If you’re a parent who has a child currently living abroad in the US as an international student, H1B visa worker, green card holder or citizen, you surely cherish the opportunity to visit and spend time with them. However, traveling halfway around the world from a place like India, China, or another country to the USA is a large undertaking. It’s a good idea to follow a checklist to make your trip enjoyable and hassle-free. We can help with that. Here’s our checklist for foreign parents visiting their kids in the USA.
Step 1: Get the Necessary Visa
Depending on where you’re from and/or the length of your visit, you may need a B2 tourist visa to enter the USA. Start the process of applying for your visa far in advance. For detailed B2 tourist visa application information, click here.
Step 2: Book Your Flight
A flight from Delhi to New York can take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours, and flights between other points can be even longer. Book a direct flight if you can, as there will be less chance of a delay or of the airline losing your baggage. Keep in mind that you can also book special flight assistance in advance where airport staff will assist you with baggage and checking in and provide wheelchair service if necessary.
Step 3: Buy Visitors Medical Insurance
Medical care in the United States is incredibly expensive, and it’s unlikely that your domestic health insurance will be accepted or sufficient in the US. You also cannot be covered under your child’s health insurance during your visit. In case you become sick or get hurt while in the US, you will need to have visitors insurance to help you pay for treatment. In fact, some medical facilities in the USA may not even allow you to be treated if you cannot show proof of valid health insurance. Do not put your health at risk. Get free quotes for visitors insurance today.
Step 4: Gather Your Documents
There are a number of documents you’ll need to keep on your person at all times until you reach your child’s residence in the US. These typically include:
- Your passport bearing a valid US visa
- Endorsement letter from your child, if applicable
- Your flight tickets
- Your flight boarding pass
- Your visitors insurance ID card and paperwork
- Your child’s contact information (US phone number and mailing address).
Step 5: Pack Your Medication
Be sure to pack a sufficient amount of any prescribed medication to last the entire length of your trip plus an extra buffer amount in case your trip is longer than expected. You should pack all prescribed medications in their original prescription bottles, and it’s a good idea to bring along a copy of the original doctor’s prescription as well. You’re welcome to bring over-the-counter medication as well if you need it for your journey, but it’s not a requirement. You’ll be able to buy any OTC medication you need once you're in the US.
Step 6: Check Baggage Restrictions and Pack Your Bags
Each airline will publish restrictions on the maximum size and weight of both checked and carryon luggage. You should be able to find this information on their website, or you can call the airline for clarification. You should also certainly check the US Transportation Security Administration website to ensure you aren’t packing any illegal items in your luggage.
For packing tips, we recommend following along with our Ultimate International Packing List.
Once you’ve checked all of these items off your list, you’ll be ready to visit the USA and enjoy spending some time with your children!