There is no "California visa". California is a US state, so entry is governed entirely by United States federal immigration rules — the same ones that apply in New York or Florida. Whether you land at Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or San Diego (SAN), you need either an approved ESTA or a US visitor visa.
ESTA : the Fast Route for 42 Nationalities
Citizens of the 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries — including the UK, most of the EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand — do not need a visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days. They apply online for the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) : USD 21, usually approved within minutes to 72 hours, valid 2 years for multiple entries. Apply on the official CBP site before boarding.
B1/B2 Visitor Visa for Everyone Else
Nationalities outside the VWP — including India, China, Nigeria, the Philippines and most of Latin America and Africa — must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa at a US embassy or consulate before travelling. The process involves the DS-160 form, the visa fee and an in-person interview; appointment backlogs vary widely by country, so book early.
Documents Checked on Arrival
- Passport valid for the length of your stay (six months' validity recommended)
- Approved ESTA or valid B1/B2 visa
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Evidence of funds and accommodation (may be requested)
US Customs and Border Protection issues an electronic I-94 record on entry — this, not your visa, fixes how long you may stay.
Practical Notes for California Trips
California shares no land border with a visa-free zone : arrivals are by air or by land from Mexico. If you plan a side trip to Mexico and back, your ESTA or visa must allow re-entry — a standard multiple-entry ESTA does. Domestic flights within the US (for example Los Angeles to Las Vegas) involve no immigration checks.