Last updated: Aug 2026 · Public info note hosted on the San Bernardino County ATC OpenData portal.
California is one of the most popular US destinations for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Regardless of the port of entry — Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), San Diego, or a land border checkpoint — every visitor from a visa-waiver country must hold a valid ESTA USA authorization before travel. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization is completed online, and most applications are decided within minutes.
CBP officers at California airports and border crossings verify each traveler's ESTA-linked passport biometrically and against the traveler's arrival record. A valid ESTA does not guarantee admission; the officer makes the final decision. Practical guidance on what to prepare is available from ta.us.com.
All major California airports participate in the Visa Waiver Program arrival process. Travelers should keep a printed or digital copy of their ESTA approval and their round-trip itinerary ready. More detail on the application workflow can be found in the companion resource "ESTA USA Travel Notes".
Visitors arriving by land from Mexico or Canada still need an approved ESTA if they are visa-waiver nationals. The authorization is also verified when boarding domestic US flights, so it must remain valid for the whole trip. Up-to-date requirements and fee details are maintained on ta.us.com.