Before You Travel –
Border Entry Essentials

Review entry requirements to the United States from the country where your passport was issued.

To avoid any delays at immigration, ensure each traveler has:

• • A valid passport. Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure from the U.S.
  • A visa or ESTA approval.  
    • If a visa is required, ensure it is secured well in advance.
    • If the passport of an individual is from a country listed in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), travelers must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) at least 72 hours before departure. Late applications may result in denied boarding. 
    • Mobile Passport Control is available for citizens of countries included in the Visa Waiver Program. It is optional but allows for groups of people to go through border customs together as a group.
  • Flight itinerary. Border officers may ask for proof of return travel to confirm your departure plans. Keep a printed or digital copy handy.
  • Hotel confirmation details.  Having your hotel name, address, and reservation number ready can help answer any questions.
  • Your Global Finals event invitation letter.  This helps explain the purpose of your visit if asked. You can generate these letters in the Resource Area under your team page using the Create Visa Letters button.

• Address of the Global Finals Venue. 

• • • Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W 13th St #100, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States,
    • +1 816-513-5000

• Contact information of a responsible adult. Be sure each team member has access to the name and contact information of the adult traveling with them.

• Other planned travel while in the U.S.  If you plan to do sightseeing before or after Global Finals, have your hotel reservations available.

• Register with your local embassy in the U.S.  Many embassies offer a registration service for travelers. This ensures you receive important safety updates and can be contacted in case of an emergency.

   

Important Travel Considerations

• Customs and security wait times. When booking flights, take into account that wait times can vary. Having a sufficient layover will reduce stress on the day.
• Border officers may ask additional questions about your trip. Stay calm, be polite, and answer truthfully.
• Electronic device searches. U.S. Customs has the authority to search phones, laptops, or tablets at entry. Be prepared just in case and have your devices charged. 
• Health and safety guidelines. Check for any updated health declarations or vaccination requirements before departure.
• Copy of Passport. It is common practice in the United States to carry a color copy of your passport information page at all times.

   

Hotel Check-In & Payment Details

Most U.S. hotels require a credit card at check-in to cover incidentals. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• A credit card is required for check-in. Debit cards may work, but cash or checks are not accepted for incidental holds.
• Each hotel sets its own incidental deposit amount. This is a temporary hold on your card that varies by hotel—confirm with your hotel in advance so you are prepared.
• Check-in time is usually 3:00 PM, but this may vary. Be sure to check with your hotel to confirm your specific check-in time and whether they offer luggage storage if you arrive early.
  
  

Other Travel Tips

• Currency and payments. Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some small bills in U.S. dollars can be useful for tips or small purchases. 
• Emergency contacts. Keep a list of your country’s embassy or consulate in case of lost passports or urgent assistance.
• Time zones. The event is in Kansas City, Missouri (Central Time Zone, UTC -6) – adjust your clocks accordingly!
• Weather. Spring in Kansas City can be warm during the day but cool at night with the possibility of rain. Pack accordingly!
• Label your Luggage. Add your name, address, and phone number to both the outside and inside of your luggage. Take a picture of the inside of your suitcase after it has been packed and the outside of your suitcase. Add an identifying ribbon, luggage tag, or strap to help identify it with ease.
• Cell Phone Usage. Check with your service provider to know any costs for using your cell phone during your travel.
• Hotel Etiquette. This one-page guide will help your hotel stay become a wonderful part of your Global Finals experience.
  
  

Questions

We wish you safe travels, and if you have any questions before you arrive, please email us at [email protected].