Travelling to California
Flights
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Direct Flights to LAX:
Look for direct flights from major European hubs (e.g., London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA)) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Airlines: British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, American Airlines, Delta.
Connecting Flights to LGB:
Connect through major U.S. cities (e.g., JFK, ORD, ATL) and take a domestic flight to Long Beach Airport (LGB).
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines.
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Direct Flights to LAX:
Look for direct flights from major Asian hubs (e.g., Tokyo Narita (NRT), Beijing Capital (PEK), Hong Kong International (HKG)) to LAX.
Airlines: All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, China Southern, Cathay Pacific.
Connecting Flights to LGB:
Connect through major U.S. cities and take a domestic flight to LGB.
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines.
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Direct Flights to LAX:
Look for direct flights from major Australian hubs (e.g., Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL)) to LAX.
Airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia, American Airlines.
Connecting Flights to LGB:
Connect through major U.S. cities and take a domestic flight to LGB.
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines.
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Direct Flights to LAX:
Look for direct flights from major South American hubs (e.g., São Paulo (GRU), Buenos Aires (EZE)) to LAX.
Airlines: LATAM Airlines, American Airlines, Delta.
Connecting Flights to LGB:
Connect through major U.S. cities and take a domestic flight to LGB.
Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Delta, American Airlines.
From the Airport
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Transportation from LAX to Long Beach:
Taxi/Rideshare: Easily available outside the terminal.
Car Rentals: Several rental agencies operate at the airport.
Shuttle Services: Airport shuttles can take you directly to Long Beach.
Public Transit: Take the FlyAway bus to downtown LA and transfer to Long Beach Transit.
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Connecting through Major US Airports:
If direct flights to LAX are not available, fly to major U.S. hubs (JFK, ORD, ATL) and then take a connecting flight to LGB.
Flying into SNA (John Wayne Airport, Orange County):
Consider flying into John Wayne Airport, which is about 23 miles from Long Beach, with similar transportation options to reach your destination.
US Visa Requirements for International Passport Holders
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Tourist Visa (B-2): For tourism, vacation, and visiting friends or family.
Business Visa (B-1): For business activities like meetings, conferences, and negotiations.
Other Visas: For student visas (F-1), work visas (H-1B), and exchange visitor visas (J-1), visit the US Visas page.
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Citizens of certain countries can travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa under the VWP. You must have an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) approval prior to travel. Check the Visa Waiver Program for eligibility.
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Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
Pay the Visa Application Fee: Keep the receipt for your interview.
Schedule an Interview: Make an appointment at the US embassy or consulate in your country. Check the US Embassy website for specific instructions.
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Required Documents:
Valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned stay.
DS-160 confirmation page.
Visa application fee receipt.
Passport-sized photo meeting US visa requirements.
Appointment confirmation page.
Supporting Documents: Proof of ties to your home country, financial statements, travel itinerary, and an invitation letter if applicable. See the Visitor Visa page for more details.
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Arrive on time with all required and supporting documents.
Be prepared to discuss your travel plans and ties to your home country.
Fingerprints will be taken as part of the process. description
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Visa Approval: Your passport with the visa will be returned via mail or pickup at the embassy/consulate.
Visa Denial: The consular officer will explain the reason. You may reapply if your circumstances change. Visit the Visa Denials page for more information.
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Port of Entry: A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine your eligibility to enter the US. Learn more on the CBP website.
Documents to Carry: Passport with visa, return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation and financial means, and any additional relevant documents.
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Apply Early: Visa processing times vary, so apply well in advance.
Check Requirements: Visit the US Department of State for the most current information.
Seek Assistance: Contact the US embassy or consulate, or seek help from a travel agent or visa service if needed.