Travelling to California

Flights

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

    • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  • 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

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.