AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Travel Questions for the United States

Q. Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?

A. Consult with www.travel.state.gov 

Q. What do I do if I still have the Form I -94 (green or white) Departure Record still in my passport?

A. If you returned home with your departure record Form I-94 (white) or Form I-94W (green) in your passport, it means that your departure has not been recorded properly. It is your responsibility to correct this record. Go to http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ 

Q. I need to obtain criminal records from the United States, how do I get them?

A. FBI RECORDS CHECK: The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) centralizes criminal justice information and provides accurate and timely information and services to local, state, federal, and international law enforcement agencies, the private sector, academia, and other government agencies. The subject of an identification record may obtain a copy thereof by submitting a written request to the CJIS . The request must be accompanied by satisfactory proof of identity (consisting of name, date and place of birth, and a set of roll-inked fingerprint impressions) and a certified check or money order for the $18 processing fee. The FBI will not provide copies of arrest records to individuals other than the subject of the record. If there is no criminal record, a report reflecting this fact is provided. Note: Ensure the FBI records have been signed. CJIS will not authenticate FBI records that have not been signed.

GETTING YOUR FINGERPRINTS TAKEN. U.S. embassies and consulates do not provide this service. U.S. citizens can obtain a letter from the U.S. Embassy asking local police experts to take their fingerprints. You need to make an appointment for notarial services to obtain it.

AUTHENTICATION OF POLICE OR FBI CERTIFICATES OF LACK OF A CRIMINAL RECORD: The FBI’s CJIS Division will authenticate U.S. Department of Justice Order 556-73 fingerprint search results for international requests by placing the FBI seal and signature of a Division official on the results, if requested at the time of submission. Documents prepared in this matter may then be sent to the U.S. Department of State Authentications Office by the requestor to be authenticated if necessary. Please be sure to indicate the country in which the document is to be used. The FBI procedure became effective 1/25/2010 and will apply only to documents finalized after that date. Requests to authenticate previously processed results will not be accepted. See the FBI FAQ on this subject.

Spain will only accept FBI criminal records check.

The process takes 15 weeks approximately and there is no possibility of expediting it due to high volume of requests.

Q. I am planning to travel to the Unites States. Where can I find information on tourism, maps, business, study, work or obtain information on a particular’s state legislation in the Unites States.

A. For tourist information, maps, and a variety of other information you can contact the USA.Gov at http://www.usa.gov/visitors.shtml  and for information on a particular state’s legislation, http://www.statelocalgov.net/index.cfm 

Q. Do I need vaccinations to enter the United States?

A. Vaccinations are no longer required for temporary travel to the United States. However, if you are intending to study or work, you should contact the school or prospective employer as they may have specific requirements.

Q. What do I do about health insurance for the United States?

A. Visitors and temporary residents in the United States are required to pay their own medical costs. As a result it is advisable to take out health insurance before departure. Those planning on remaining in the United States for any length of time or permanently may obtain health insurance after their arrival in the United States. Sometimes health insurance is available through an employer because many companies arrange group insurance for their employees.

Q. Traveling abroad with my pet.

A. Before taking a pet to another country, contact that country’s consulate or embassy for information about the requirements.

Q. How can I obtain Tax Refund for my purchases in the United States?

A. Sales Tax: is on goods and services and is set by each of the fifty states, and state entities (such as cities and counties), not by the U.S. government. Each state and state entity determines what the sales tax will be (always a percent of the purchase price) and what items will and will not be assessed a sales tax. The sales tax is not included in the advertised price of goods. Please note: sales tax is not the same as value-added tax (VAT). The state sales tax is a small tax on purchases or services, calculated at the time of purchase, which individual states assess and which the U.S. Federal government neither determines nor receives. The VAT, on the other hand, is a national tax applied in many countries that is included in the actual sales price rather than at the time of purchase. The United States does not have a VAT, and the Federal government cannot refund state sales taxes. Also, many states do not charge tax on items shipped out of state. Ask about state sales tax policies in the state where you make your purchases. (Information garnered from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection site: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/home.xml 

Q. Bringing Firearms and Ammunition into the United States.

A. You may consult the following web page for more information on this topic: http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/index.htm 

Q: Can I drive with my Spanish driver’s license in the United States?

A: Yes, but it is strongly recommended you obtain the International Driving Permit at Trafico at www.dgt.es  or call their toll free number 900 123 505. You may also request the International Driving Permit from RACE if you are a member. This will facilitate renting a car or be helpful if you are stopped by the police.

Q: How much currency/money/monetary instruments can I bring into the United States?

A: There is no limit on the amount of money that can be taken out of or brought into the United States. There are certain reporting requirements, however.

Please consult: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/questions/ 

Q. Are Minors traveling without parents or legal guardians required to have a parental authorization?

A. In the case of a minor travelling without parents or legal guardians a parental authorization is not mandatory but highly recommended. The aforementioned authorization will appoint an individual as responsible for the minor for the duration of the trip. The appointed person will be granted the authority to make decisions on behalf of the minor in situations including but not limited to medical emergencies. The form you will sign at the Embassy will include departure/return dates, and country(ies) visited. The return date will also indicate the last effective date of the authorization.

You may extend this authorization at the U.S. Embassy by making an appointment with our notary services via the following link by selecting “Appointment for Notarials”.

The notary fee is 50 USD or the Euro equivalent which may be paid by cash or credit card. It is necessary that you bring either a passport or a valid DNI as proof of identification. Only the parents or legal guardians need be present on the day of the appointment.

If you did not find an answer to your question in this FAQ,
Please send an email to: AskACS@state.gov