International Travel Information For Boston
Security Screening:
Identification
Valid photo ID such as a passport, driver's license, military ID card or other state or federally issued for of ID to confirm identity. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant.
Passport
Visitors traveling to the United States must have a passport that remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay. As of January 28, 2024, citizens of certain countries (listed here) are exempt from the six-month rule and only need a passport valid for the duration of their intended stay.
3-1-1 Liquid Rule
3.4 oz. bottles of liquid or gel products in a 1-quart bag, each passenger is permitted 1 bag.
Visa:
Who Needs a Visa? A nonimmigrant visa is required for all visitors, including those traveling for business or tourism, except nationals of Canada and countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Currently, 44 countries participate in the VWP.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Citizens of VWP countries may enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Eligible travelers must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before traveling to the United States under the VWP.
Participating Countries: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom. Learn more
Note: VWP travelers may visit Canada, Mexico, or nearby islands and return to the United States, but all time spent in those locations counts toward the 90-day limit. Please consult the official government travel websites for Canada and Mexico for the most up-to-date entry requirements and documentation.
What the VWP Does Not Allow: Under the VWP, travelers cannot work or study in the United States, accept paid business activities beyond necessary expenses, or remain in the country for more than 90 days.
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA): ESTA is an online system used by the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection to determine if travelers from VWP countries are eligible to enter the United States without a visa. Travelers must be approved before boarding a United States-bound flight. Approval is not guaranteed, so it’s recommended to apply as early as possible when planning your trip. Learn more
How to Apply for a Visa
- Complete the DS-160 online application and upload a photo.
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Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
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Schedule and attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. As of September 18, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, generally must attend an in-person interview. Learn more
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Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
Visa approval is not guaranteed, so it’s best to wait to finalize travel plans until your visa has been issued.
Foreign Consulates in the Boston area:
Austria, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, Columbia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Germany,Greece, Haiti, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, Venezuela. Cambridge: United Kingdom, Switzerland. Newton: South Korea. Honorary consulates in Boston: Bolivia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Lebanon, the Netherlands, Norway Pakistan, Poland,Romania, Sweden, Turkey. Non-sovereign: Taiwan.
Additional Information: tsa.gov
Time Zone
Boston is on Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind GMT and 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles (Pacific Time zone).
The state of Massachusetts observes Daylight Savings Time - Clocks spring ahead an hour on the second Sunday in March and fall back on the first Sunday in November.
Driving in the U.S.
Legal Car Rental Age
Renters must be at least 21 years of age to legally rent a motor vehicle. However, renters between the ages of 21 and 24 will have certain rental restrictions and depending on the rental company may have to pay a higher rate. A valid credit card is generally required to rent a car.
Legal Driving Age
The youngest possible age to obtain a driver's license is 16 ½.
Cell Phone Usage While Driving
Cell Phone talking is permitted in Massachusetts for drivers over the age of 18. Texting is banned for all drivers. The texting ban covers writing and reading e-mail, internet searching, and other non-calling activities on a phone, laptop, or handheld electronic device by anyone operating a motor vehicle. It also applies to drivers waiting at traffic lights and stop signs. Texting and talking for those under 18 will be allowed only in an emergency or when a car is pulled over and parked.
Legal Drinking and Gambling Age
The legal drinking and gambling age is 21 years of age with a valid photo I.D. and passport.
Tipping/Gratuity Guidelines
- Taxi drivers, bartenders, and waiters: 15 - 20% for standard service
- Hotel doormen and valet parkers: between $2 and $5
- Bellhops: $2 per bag
- Chambermaids: $2 per day which can be left on the pillow of your hotel room
Currency Exchange
International travelers can exchange currency at several booths in Logan Airport upon arrival as well as any local bank and locations listed below:
Boston Currency Exchange International
Copley Place, second floor - 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston
Boston Currency Exchange International
Burlington Mall, 75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA
