partners who can simplify complex travel requirements and help you move across borders confidently and in full compliance with the rules. This video checklist will help you prepare before your next trip state-side.

#1. Check to see if you qualify for an interview waiver. 

The U.S. Department of State has updated its visa interview waiver policy, significantly narrowing eligibility. If you’ve previously qualified for a waiver, it’s important to reassess based on the new criteria. As of now, to be eligible for an interview waiver: 

• You must apply in the same visa category as your most recent visa 
• Your previous visa must either still be valid or have expired within the past 12 months 

Previously, applicants could qualify for a waiver if their visa had expired within the past 48 months. That grace period has now ended, catching many travelers by surprise. 

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, consult with a travel or immigration advisor. Misunderstanding your eligibility can delay your plans and potentially impact your ability to travel on time. 

#2. Confirm the status of pending waiver applications. 

If you submitted an interview waiver request before the new rules took effect, your application might now fall outside the current eligibility window. Several U.S. consulates are reviewing existing applications and may require individuals to appear for an in-person interview—even if their waiver was initially approved or pending under prior guidance. 

Applicants should be alert for email notifications or status updates via the consular appointment system. Some travelers have reported receiving short-notice rescheduling requests, underscoring the importance of checking your case regularly. 

This shift reinforces the need to act promptly. If you’re unsure how to proceed, consulting with a CIBTvisas or Newland Chase advisor can help clarify next steps. 

#3. Expect longer wait times for visa interviews. 

The demand for U.S. visa appointments has surged, largely due to a rollback of interview waiver flexibilities. As a result, consulates are experiencing: 

• Reduced appointment availability across multiple visa categories 
• Longer wait times for both routine and expedited interview slots 
• Backlogs that vary significantly by consular location 

For travelers with fixed departure dates, these delays can disrupt business engagements, family visits, or study plans. Early planning is now more critical than ever. Booking as soon as your travel is confirmed will improve your chances of securing a timely appointment. 

Keep in mind that high-volume posts—such as those in India, Brazil, and Mexico—are often booked months in advance. 

#4. Review your consulate’s current procedures. 

While U.S. visa policies are centrally governed, implementation differs widely by consulate. Each location may follow different timelines, priorities, and capacity constraints, depending on local resources and conditions. Currently, travelers should be aware that: 

• Some consulates have paused interview waiver appointments without issuing broad public notifications 
• Local protocols change frequently, often with little advance notice 
• Eligibility for emergency or expedited appointments may also vary 

The most reliable source of information is your specific consulate’s website. Before applying or modifying an appointment, review the latest procedural updates. Travelers who overlook this step often encounter surprises that could have been avoided. 

#5. Prepare for U.S. border inspection—even if you have a visa, ESTA, H-1B, or Green Card. 

A U.S. visa or visa waiver authorization (ESTA) allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry—but entry itself is never guaranteed. That decision rests solely with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who reviews your case at the border. Officers evaluate whether your stated travel purpose aligns with your visa classification and may ask for documentation. It's important to be aware that ESTA, H-1B and even Green Card holders are not exempt from questioning by CBP officers at the port of entry. 

To improve your chances of a smooth entry, be prepared to: 

• Clearly explain your reason for travel, such as attending meetings, touring as a tourist, or studying 
• Provide evidence of your itinerary, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, return travel, and any supporting letters from sponsors or employers 

Travelers who fail to demonstrate the legitimacy or clarity of their plans may be delayed—or even denied entry. A brief prep session with a travel advisor can make a substantial difference in these situations. 

#6. Confirm waiver eligibility if you’ve had a past refusal. 

A prior visa refusal—even one that was later overcome—can impact your eligibility for a future waiver. Under updated guidance, a past refusal typically disqualifies applicants from streamlined processing. In addition: 

• You may be required to attend an in-person interview, regardless of current waiver criteria 
• Border agents may ask follow-up questions about the circumstances of the refusal during inspection 

This is particularly relevant for travelers with complex immigration histories or those whose visa records include inconsistencies. Before scheduling travel, review your case with a trusted immigration advisor to determine how your prior refusal could affect your current plans. 

#7. Stay informed and notify your employer. 

In today’s environment, visa and border entry policies are fluid. What’s true today might change tomorrow. To avoid compliance risks or last-minute disruptions: 

• Keep your HR or global mobility team informed about your travel intentions 
• Use internal tools and approved resources to track policy developments 
• Engage expert partners like CIBTvisas and Newland Chase to ensure your travel and visa strategy stays ahead of the curve 

Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of proactive travel risk management (TRM). According to recent research, more than half of travel managers now consider TRM a greater priority than it was five years ago. Outsourcing complex elements—such as visa processing or compliance monitoring—helps organizations manage workloads and minimize risk exposure. 

A final reminder. 

Whether you're traveling for business, study, or personal reasons, careful preparation makes all the difference. Today’s travelers must navigate more than flight bookings and hotel reservations—they must also meet evolving documentation requirements, understand interview procedures, and prepare for discretionary border reviews. We've prepared a downloadable PDF so you can take this checklist with you when you go.

Know the rules, plan ahead, and travel smart with guidance from CIBTvisas and Newland Chase. 

Learn More: Explore our full suite of visa and immigration services at cibtvisas.com and newlandchase.com. Trusted solutions for visas, travel, and global mobility.